Whenever I'm asked to describe myself (which is always a bit awkward for me), the one word that always comes to mind is compassionate.

I have felt compassion for others and for the world for as long as I can remember.

I don't mean this in a self-righteous way. I just strongly believe that compassion is part of me, innately. And of course, this desire to help others does come with some complications.

Being a compassionate person is incredibly overwhelming. Although I find it rewarding and I would never choose a life in which I wasn't compassionate, it does create problems for me.

I am always concerned about others around me. Whether it's someone I'm in relation with or not, I feel the need to help them in distress. While I do understand that there are certain situations in which people do not want help, it's like an obligation to me. I must help them in one way or another, and if I don't, I feel guilt.

This is when the dark side of compassion creeps in.

My need to be constantly helping others not only brings a lot of weight upon my shoulders, it also stimulates feelings of shame if I am unable to help them. When coupled with my anxiety, these emotions are not a good mix.

My compassion both lifts me up and drags me down.

Sometimes it feels like I'm suffocating. The world around me is falling apart, and I can't do anything about it. The people around me are all so damaged and hurt and misunderstood, and I can't do anything about it. Thousand of animals are suffering everyday, and I can't do anything about it.

These thoughts make me feel as though my skin is turned inside out, as though I am trapped in my own body. Although they aren't entirely true, and I do recognize that I can make a difference (as a vegan, I statistically do), there are instances when this is not enough. I know that I can't help all those that are in need of it, and that is a direct shot to my heart.

When I can't help others, I feel completely hopeless. I become confused, flustered, lost. It's like my purpose is obliterated.

In this, it is also common for me to lose sight of myself. I don't pay attention to what I need because I'm so busy making sure everyone else is okay or worrying about how I'm not doing enough.

In the midst of my concern for others, I practice poor self-care.

I would never want to give up my compassion, but I have to constantly remind myself that I am a person too, and that I must look out for myself just as much as anyone else.

I get too much in my own head and I tell myself that my problems don't matter, or that no one has the time to listen because they're preoccupied with their own. This is incredibly detrimental not only to my anxiety but also my sense of self-worth because I invalidate myself and my importance through the struggles of others.

I have to admit that I feel a bit self-conscious, maybe even whiny, while writing this article. Which is exactly why I needed to do it, and why others, who are feeling the same effect of compassion in their daily lives, need to hear it.

You're valued, and your problems are important; please don't disregard your feelings for others.

It's okay if you can't always help. You have to accept that there will be problems that are not meant for your fixing. This doesn't mean you can't make a difference though. Your heart for others will take you far in life.

Just don't forget: you'll need help too. And there's nothing wrong with that.