How do I stop feeling like I need to fix everyone around me?

The compulsive need to fix everyone around you often stems from codependent patterns that develop when you learn to derive your sense of worth and identity from being needed by others. This pattern typically begins in childhood, especially in families where you became the caretaker, mediator, or emotional support person for adults who should have been taking care of themselves. You might have learned that your value came from solving problems, managing crises, or keeping others happy, making it difficult to tolerate seeing people struggle without jumping in to help. The urge to fix others can also come from Anxiety disorder and control issues - when the people around you are struggling, you might feel unsafe or uncomfortable, leading you to try to manage their problems as a way of managing your own Anxiety disorder. Sometimes this pattern develops from genuine empathy and caring, but it crosses into unhealthy territory when you feel compulsive about it or when it interferes with your own well-being and the other person's growth. The problem with constantly trying to fix others is that it often prevents them from developing their own problem-solving skills and Psychological resilience. It can also create resentment when your efforts aren't appreciated or when people don't follow your advice. Additionally, it's emotionally exhausting to carry responsibility for everyone else's problems on top of your own. You might also attract people who are looking for someone to solve their problems rather than partners who can handle their own responsibilities. Learning to step back from this role requires recognizing that each person is ultimately responsible for their own life and choices. You can offer support and care without taking on the responsibility to fix or solve. This means learning to tolerate others' discomfort without rushing in to rescue them, and developing your own sense of worth that doesn't depend on being needed. Practice distinguishing between empathy and emotional absorption, and work on your own psychological healing rather than focusing all your energy on others' problems.