Empaths: What Does it Mean to Be an Empath?

empaths and empathyHas anyone ever told you that you are too sensitive or too emotional? Do you feel drained when you spend time around certain people? Can you tell when people aren’t telling you the whole truth? Do you feel anxious in crowds? When a friend of yours is feeling particularly happy or distressed do you find yourself feeling these same emotions? If your answers to these questions are yes, you might belong to a special group of people known as empaths.

What are Empaths?

Empaths are highly sensitive individuals, who have a keen ability to sense what people around them are thinking and feeling. Psychologists may use the term empath to describe a person that experiences a great deal of empathy, often to the point of taking on the pain of others at their own expense. However, the term empath can also be used as a spiritual term, describing an individual with special, psychic abilities to sense the emotions and energies of others. This particular article will focus on the psychological aspects of being an empath.

There are many benefits of being an empath. On the bright side, empaths tend to be excellent friends. They are superb listeners. They consistently show up for friends in times of need. They are big-hearted and generous. Empaths also tend to be highly intuitive and emotionally intelligent.

However, some of the very qualities that make empaths such fantastic friends can be hard on the empaths themselves. Because empaths quite literally feel what their friends are going through, they can become overwhelmed by painful emotions, such as anxiety or anger. Empaths have a tendency to take on the problems of others as their own. It is often difficult for them to set boundaries for themselves and say no, even when too much is being asked of them.

Additionally, it is common for empaths to feel drained after spending time around people. Empaths are usually introverts, and they require a certain amount of alone time in order to recharge. A study from 2011 suggests there may be a link between highly empathic individuals and social anxiety. Crowds can feel particularly overwhelming to empaths, who are often highly sensitive to certain noises and incessant chatter. They often feel their best when they are surrounded by nature.

Am I An Empath?

Dr. Judith Orloff, author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, offers this short quiz to evaluate whether or not you are an empath:

Ask yourself:

  • Have I been labeled as “too emotional” or overly sensitive?
  • If a friend is distraught, do I start feeling it too?
  • Are my feelings easily hurt?
  • Am I emotionally drained by crowds, require time alone to revive?
  • Do my nerves get frayed by noise, smells, or excessive talk?
  • Do I prefer taking my own car places so that I can leave when I please?
  • Do I overeat to cope with emotional stress?
  • Am I afraid of becoming engulfed by intimate relationships?

According to Dr. Orloff, “If you answer ‘yes’ to 1-3 of these questions, you’re at least part empath. Responding ‘yes’ to more than 3 indicates that you’ve found your emotional type.”

“Recognizing that you’re an empath is the first step in taking charge of your emotions instead of constantly drowning in them,” Dr. Orloff says. Once you begin to understand your empathic nature, you can learn to take better care of yourself emotionally.

How to Manage Your Empathy Without Getting Drained

Set Healthy Boundaries

Being naturally caring and concerned for others, empaths have a hard time saying “no.” This can lead to problems as you overcommit and drain yourself emotionally. Dr. Orloff suggests, “Control how much time you spend listening to stressful people, and learn to say ‘no.’ Set clear limits and boundaries with people, nicely cutting them off at the pass if they get critical or mean. Remember, ‘no’ is a complete sentence.”

Practice Mindfulness

Because empaths tend to get caught up in what is going on around them, it is particularly important for them to set aside time to tune in. Practicing mindfulness can help you reconnect to yourself. Focusing on your breath, for insistence, quiets the mind and centers you in your body. It can be helpful in meditation to practice “non-identification” with others, try to see yourself and your emotions as separate from anyone else’s.

Ignore Your Inner Critic

The Critical Inner Voice is like a nasty coach that lives inside our heads, waiting for any opportunity to criticize us. Empaths, being sensitive, are vulnerable to these self-critical thoughts. They may think things like, “Why do you feel so much all the time? What’s wrong with you?” or “You’re just too sensitive.” However, it is important not to believe these self-attacks or act on your inner critic’s bad advice. You can read about how to overcome your inner critic here.

Practice Self-Compassion

While it is easy for empaths to feel compassion for others, it is often difficult for them to feel compassion for themselves. Self-compassion is the simple (yet challenging) practice of treating yourself like a friend. It is called a practice because it is something that you get better at over time. According to Dr. Kristen Neff, there are three components to practicing self-compassion:
1) Acknowledge and notice your suffering.
2) Be kind and caring in response to suffering.
3) Remember that imperfection is part of the human experience and something we all share.
You can find self-compassion exercises on Dr. Kristen Neff’s website.

Spend Time in Nature

Nature has wonderful healing effects for all humans, but particularly for empaths. Essayist John Burroughs said, “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” Because empaths are highly sensitive to the people (as well as noises and environments) around them, time in nature is the optimal way for them to relax and recharge. Whether you live somewhere that allows you to walk on the beach, hike through the woods or sit in a park, it is important to make time to rejuvenate in a beautiful, natural setting, especially when you are feeling overwhelmed or emotionally depleted.

