Red Nurse Syndrome: How To Recognize It

The Red Cross syndrome induces the subject to devote all his attention to others, putting aside his own well-being. This curious phenomenon affects not only the well-being of the person in question, but also that of the people they care about.

By taking charge of the needs of others, the person who exhibits symptoms of Red Cross nurse syndrome overshadows their own well-being. Moreover, he not only cares about the needs of others, but also acquires a curious dexterity in anticipating them. For this reason, the people around him constitute the center of his world.

Characteristics of the Red Cross syndrome

Relating to others by taking charge of their problems is a good way to take care of your social life and strengthen interpersonal relationships. But be careful: any attitude, if taken to the limit, can cause considerable damage. Below, we will show you some typical characteristics of people with Red Cross syndrome:

1. They forget their own wants and needs

The “Red Cross people” are those who give so much to others that they forget their own needs and concerns, overshadowing any desire that is not based on “doing good to others”. This can be particularly deleterious for those who maintain this attitude: it is really difficult – not to say impossible – for someone to come to their aid to satisfy needs that are not directly concerned.

2. They don’t expect anything from others

This syndrome relies on a fixed point: we are talking about a way of acting that can count on an infinity of positive feedbacks on a social level. Furthermore, they are people who give without expecting / accepting anything in return.

This absence of “demand” towards others makes them very different from toxic people, who offer something or do favors in order to manipulate to get what they want from others. They only do favors when they need something, unlike the Red Cross person.

3. They are very generous people

A “Red Cross nurse” tends to confuse altruism. Although generosity is positive, her extreme dedication makes her particularly vulnerable to manipulative people who are willing to exploit her immense altruism for their own interests.

4. They are too helpful people

Individuals with Red Cross syndrome become easily manipulated. Also, they can feel very bad when they don’t find someone else’s need to satisfy. This is precisely the moment when they feel lost or feel they are worth little. We must think that their self-esteem is easily influenced by the degree of help they can give to others.

How to overcome the Red Cross syndrome

To increase your self-esteem and start prioritizing your needs, you can adopt some simple strategies:

• If you are asked for a favor, think carefully about the answer. Think about what it means for you to deal with someone who asks you for the favor and evaluate the cost of that compromise.

• If you want to say no, do it. This is the hardest part, but if you show yourself strong and confident and give your reasons, no one will be bothered by your position.

• Let go of the guilt. While guilt is what keeps you from saying “no” to someone, you need to think about what’s best for you.

If you identify with the characteristics just described, remember that your priority is to satisfy your wants and needs, and that only you can do it. If others don’t realize what we need or if they simply can’t help us, there is a side of us that in the long run only ourselves can satisfy, for our emotional good. Ultimately, Red Cross syndrome is nothing more than an indirect form of addiction.