The religious tract read: “Value others above yourself. Sacrifice your needs for other people.”

For many years, I did just that. I spent my days making certain the people around me had their needs met, but I ignored my own. I tried to make everyone else happy, while I made myself miserable. I believed others knew what was best for me and often disregarded my own insight on matters. After doing this for several years, my health declined. I became bitter, resentful, angry and depressed. I had been drained dry.