At the end of the day, it is important to recognize both the blessings and challenges of being an empath. In a world where so many people struggle to identify and express emotions, empathy can seem like a superpower. Embrace yours!

About the Author

Lena Firestone Lena Firestone is a writer and new media specialist. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of California, Irvine. She currently works at PsychAlive.org and leads private writing workshops in Santa Barbara, CA.

Related Articles

Tags: , , , , , ,

253 Comments

kastina moore

I can relate to this article. I ask a lot of questions when someone is venting or what I have been told ” you make me feel so comfortable to speak. ” I’m not being noisy I need more details to empathize and I get a sense of who people are.

Stacy

Finally. It all makes sense. Every empath test I took I scored almost 100 on every one. I have been different my whole life – hearing the words before they are spoken, bad energy in a room, going off by myself to recharge from two years old, people telling me I’m too sensitive, getting easily hurt, other people’s pets sitting at my feet- it’s exhausting. But it’s also a gift. My emotions have been so strong and sometimes difficult to control. I only found this out after understanding I was married to a narcissist who almost destroyed me. I feel so validated now. Wow.

Aj

Sounds so familiar. I am by definition a true empath and I’ve always said it is both a blessing and a curse. The thing I find that I have in common with other empaths, which holds true just now from reading your post, is that most of us have been at the mercy of a narcissist. It is not pretty these two opposing ‘forces’. When I got out of that relationship over 25 years ago that’s when I realized it could be a curse and it helped me to recognize the red flags and signs. Never again.

Angus fields

Bam ,never put all this togtogether before , damn know It makes sence so much ,for me the good is when empath requires me to care too much . The other side is the strength in reatcting to ppl with negative thought energy . As we die with ppl Dailey for thier hurt . But I also feel ppls negative energy with equal volition . It’s a life lessons that I just looked up cos I didn’t know what I now know is my , “type” would sigh any tips advise leanings finished anything F.B Angus Fields

Ruth Hawkins

I understand and what you are going through , sometimes We have to get past bad things and when You are able to for give you are taking back your life that’s yours know one else…..My gifts have been with me most of my life , O saw my first spirt when I was 5 years old…over the years O would have Bad dreams. Okay I kept dreaming That I was in water and the water was up to my nose and The water had a very fowl smell and I also smelled hand sanitizer….3 weeks later , We had a a horrible flood.. I Lost my home and so did my family …I was driving down the road and quess what?” I smelled that fowl smell and sanitizer……yeah!!!!! Now I can not stand the 2 smells that now make me nauseated….then I dreamed other dreams and it all came to pass …just horrible dreams….Then Most of my life with put knowing how much of my gifts I had…I kept finding that I could teel when others would lie. Then I scared them bc.I would say things that they had on there mind…I could pick up peoplea pain and I could also, pick up on spirits around me and I di keep my self Grounded!!! I know when there are evil 0eople around me a s on fact..I always would see that some people had different faces one would come out and they had evil with in them. Then over the years people were shocked because 9 would be saying things that hey might have talked about that evening are something they that they had been bothered with and my gift was so on point that I has t poo move away bc People thought Ok was a witch..thia broke My Heart bc I Love God and The Lord is my savior..I know that what ever gifts I got and even if things are scary I know that God will carry me through stud and that This to as to sha’ll pass…I have Anxiety really bad. I have many other disorders…I know that God will show me as my life goes on to beable to deal with my gifts ahate my gifts…I am just like most of the people who have committed o. Thos subjects…I HAS to move to another state to get away from the pain I carried in my heart…anyway, O do love people and I Love children and Animals alike O can feel so much around this gifts.. anyway, I want to help people and thata the road I am on so I would say Please , don’t be afraid…look at all the people around you dig deeper and you will find there are many of us out there ….

Gii

Yes we are a perfect tragic match, we want to help them and fix them and help them change, I was helping him get into therapy after a breakdown, after I’d kicked him out ! I actually was the only one helping !) one minute after he chatted to them they told him I’d saved him and he was upset that the childhood abuse had affected me and the children further down the line, next minute I was hated and there was nothing wrong with him and I was just making him think he had a mental disorder to get it documented if it was needed in court over the kids !!! Woah !! Paranoid !! I really thought it was all because of his abusive childhood.

Magda

Story of my life! 🙂
Went through something similar 2 times in my life. I still put myself in places I shouldn’t be as we restore energy by helping and become more powerful. The key is not to so called ‘fall in love’ or basically get too attached. Self control at all times.

