So you give you a lot to people, but who gives to you?

Today, I realized I am giving so much love, so much care, so much involvement, so much help, with words, actions, feelings... a lot. While saving so little to myself, almost nothing, actually. I hadn't realized until a couple people started pointing it.
Yesterday, a sister of a friend's to whom I went to to give help told me: I see you helping and emotionally supporting this and that person, but who's there for you?
And then yesterday, a person here, a new friend said: "

You are more than just a fire extinguisher, you have so much mor worth and merit than being of use to another tortured soul

"
At first I dismissed it because I thought it is what I'm made for...
And now, I spent a couple hours just doing things for the sake of others and now... I'm spent.
And I realized they might be right.
I love helping others, I really do... but I think I'm running on empty. Have been for a long time. I don't know how to stop.

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Reject · 31-35, M

If you are giving from what you lack then that’s not giving at all. That’s a request for something in return.

Friendlyperson · 26-30, F

@Reject You are mistaken.
I never asked or even thought of return.

Reject · 31-35, M

@Friendlyperson The proof of that isn’t in your thoughts. It’s in feeling drained afterwards.

Friendlyperson · 26-30, F

@Reject
I never ask for return
sometimes i even forget what i do cause i do it with so much pleasure. And I never thought of what people say or think or do in return.
But I ve been running on empty... like a cup that's been pouring and pouring with no refill, until there is nothing to in there anymore... and only now Im realizing that.
Its been months like that, well perhaps it is also my bipolar2 that's messing with my head, but even that diagnosis is debatable now.

Reject · 31-35, M

@Friendlyperson If someone finds interaction with others emotionally draining and they’re running on empty, it’s because they’re not getting what they’re looking for from it. What are they looking for? Depends on the person. It could be companionship. Maybe they’re trying to be useful. In your case, it sounds like you want someone to give to you too. You might not say it. You might not even think it, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want it. Stop consulting your thoughts for the truth of you, and start connecting with your feelings to find it.