Monitor your own reactions and feelings. It can be stressful to interact with someone in distress. In addition to feeling that you want to help, you may find yourself feeling helplessness, fear, frustration or anger, empathy (feeling the other person's sadness, anger, hopelessness, etc.), impatience or "compassion fatigue." Helpers need support, too. Call the Counseling Center, x3500, to arrange for a confidential consultation with a clinician.
Recognize your limits. It is not your responsibility to solve the problem for the other person; rather, to try to help them solve it or help them get help. Remember, although you may be a special and irreplaceable helper for this person in some ways, there are also other caring helpers available who may offer forms of help.