Marshall Cain

It surely sounds like I’m an empath. I’m a man. Often been told I’m too sensitive, don’t like loud noises and loud people. I connect painfully to others emotions and usually care too damn much. I get hurt easily. I do love time alone in nature, that’s what I’m doing right now. I’ve been described as peculiar because I love to be alone on my good friends ranch. My dog is my best companion. I was married to a malignant spiritual narcissist for fifteen years of hell on earth. Although I’ve been divorced for 21 years I still suffer from that abusive relationship. It helps to know what I am.

Trudy

Sounds so similar to me and my life – a bit of all of these do, really! I have learned it only just now, after ready the article on “Epaths” that I am not crazy, or weak, or a glutton for punishment necessarily!
Wanting to help others even if they had hurt me, etc,!
nd I do love nature… always have! And the beach! I mean I can (preferably) even be alone and enjoy the quiet, the scenery and views of majestic beauty!

There’s some hope, eh!? Seeing that this is a “type” of behavior! Learning that it really is “a thing” – is like revelation knowledge! It’s like a weight has been lifted! Glory to God!
Thank you!

Deb

It was in 2012, I didn’t know who I was. I knew that loud noises, slow acting, disrespectful, lying, & manipulating ppl made me angry. Etc.., I am a true EMPATH & IT’S DAYS THAT I DON’T WANT TO BE. I JUST DON’T GET IT!

Susan

Marshall, you bring up a good point (and someone else on this thread), about connecting with animals. I bet that’s another textbook empath trait: to find the company of animals more appealing than humans. Dogs love me, and I love them. That said, marry me? Kidding not kidding

Miata

Hello to you all. Some can’t understand why I can’t attend funerals,weddings ect. But simply..their are just too many emotions flying around. I didn’t attend my dads or my moms funeral. I was blessed that my mom understood just why. My family may not always understand the why I just can’t do certain things…but they accept this about me. Actually my friends accept this as well. But others think I’m being selfish,or I’m only thinking of myself. These words no longer bother me because caring about myself is just as important as caring for others. Before my mom died…we talked. I thanked her for giving me faith and told her how I felt about her & thanking her for wisdom. I’m still learning..But my understanding of “human nature” is vast & I’m so grateful. Being alone is a gift and knowing my true self is too. But understanding EMOTIONS the why’s are my favorite.

JR

Marshall, How did you get out of the relationship? Im in the same boat and Ive taken the Empath test. I check all boxes. Im looking for an exit strategy out of my marriage. She refuses to divorce.

Kelly

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I TOO AM STILL under control of Narcaccists but am WAY STRONGER! I’ve been surrounded by them since birth and had married one for most my life, 27 years. 2 people who caused me great pain my entire life have passed and I find myself today missing them.as I kinda need their help. This page is great as I ALWAYS thought I was a sensitive but im an empath as well. My son is a sensitive and I shoulda known as he’d seen things b4 me while I was on meds after having post partum depression and It blocked my abilities. I actually block my pain out most the time and absorb others so I can help them. Ugh. I PRAY we both find a break from Narcaccist ppl. I wish you well

Tanner

Sky is the limit where the possibilities are limitless we can adapt and overcome the seemingly impossible, limitation is only a boundary set to be pushed only way to exceed limitation is to push limitation and I’ll ride that rocknroll train any life. I have coexisted for 32 yrs of life juvenile lockup isolation which I learned the gift of perception by watching from a window isolated with myself only to entertain I processed emotions in isolation so I’ve become extremely good at controlling the inner beast but I learned also their are 2 lions that live within us whichever we feed is the healthiest and will conquer and devour the other. Military I trained and graduated with honors at the age of 17 to be an 11B infantry soldier where my honors were control and my skills in shooting they broke me down and figured out I had special forces capabilities but THOU SHALL NOT KILL really rang towards end of A.I.T. but another journey among many others I have had a very excellent life even with a short prison and county lockup over a few errors along the way but I love my life living and live my life loving. I believe in doing all actions with and out of love and I shall do no wrong love is perfect….

CHRISTOPHER CRAIG

I agree. I often use the same reference “a blessing and a curse.” I do challenge my inner critic because I always want to remain sceptical …even though most of the time I generally find out some reason I was spot on. I hate feeling emotional. I can be that one person standing in a group setting and feel anger, sadness, contempt from what by all appearances is a fun environment. I know it’s not me but it’s projecting from someone within that space. It’s awkward because you’re fussing with the inner critic trying to rationalize. Why am I feeling sad from a person who is the life of the party? Sometimes you realize a day later, or a week . A month what that was all about. Oh the perfect couple broke up that night but it pulled off a great show to hide it… except one empath caught it and tried hard to shrug it off as nonsense. But when you feel…you feel… and there’s times some of us don’t want to feel. That’s the burden. Knowing and not wanting to know.

