Do I have helper syndrome? Take the test at the private practice of online psychologist Patric Pförtner.
Psychologist Patric Pförtner

Patric Pförtner

M.Sc. Psychologist, Doctoral Researcher

Test: Helper Syndrome

Helper syndrome shows itself as an excessive need to help other people — often at the cost of one's own needs and boundaries. The following questions are designed to help you reflect on whether your willingness to help is doing you and the other person good — or harm.

Typical signs of helper syndrome can include:

  • difficulty saying "no" when others ask for help,
  • neglect of one's own needs in favour of others,
  • feelings of guilt or unease when one cannot help,
  • self-sacrifice at work, in the family or in a partnership.

With this test you can reflect on whether your willingness to help may be excessive and how this affects various areas of life. The test can be applied to your work, family or partnership.

Originally written in German — read the original here: Helfersyndrom-Test.

Helper Syndrome Test: 15 Questions

All questions refer to the last 14 days. The answer options are scaled like a grading system — the first option counts as one point, the last as five. Choose one answer per question and click Evaluate Now at the end.

1. Do you often hear the phrase: "Think of yourself for a change"?

2. Do you find it difficult to formulate your own wishes?

3. Do you believe you come across as selfish when you don't help?

4. Do you frequently feel responsible for other people's problems?

5. Do you find it difficult to ask others for help?

6. Do you often feel you know what is good for others better than they do?

7. Do you often feel tired and drained by your effort for others?

8. Do you believe others often take your help for granted?

9. Do you place the needs of others above your own?

10. Do you feel you have to help others without being asked?

11. Are you often disappointed when your help isn't appreciated?

12. Do you have difficulty talking about your own worries and feelings?

13. Do you feel you give your life meaning by helping?

14. Do you suffer from guilt when you cannot help?

15. Do you often feel worthless when your help isn't needed?

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional — such as a doctor, psychiatrist or psychotherapist — can advise you on the next steps.

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"Most arguments aren't the argument you think you're having."
"Trust doesn't grow through words. It grows through repetition."
"A strong relationship isn't one without conflict — it's one where you find your way back."
Psychologist Patric Pförtner is a registered full member of the BDP

Quality seal for psychological counselling awarded by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Registered full member of the BDP

Registered full member of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Online psychological counselling quality seal

For my work, the BDP has awarded me the "Counselling by Psychologists" quality mark.