I'm at a crossroads in my own programming that comes down to something like This:

I care for people deeply and never feel like I'm doing enough. > I try and care for people More and get better at it > eventually break down or have a bad day and try and articulate my own needs > Succeed at articulating my own needs > Realize that I don't have anyone in my social circles who can fill this need.

And not because I'm surrounded by uncaring or incapable people, but that what I Want/Need is unreasonable.
But then held up to the mirror, asking myself if I'd go to those lengths for a friend I knew was hurting, I'd say Yes without hesitation? Like, that level of caring for someone else isn't unreasonable for Me, but feels unreasonable to ask from anyone else?

I'm being vague here because I'm really asking if I've painted myself into an emotional corner. I don't want to burn myself out caring for others, but don't know how to ask for what I need without feeling needy, greedy, ashamed or like I'm a burden.

'Cause I know what it's like to handle Burdens for folks for months, and what it's like to appear outta nowhere and be a Hero for a day.