Isabelle

I just found out I am an empath too! Its hard for me to block out other peoples feelings. I always want to help others. Ive been struggling to find meaning in my life. After being married to a narcissistic who al ost destroyed me. I feel like I don’t fit in anywhere. Even though I know I shouldn’t feel like that. I never understood why I always want to fix the people I am in a relationship with? Why are we attracted to the opposite of us in a relationship? A narcissist? I don’t even know how to find others like me. So I can hone my gift and help others while turning it into a meaningful career. I just like I am in pain all the time and its not even from me. Its from the people I am around on a regular basis.

Tammy

The first time I heard the term empath I looked it up I thought yeah it sorry if sounds like me but since then I’ve Reese more articles on the subject and know I’m a certain type of empath. I can see the truth in ppl or should I say I know when ppl are lying and up to no good! That’s a good thing however ppl don’t always like it when I say the truth or dispelthe bullshit going on around me! Another thing is I am very emotional in weird ways. For example just tonight I laid down to go to sleep and add soon as I got comfy I had Ann overwhelming feeling somethings not right. I’ve donethis several times through out my life and there always a reason behind it! Tonight as I got comfy I just had this feeling and knew somethings Erin and started crying uncontrollably so I got up and started calling my kids to make sure they and my dad were ok. My grandson had just been choking on a sucker and my daughter was frantic. I could go on and on about my intuition/feelings! Yes, I’m very sensitive and highly clairvoyant. Articles like this hello us to know everything is alright. Nature yes I love it!! Pets/animals seems to talk to me with their eyes even. No I’m not crazy by far!! I’m trying tio get use tio all this however I feel it’s just the till of the ice berg for me!

Kimmy Stewart

I just get so extreme when it comes to how I’m feeling. I’ve isolated myself and refused to go to my mother’s Memorial because I can’t deal with what’s happening to me let alone feeling what everybody else is feeling too. So I just kind of stay to myself now.

Thior

Wow….I was hit by a narcissist also. My never give up on someone kept me there even tho I knew I was lied to cheated on.

I’ve never liked crowds….I can’t stand any type of confrontational attitudes between anyone. I work for a pool company and everyone thinks it’s funny (not mean) that I rescue bugs, ants spiders and let them go out the poo l. Last week was scared by a wasp, shot it with brake cleaner and I cried as it died. I seem to be quite in tune with animals and have had several show up at my door to die in my arms.

My issue is because I don’t like confrontation, I’m easily taken advantage of. I am gemini also, thru and thru and I have to stop this being taken advantage of because I feel my polar opposite is going to have no empathy and I’ll find me in supermax waiting on a high voltage chair. I’m not being bravado, it scares the hell out of me. Anyone have suggestions on this?

Lori

Yes!!! I believe that narcissists seek us out. I don’t know if they need us or want us or prefer us??? But we are definitely the preferred partner.

I almost continued on to a long winded comment about what a narc does to an empath in a relationship! That is just going to make me upset or sad, and I don’t deserve it. So, I hope you continue to stay out of unhealthy relationships! Good luck out there 💖

Angela

I too did not discover the word Empath until I got out of a marriage with a narcissist. My mother was a raging narcissist, who, for my entire life told me I was too sensitive and that there was something wrong with me. I think now that being an empath is like having a superpower. Yes it can be overwhelming but in the end once we learn to listen to ourselves. Its really more like magic.

Leslie B Reed

I have been feeling the magic..a wee bit.. But I still seem to get sucked back in with Narcissists..Do I totally cut them off ?

Gii

Yes definitely block everywhere you can as you will be giving your energy away and feeding him still, even negativity will feed him and you will still be stuck in crazy world, all the emails I’ve received I’ve glanced over them I know I shouldn’t but I can’t completely block them he is just vile and I do feel it sucking my good energy away, try it if you need to and feel the drain 😖 try to concentrate on you and look into healing yourself, I am meditating and trying to purify my thoughts and the energy around me and not let anything negative in, I put my imaginary metal jacket on so what I don’t need in my space bounces off, I’m really benefiting from joe Dispenza at the moment, I think I’m making progress though as I’m typing empath in the search not narcissism 🥰

Michelle S Ayers

Definitely leave the man he’s not worth it. All you are doing is hurting yourself massively if you stay. I have been through it before but with the help of my daughter sorting things out with me I left and blocked him instantly. I had ptsd but I am an empth also in the healing process it’s overwhelming at time.

randy spivey

no you do not want to use it as a super power ,i have ,my parents new i was gifted at 7, I have learned it is a gift from god ,there is a sad trade off though being used ,being alone . I have made alot of money by feeling and or seeing things and have learned to listen to the thoughts that come to my mind that wish to talk to me . I at least have learned not to think i am nuts anymore . be careful of what ou wish for though , gods speed

Michelle

Same. I’ve only ever known the curse part but I have just now learned what an empath is and already I feel like there’s hope just from being able to finally identify what it is that I’ve always recognized as what’s wrong with me.

