Does anyone get a "Buzz" from helping people?

Yep, I think it might have something to do with reinforcing one's values. In some places good and kind behavior is so rare that even the most normal good act might stand out as a beacon of light!!

If those values are rare in society then it might increase the reaction in oneself, but then I guess you might also get a buzz seeing others do it too. I think I get a semi-buzz from seeing others doing good. If your values are really unique then it might even transform into a rewarding experience of self expression, reinforcing psychological aspects like self identity and social role.

I guess it's one of those that can become desensitized through repeated exposure, but everyone is different and I imagine it could even go the other way and become an increasing source of positive energy within oneself.

This happens to me often. I once got drunk off of helping people!
In all seriousness, though, yes I get that feeling when I help people too.

I'd go so far as to say that helping people is a reason to live.

Having said that it is my experience that the people who need your help the most never want it and the people who want it only think they need it. I guess that's why the best form of service is the one that goes unnoticed.

Just my thoughts.

That never happens to me

I do it so often that when someone I help shows gratitude it kind of irks me...thanking me for doing something that anyone can do :dry:

When I was in the navy I rescued a swimmer from a strong undertow, when they thanked me I thought they were being sarcastic

Maybe I'm defective :laugh:

I love the feeling I get when I've helped someone. I'm often brought to tears. I hate being thanked and get embarrassed and I really sometimes get irritated when there are awards for having done something considered good. I guess I feel its something everyone does and shouldn't be considered "special". In my rational brain I know not everyone does and it irks me. It should be a given that we help our fellow beings.

This does not happen to me. Like RyuJin, I help as part of my life, it is every day part of my routine and thus common to me. For me not to help would be an irregularity in my behavior and I suspect I would get a negative impression from not assisting.

Being a leader in my advice and mentor military members all the time. I discuss being ivolved and assisting in the community as part of being a well rounded individual, and being a good ambassador of the military to the people.

However, I also caution that helping others for a gain, is selfish and not giving/helping for the true intent. If you are helping others to make yourself feel better or, get a euphoric feeling, recognition, or prestige, then this becomes a selfish act. Aim to help because it is the right thing to do, a part of your every day life and not for what you get out of it.

I am not saying that anyone is being selfish, I just caution to remind ourselves the true reason we help should not be for personal gain, it can be addictive, like a drug. The focus should truly be to assist the person in need.

I only get a slight buzz

Yes! The more you do the more you get.

Now that I think about it I think the reason I don't get a "buzz" is because part of me feels that it is a responsibility of the strong to aid the weak, and one shouldn't be rewarded for fulfilling a responsibility...

Yes, the motivation should be to help, not the buzz you get as a result. To do something for the recognition would be even worse. It's sometimes the little things I do for people that no one else knows about that have the most significance.