please give opinion of what should I do

half of my friends are struggling in mental health and I do too, i try my best to care for them and comfort them, leading me to comforting atleast 5 people per day (even strangers). Im a bit tired of it but its preventing people from suicide, yet making my thoughts go on stronger. I want to reach out to my friends but theyre also struggling in the process and I dont want to make their problems even harder. So, I bottled up my feelings and let strangers and friends whos struggling vent to me. I also keep up with my cheerful personality, and being dry is SO NOT me at all and they will question me a lot. My suicidal thoughts getting stronger each day, but im trying my hard to comfort people and be there for them. What should I do to make my thoughts get less?

greencompass · 36-40, F

It seems like you've taken on a lot by yourself. Would you consider venting/sharing a bit of your feelings with any one of your friends? You don't have to share everything all at once. Maybe test the waters by sharing just a little bit. I know you don't want to exacerbate their problems, but when among good friends a problem shared can often be a problem halved. It might even help your friends to know that they're not alone.

Allow yourself to receive the same kindness you give to your friends. If your friends are really not an option, would you consider speaking with someone else? Anyone else you can trust. I know what bottling up those feelings is like. Finding someone to speak with could really help in your situation. There should be help lines too that you can call anonymously.

Depending on what's been bothering you more (thoughts or feelings or both), there are techniques that you can do on your own in the meantime.

Bexsy

I understand trying to help and be supportive of others, I really do, but you have to sometimes put your needs/ your ahead of others, especially strangers. Your friends even though maybe struggling would i think be willing to listen to you, like you do them. Or possibly an online help group? My sister belongs to one.

Casheyane · 31-35, F

Step back from helping others and help yourself this time.

You don't have to be rude. Just learn to set boundaries. You can be a good person without being a doormat.

The thing about burnout is that it is your own self telling you you've been worn down enough and you need rest too. If you keep letting people mishandle you, they won't stop. But what you might end up losing is you. So learn to let go of what you should not be carrying and focus on what you really need to prioritize.

The world will tell you there is a lot. But take it one moment at a time, one day at a time. You'd know what really needs your attention. Right now, right now your own self needs your attention. You oughta to listen, else you'll have to deal with the consequences.