Gii

Omg that sounds just like me, I have just got out of a 21 year relationship with a malignant narcissist, I’d heard the word but only came across the meaning of it after I kicked him out and was reading about abuse, once I read about narcissism, I cried as everything fell into place, I also disturbingly read that narcissistic abuse can cause the victim fibromyalgia which I was diagnosed with 7 years ago 😞 that was enough to cut all ties though I have children with him, he was pure evil, I (like many others probably have done with their narcs )always felt sorry for him, I also have learned I am an empath and I want to make myself strong.

Jennifer

Wow!!!
I got chills reading all the comments!
YUP!! that’s me!
and it’s good to know, that I am not crazy!
When the fires happened in Australia, I grieved over the country, for weeks. My heart was broken over the peope and animals, who had suffered or died. My Dad used to say, “you have a gift Jenn”.
NOW, after all these years, it all makes sense at the age of 56! People always turn to me for emotional strength. I am a very social person but NOW I understand, why I have to withdraw for a day or two, after attending a major event, such as a big party, wedding, funeral, cause I literally FEEL everyone else’s emotions, happy, sad, guilty, joy, anger, anxiety, etc…..
and YES my EMPATH FRIENDS, it is a GIFT!!
So, stand tall and be proud!!! Thanks for your honesty. and oh, yes, very interesting, I also was married to a Narcissist, and also have one of those in my family.
and just so you all know, being an EMPATH, IS NOT A WEAKNESS, IT IS A STRENGTH!!!
SO BE EMPOWERED BY THAT MY GENTLE EMPATH FRIENDS!!
About only 5% of people on earth are Empaths! So we are rare gems!

Elaine

oh Jennifer, You sweetheart, Thank you for your sweet uplifting words of confidence.
Yes , surprise, surprise…. I too am in the process of leaving my narcissist husband who had a terribly abusive childhood. But how come it took me so long to figure it out?
Now all his lies are crashing in on me … its like glass breaking . .. all the lies.. things that I ignored at the time… cascade of realisation … all the excuses i made for him…
what made me protect him for so long? .. I’m trying to learn about me … because right now I’m not trusting myself very much!

Andrew Skinner

I am an Empath can someone please tell me how being an Empath is a gift?

randy spivey

god bless you ,but we suffer alone so much , i wish there where groups we could go to ,so we could help each other

Isabelle

maybe we could make our own empath support group somehow? With the empaths that post here? I would love to be able to share my ideas with others. Here other empaths storys? Since I don’t know amy personally? Other than myself.

Kenny aka TurfTaurus

Not sure if everyone is still active in this discussion, but being an empath and having empathy by being empathetic is as a blessed curse! It would be nice to all of us continue talking about things that have happened. It’s what would define us and our thoughts. That way we ourselves could really understand what and how to help. I wanted to space this out from what I’ve been maybe not putting into rhyme or reason, but having been born on Earth Day, it’s been way crazy nuts! I love it though! Hello to everyone, hope all is well!

Linda W Spears

Absolutely agree, trying to use it as a super power,I feel could be dangerous. We must remember we are posting our comments to empath strangers. Please realize some of us can feel others emotions just by reading the words they chose to use to express that experience and describe how they feel. My life is a mess right now because being an empath person all six kinds of empath person, I feel everything. My sister has cancer, surgery tomorrow. We are very close, I feel her pain. My dog is experiencing bloating, I feel her discomfort, trees fell in my backyard, I feel nature’s grief, my daughter in law is pregnant, I feel her emotions. I will stop there. Oh trust me there is more. I thought I was clinically depressed. My thoughts just won’t turn off. Can’t seem to gain control of my inner self. Everything is off track. I long to have mental peace and relaxation in my brain.

Kim

Wow! Linda, you just stunned me with your description of me! I am never happy because I see and feel so much sadness and nothing I can do about it. I can’t sleep for worrying if that deer standing beside the highway on my way home is safe or did it get killed. I’m just now figuring out a lot about myself. It’s both interesting and kinda scary at same time. I do wish there was a support group for us.

Mathew

This is so crazy. I have never heard of an empath until reading this article and it described me perfectly. On top of that I too am with a narcissist. We have been together for 12 years and I don’t think I could get out of this relationship. It’s so hard.

Marshall Cain

Mathew, it’s my experience that the narcissist almost always takes. When they give it’s usually to set you up so they can tear you down again. I’m not saying they never give but it’s a rare thing. They get a sick enjoyment out of hurting you. Think of what you’re losing by staying with her because as you say “It’s so hard”. She knows you’ll put up with her crap and if you try to leave shell give you a bunch more to make you want to stay however she can. She just has to be in control. Try and imagine having peace of mind day after day. That’s what I have since I got away from my X.

