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Question: I seem to take on too much responsibility. My schedule is jammed with activities. I feel compelled to say "yes" to anyone's request. I am depressed, resentful, and fatigued. How can I gain control of my life? Answer: The symptoms you describe seem to indicate you have no limits on other people's control of you due to your failure to establish and keep boundaries. It is very important that you challenge any distorted thinking you may have about areas of personal responsibility. Straightening out what you are responsible for and what you are not responsible for is the key to establishing and keeping boundaries. Set limits on what you are willing to do for others. Realize that when you do so, you don't need to make excuses or take responsibility for the other person's disappointment that you are no longer available for his/her request. Be assertive in letting people know who you are. Begin to say what you feel, what you like, what you want and what you think. At the same time as you are defining who you are, say who you are not and what you don't agree with. For additional information, contact The Rice - Lewis Clinic. Answered by: Maurine Richardson, M.S.W. |