5 Signs you Need to Strengthen your Boundaries

As a psychotherapist with 25 years of experience, I have seen many clients struggle with setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. This was also something I personally did not know how to accomplish in my younger days. Today, I want to share with you five signs that indicate you might need to strengthen your boundaries. I hope this information will be helpful to you. 

1. You often feel overwhelmed and stressed

When we don't have strong boundaries, we tend to take on too much responsibility for others. This can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed all the time. If you find yourself always saying "yes" to requests, even when you want to say "no," it might be time to work on your boundaries.

2. You have trouble saying "no"

Speaking of saying "no," this is a big sign that your boundaries need work. It's normal to want to help others, but if you can't say "no" without feeling guilty, your boundaries are probably too weak. Remember, it's okay to put yourself first sometimes.

3. You feel resentful towards others

When we don't set clear boundaries, we often end up doing things we don't want to do. This can lead to feelings of resentment towards the people in our lives. If you notice yourself feeling angry or bitter towards friends, family, or coworkers, it might be because your boundaries are not strong enough.

4. You ignore your own needs

Do you often put others' needs before your own? While being caring is good, constantly ignoring your own needs is not healthy. If you find that you rarely have time for self-care or pursuing your own interests, it's a sign that you need to strengthen your boundaries.

5. You feel responsible for others' emotions

Lastly, if you feel like you're always trying to make others happy or fix their problems, your boundaries might need some work. It's important to remember that we are not responsible for other people's feelings or actions. We can support them, but their happiness is not our job.

In conclusion, having strong boundaries is crucial for our mental health and well-being. If you recognize these signs in yourself, don't worry. With practice and patience, you can learn to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Remember, it's not selfish to take care of yourself. 

Stay in Power.

Homeyra Faghihi, PsyD,LCSW
Empowerment Coach - Founder | Power to the Self Online Coaching