Alicia

I was called “too sensitive” by my mother most of my life as well as some very mean critical and hurtful things. I value my quiet time to regroup especially taking walks outside in nature never wondering why. I use to wonder why I felt things so strongly and sometimes confused other people’s feelings or energy as my own. I can sense a shift in the atmosphere that would make my mood change and thought it was me! But no so, it’s sensing other people’s energy. It is makes me incredibly angry when I KNOW that someone is lying or trying to manipulate me. I too have been involved with narc relationships and have a parent that is controlling and manipulative and lies. It’s hard because you love them because you’re supposed to love your parent but you want to stay away because of how they try to hurt you. Love to all my fellow empaths and I pray now that we know who we are we learn how to navigate life better and live stronger , healthier, productive lives while learning to love on ourselves more❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ May God bless and keep us all.

Myra

Wow reading all the comments here are amazing…it’s funny how much of everything people wright, we’ve all felt.
I too am an empath and just realized it two months ago I was married to a narcissist for 26 years I divorced now Four years later and I’m still recovering unfortunately having kids make us still connected he still tries to control me or ever he can….and he’s marrying his best friends, of 10 years, ex-wife. Hardest part is my three daughters are OK with what he did, he pretty much destroyed me on all levels the Classic narcissist blame, shame, guilt & punishment and how they lie repeatedly and flip it that you were the narcissist; The hardest part is my children have taken his side and go visit the friend that betrayed me as she was my neighbour friend for 10 years she is also a narcissist so now it is 2 narcissists getting married which will be interesting to see how that plays out. I can’t believe how high my emotions get about this topic still after four years …how do I let go????
I am focussing on myself I’m trying to understand this GIFT but once again as many people have said here it feels a lot more like a curse. I have found a strong spiritual counsellor that has helped me understand my past which will catapult me to a better future. I think the best thing is understanding who we are so we can protect ourselves and use our gifts.
Understanding who I am has definitely made a lot of my pass understandable now

Jeff

Wow do I know you? Cause it sure sounds like you know me. Except I barely dodged the marriage bullet from my narc of 5+ years. Still trying to bow out gracefully but keep taking her back. Love sucks for creating that inner conflict in me. Anyway thank you for your comment. I found it to be rather refreshing as well as relieving that I’m not the only one. I do think it’s hereditary for what it’s worth.

Caleb Friedman

wowww this explains everything. I always viewed it as a blessing in disguise since sometimes, it just ******* hurts. but it prooves to be so helpful if you know what I mean. For so long I thought I was crazy, thinking other peoples thoughts, recognizing im feeling their feelings and not mind. At least im not crazy but its sure true 🙂 empaths suffer so much. Whenever I see my friends in hurt, I cant do anything or say anything besides to help them and guide them through it. I need to practice not trying to help. lol. there were times when I was in high school, and I had about 4 girls a day at set hours to talk to me about their pain and Id give them advice. I was like a therapist. It brought a lot of joy in my life knowing im helping, but a lot of pain as well. This provides so many answers. I felt so alone and lost due to this.

Ken

I think the narcs are attracted to the people who care about other people. I’m a male and have been in a marriage with a female narc who spoted my kindness and has just about used me up. I keep trying to fix her problems and now our grown up children that share her traits. To tired to old to move on and save myself. I do understand and hope others read our stories and not fall victim.

Venus

I know exactly what how awful it can feel when your adult children exhibits the same traits as the Narcc parent , my ex husband .., I have 2 that are that way and one teenager that he is trying to mold the very same way today, it scares me to see those traits in them because I have a dislike for those kinds of people and for my own blood to be one of those people is very hard to deal with , Good Luck to you Ken

Ricky

I know the feeling that it is too late in your life to make any change worth the effort.

Add substance abuse, massive debts, losing my only child to a wife that is severely mentally unstable, newpartner is narcissistic, 14 years with her and she has destroyed me. no energy, bad health, no hope, no love, just waiting for cancer to come and finish me off pretty much. She wont leave. She may some day when there really is nothing left to use me for. I lose this house she will move on i bet anything thats true.
Feel like such a pathetic idiot for falling for all this.

Leigh

God I feel the same way. I have been in a recent 18 year long horrible marriage. Been taken highly advantage of…and just broke free only to have a male friend try to take advantage of my emotions again by threatening to kill himself if i don’t move in with him.. It hurts all too bad….i need that recharge…nature here i come!!!

larrykepke

That sounds exactly like me I’ve been that way since I can remember even 2 years old and ever since then I don’t know how to deal with it I can’t get away from people that are extremely negative energy to me and they pass that on to me and I’m just destroyed after that I don’t know how to get it out of it the only thing I can think of is to get away from all people all together which is what I would prefer but I don’t know how you do that

Venus Ford

That sounds like my life exactly before I read this article , I always wondered what was wrong with me and why I find myself feeling like I don’t belong in this world, and feeling the pain of others even from voices and sight , I stopped watching the news and listening to it maybe over 10 yrs ago because I could feel so much pain and sadness about people I don’t even know personally , and I also was in 2 relationships with both men being narcissists and I could never break away with feeling broke , it’s nice to know there are others out there like me , and you made it

Chanda Blankenburg

I just wanna say that I 2 had to stop watching all news as the pain from others pain is overbearing

Squirrel

As I’m reading your reply I’m tripping out because I’m exactly the same. I just left my narcissistic husband of 35 (off & on) years. I’m just discovering that I’m a person who emphasizes. And WoWzerZ!!! NOW I Know what’s “wrong” with me. I think narcissists are magnetically attracted to me. LoL…does that now make me a co-dependant empath?

