Most of us like to be seen as helpful and generous, but for some people, saying ‘no’ can be especially difficult. If you’re anything like me, days can go by before you’ve realized that you have not done anything for yourself. You do and you do and you do for others and in the process, lose pieces of yourself along the way.
It’s hard to say no. It’s hard to not do something for someone that you love, especially when you’re suffering with mental health issues. Being able to distract yourself with someone else’s needs/problems seems like a great idea… because when you’re thinking about their needs/problems, you’re not thinking about your own. In reality though, this can be a particularly harmful habit to make. Pushing your needs/problems to the back-burner can cause them to fester… grow… and cause you to gain a lot of resentment.
In working with my Psychiatrist, one of the things she’s lead me to realize is that I don’t say no when people ask things of me. I just don’t. And this, this has created a giant storm cloud that floats around above my head, following me in every aspect of my life. I’m resentful of those who ask me for things and I’m resentful that I don’t spend time on myself. In all reality, it’s my own doing. So, I’m responsible for fixing this.
To combat this, she’s given me homework to help me be more cognizant about what is requested of me, how I should respond and how I set limits… especially when it comes to those that I love.
Consider the following when you’re trying to set limits:
Won’t people dislike me if I say ‘no’ to them? They may be annoyed at first because they are used to you agreeing to everything they ask. Most people who learn how to say ‘no’ find that in time they actually get a lot more respect from others. Saying ‘no’ is for everyone’s benefit.
If I say ‘no’, won’t I become a selfish person? Setting limits doesn’t mean saying ‘no’ to every request, just balancing things so that others don’t depend on you all of the time for everything. This gives others a chance to learn how to manager their own lives as we all strive to live in balance.
What is the price for always saying ‘yes’?
- You get completely overwhelmed and over time your health is likely to suffer
- You have less time and energy to spend with your family and friends
- You become irritable, exhausted and perhaps depressed
- You feel unappreciated for what you do
- You begin to resent the people for whom you do so much
- You put your personal needs, plans and dreams on hold, perhaps forever
- Others expect more and more, even take you for granted
- Others don’t learn to solve their own problems
- Others don’t learn to become independent
- Others learn to take advantage of helpful people
- Others fail to become helpful themsleves
How do I start setting limits with others?
- Choose a small request someone has made that you know they can manage for themselves.
- Decide what, when and where you will tell them.
- Rehearse what you will say, and practice using a strong assertive voice.
- Stay firm. Don’t argue or become defensive.
- Use positive self talk.
- Repeat this exercise with other small requests before move on to more difficult situations.
Whatever you end up doing, however you end up doing it, just remember that if you’re ever going to work through your own needs/problems, you need time to do so. Set some limits with your friends/family/coworkers to ensure that your needs are met and you don’t let things fester.
Don’t let things fester! Set limits and stop using other’s lives to distract your own. Give yourself the time to relax, give yourself the time work through what you need to work through. There’s nothing worse than resenting others because you’re too afraid to say no.
Learning to say “no” has been one of the most difficult but rewarding things I have ever done. Just remember – “no” is a complete sentence!
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Just remember ‘no’ is a complete sentence. SO TRUE. Oh Stacy, I do love you so. You’re so wise.
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haha thanks! I have made a lot of progress over the last few years but I’ve got a looooooong way to go!
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I was about to comment the same thing about ‘No’ being a complete sentence. 😉
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It’s such a straightforward piece of advice!
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What is it that they say about great minds? lol
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😉 Something like that….
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Once again, I’m almost at a loss for words for how much your posts are relative to me as well.
The past week I’ve been getting physically sick due to being spread too thin and over stressing myself.
I am definitely taking your advice on this post. We aren’t superhuman and sometimes have to realize our limits.
Thanks so much for posting this.
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You’re reaffirming my thoughts that we’re very much kindred spirits. Hope all is well. Please take care of yourself ❤
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I know, right? It’s crazy! But yes, I am doing a tad better. Only focusing on one thing at a time. It is calming so farm
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When you say yes all the time people take you for granted. Good to learn to say no when needed.
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I have really learned the importance of this as well. I spent so much time being terrified about what others would think of me if I said no (or didn’t make them happy in another way). Once I learned (or began the path to learning) the importance of not worrying about other people or carrying the baggage of their (real or imagined) expectations, I felt true freedom. Mahalo for your post. Have a beauty-filled day!
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It’s such a simple thing – not worrying about what others will think, but it’s something so many people struggle with. You seem like a wise soul. Mahalo for stopping by and leaving a beautiful comment to brighten my night.
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Love this post. I’ve just started learning to say “no” and it has been so empowering for my mental health and well-being.
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Good for you, Mandy! I’m sure it’ls helping you already. ❤ Stay strong.
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Thanks for sharing this! It’s so hard to start saying no more often, but you’re right it’s so worth it. I’ve found the more I do it the easier it gets (most of the time…) but there are always moments when you still wonder if you’re being selfish. Reading a post like yours is very reassuring! Hope you’re doing well
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Hi there, I love this piece about mental issues! I recently wrote one about mental health and would appreciate if you could spare 10 minutes to check it out?
https://angrybird.video.blog/2019/07/18/how-do-you-heal-a-body-when-the-mind-is-under-attack-mental-health-in-the-21st-century/
Let me know what you think, thank you.
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Absolutely loved reading this. My manager tends to give me lots of tasks at work even when I haven’t finished the last 5 she has already given me. I’ve even started to work when I come home from work just so I can get all these things finished. So I’m really going to take in what you’ve suggested, at least then it will help with the overwhelming sensation I get when I have a million and one things to do.
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I really hope that it helps you. There’s no harm in trying, right?
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Thank you for this post! Setting boundaries like this is difficult but practice makes perfect 🙂
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I am literally the worst at saying no to requests. While I know it’s important to say no, I usually don’t mind until I realize how little people reciprocate. Keeping track of requests seems like a great idea.
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Hello! I find this post so relatable. I have just started seeing a therapist and after the conversation, one of my homework was to practice saying no couple of times a week. I never thought how difficult it is to say until I paid attention to it. Thank you for this post!
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Excellent blog! I struggle saying no all the time so it’s nice to read about someone in the same position. I write a lot of blogs on mental health over on my page, maybe we could help each other out in the future if you are interested?
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“Don’t let things fester! Set limits and stop using other’s lives to distract your own. Give yourself the time to relax, give yourself the time work through what you need to work through. There’s nothing worse than resenting others because you’re too afraid to say no.”
This was exactly what I needed to be reminded of today! Thank you!
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