How do I stop feeling like I need to fix everyone's problems?

Feeling like you need to fix everyone's problems is exhausting and often stems from deep-seated patterns around control, identity development/building-self-worth" class="internal-link">self-worth, and Interpersonal relationship. This tendency, sometimes called codependency or caretaking, often develops in childhood when you learned that your value came from helping others, managing family dynamics, or preventing conflict. You might have grown up in an environment where you felt responsible for others' emotions or where love felt conditional on your ability to solve problems. The urge to fix others can also stem from anxious feelings disorder about seeing people struggle, a need to feel useful or important, or difficulty tolerating the discomfort of watching someone you care about in pain. However, constantly trying to fix others' problems often backfires in several ways: it can create resentment in you, dependency in them, and prevent people from developing their own problem-solving skills and Psychological resilience. It also puts you in an impossible position where you're trying to control outcomes that are ultimately outside your influence. People often don't want their problems fixed - they want to be heard, understood, and supported while they work through challenges themselves. Learning to offer support without taking responsibility requires recognizing the difference between helping and fixing. Helping might involve listening, offering perspective when asked, or providing practical support. Fixing involves taking ownership of outcomes, giving unsolicited advice, or feeling responsible for others' emotions. Practice asking 'How can I support you?' instead of immediately jumping to solutions. Remember that allowing others to struggle and grow through their challenges is often more respectful and helpful than trying to rescue them.