Laura

Oh wow. I am finding this out about myself and I’m married to a narcissist. The more I learn the stronger it makes me want to leave and to understand why leaving is so hard.

Bruce Storlie

Very interesting Stacy! Thanks for writing your experience because I sooooo resonate with that. I just thought I was being a smart alec when constantly finishing peoples sentences for them or coming up with the word they are searching their brain for. You can hear their brain before their brain can tell their mouths. You know a lie as soon its said. Feeling deeply others emotions, constantly having foresight into motivations of others…..it is exhausting. I’m 66 years old and just realized I’m an empath. Trippy. I just thought I was weird to know all this stuff without tangible proof. When you tell people about something, another person usually, but could be events, politics…..but you tell somebody about some thing, and they say, “Ohhhh but you don’t know that, you’re just saying it”. No, thats not true. We really do know – we just can’t explain why we are so sure. It all makes so much sense. I’m a Scorpio too – who are often associate with making some of the best detectives because they put things together as others cannot. I truly thought I had strong 6th sense. Now the light bulb came on. Wow!

Amanda O'loughlin

I discovered I was an empath not long after leaving my narcissistic husband. Unfortunately I still feel that discomfort from him and I am struggling to let it go.
He has 2 of my children and has made it impossible to see or speak to them and I have evidence of the manipulation going on in the home.
I feel lost there.

David Nicholson

Wow, very interesting insight.I am particularly interested in your comment about other people’s pets sitting at your feet. I have always experienced the same thing and wonder what it is that attracts them to me. What do you think?

Dinorah

Hi, I’m sorry about your husband, the “narcissist.” However, I’m glad you found your voice and courage in that situation. I’m also an empath. I have make since I was a child. Anyway I have never heard another person notice how pets take to them so easily. I am also a magnet for dogs, cats even birds. That’s very interesting. Thanks for sharing that. It’s a very lonely world not knowing other empaths.

Lindy flay

O only just recently found put I was an empath I’m 54 years old. I knew I was with some sort of ability then I joined the Sage Methods and realized that’s exactly what my ability is…i took the tests..I aced them all and now reading this article.ive no doubt…
Being an empath for me is full on and I need bush and water to bring my emotional state back to grounded form, I can pick up negative energies from my headed destination 500 mtrs away from that building, the negativity when I get into that building hits me like a cannon ball. I’ve been able to be in a conversation yet pick up on another conversation in another part of the room..I see shadows behind people lying to me and yes like 1 other reply I have animals sit at my feet..recently a flock of sheep…sometimes I’m carrying that much negativity around on me from others I lash out myself because I’ve not been able to release that energy…it becomes so overwhelming…I’m told all the time I’m too sensitive, I’m high maintenance and because I see the truth I’m labeled as trouble..it’s draining and demanding..but I love that I can feel the pain of others it makes me realize that not all are narsacists and label throwers…and I love helping people…my other part to being an empath is I pick house vibes…bad vibes in a house I enter, not people in it but in the house itself
I have to leave that house right off the boundary leave…..I’m slowly learning how to control my emotions but it takes time

Mike Leonard

Jessica, ditto

I just ended a 5.year relationship with a Narcissist that nearly destroyed me. Now the thing that is most therapeutic is connecting and helping others. There is such a need for it, so many people are desperate for someone to show some empathy.
Thanks Mike

Bruce Storlie

OMG Linda. I’m going to end up replying to every. So much of me in these words. Is there a club for us? A place we can chill with honesty and respect and be amongst like kinds?

Duane

I feel like I mirror the energy of people in my life. I find myself in relationships that are draining. I believe in my intuition and trust what it’s telling me regardless of what the other person tells me. I struggled believing my intuition and spent lots of energy trying to figure it out when people lied and it amazed me how long a person would stand their ground knowing they’re lying. It would take a lot of energy and cause anxiety. I wish there were a way to prove intuition that would make those who live negatively not waste my time and energy.

