I 'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do.

Have you ever been approached by a loved one with a situation so horrible that all you could do was take a deep breath, hold them, and cry? They tell you on their last leap of faith, wishing with all their might to hear form you the words that will make them feel better and solve their problem. But you know, you understand that nothing you say will grant that wish. Cue in feeling of helplessness...one of the worst feelings known to humans.

People approach me with all sorts of issues and I became a social worker to be able to help them. I thought that in the professional position I currently hold, I would be able to say with frequency, "Yes, I can help you with that." This however, is not the case. Instead, the phrase "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do" escapes my heavy lips like a wild animal being released from captivity- disoriented and confused, but powerful and dangerous.

Wait, something's knocking at my chest...Oh, helplessness its you again.

Feeling helpless is not fun. It's infuriating, depressing, depreciating...but NOT FUN. Makes you feel incompetent and useless. I like helping people, and have a huge problem when I can't be superwoman. What good is power when those who need it most have little or no access to it and are kept from it?

What are your reactions when faced with the feeling of helplessness? Any tips?

*picture courtesy of http://images.quickblogcast.com/70855-62287/triple_minded.jpg