Keisha

I am a female in my teen. I was browsing upon the word empathy and this website brought me so much nearer to myself. I realised that I myself am an empath, currently with me in my teenage year and dealing with so much negativity around me I feel so overwhelmed, I don’t want to use the word depressed but I just feel so low all the time and after reading many comments of people saying opposite attract, the burden was put on top of everything else since I have never been in a relationship before. This also explains why many of my secondary school experiences that I don’t have many school mates and in general friends. Thank you for whoever made this website it’s been helpful to find the root of the emotions that I feel throughout everything. Oh and one more thing, my mum I would also consider an empath even though we never talked about it but her husband, my dad was a narcissistic and now I’m worried that my 22 year old brother would become like his father.

Chidimma Clare

I can totally relate to your feelings as such is mine current emotions now. I can use a friend now that understands how I feel cos those I have around do not understand.

DEEDA131

I am already a ‘living miracle’ 61 yrs old now……….
my 1st cerebral hemorrhage was January 2000. I lived with the pain,limited vision and only able to crawl when I finally allowed my mom to call an ambulance (6 days after my traumatic headache which occurred at 615 am almost a week earlier). I was just visiting them in Ventura county and I live in LA. I have always been ‘overly’ sensitive to friends/family pain/joy/and depression. I now know who/what I am and my rare sensitivity – sometimes wonder if that is why I have had/have survived 4 brain aneurysm surgeries – I should have died when the 1st one was misdiagnosed to just be a ‘migraine’ headache.

Richard JOHNSON

If you can find anyone like us or a group (ha) please let me know i am so tired of people using me and lying when i know they are. Cant trust anyone. I need to find people like me. Please help i need all the info i can get

mark wolfe

Dear Richard,
In the article you read, there are links to some resources to help empaths, like this support page for empaths on Judith Orloff’s website: https://drjudithorloff.com/empath-support/. Although PsychAlive is not a psychotherapy or mental health assistance website, we encourage anyone who is struggling to speak with a trained professional. Dr. Orloff’s Facebook Support Group might be a good place to find a therapist who is familiar with this issue. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/929510143757438/
This is also a helpful page for finding a therapist: https://www.psychalive.org/get-help-now/
Our article on empaths also recommends self-compassion, and here is a place to learn more about the practice of self-compassion: https://self-compassion.org/
I hope that helps.

Christina logsdon

I am also a empath and if anyone would like to chat please message me at Chriss logsdon on fb

connie

YES ME!! ive known at a young age something was different about me i remember being in furst grade having that feeling of not fitting in. not because kids didn’t except me it was me withdrawaling from them my mother was a single parent and we were poor growing up in low rent apartment s. i always thought god protect me because our struggles. i can look at someone and kniw without them saying a word if that person was a bad person. i always knew if someone was being hurt or needed help and i feel like a magnet with everything in the world animal plants people today i was added soal to my plant s. and i went to open the bag of soal a this little frog that was in the bag jumped on my hand just chilling out looking at me crazy crap like that happens to me all the time its nice to read that im not alone it seems like i was the only one until now reading everyone s comments was comforting and me writing all of this and not being or feeling ashamed or different. Thank y’all for sharing

Etta bernal

I feel everything you are feeling too I am homeless with a mental hanicap for a year now. My big problem is I help others that take from me and lie to me I don’t know the word no to people so I haven’t at the end of moth lefted

Lindy Flay

I hear you when you say others do not understand..when I try and explain in the first minute I can tell by their energy change and demeanor that they think I’m lala..I have no friends like me…just negative energies fighting against me

Jack M

I feel you. It is life controlling. Yet, sometimes I envy someone who simply doesn’t give two hells about another’s emotions or mindset because they can’t even see or feel it. They “take care of themselves” much more efficiently. Sometimes outside looking in, it looks so appetizing. ?

Myla Pizzifred

Stated very well and to the point but at the same time I’ve wouldn’t change it for anything in the world, that is, being an Empath for it has allowed me to see people and the world through a different set of lens and oh how beautiful it is even amongst the pain.

Olivia

I crave to not feel sometimes, and the universe just keeps sending me people who need help. I’m trying to stay strong for my girls while my husband is deployed but it’s just so hard.

Ken

I have thought the same thing after helping people repeatly. Being so tired but still un able to just say I don’t fill to good can we do it tomorrow. one day you realize you don’t have many true friends which sounds strange when you help a lot of folks. You start to think what if I need some help to do whatever that maybe a ride to the Dr Maybe a friend that won’t ask you for anything or won’t lie to you. I thought hard I couldn’t think of anyone not my wife not my grown sons not my daughter. It was a sad day.

Mark J. Sharp

It is so sad but not just for you, but for them as well. Knowing what lengths you are willing to go for even shallow friends, just think what you would do for a truly real friend.. Most don’t understand and sadly never will. I think i can easily say that I would, without much thought if any, willingly lay down my life for a true friend if it were needed.

Pascale

Yes they seem to have an “easier” life. Just taking care of their own needs and wants. I envy them and despise them but I am getting much better with setting boundaries. My hope is to find a place to live with really good energy.

Gina

Extremely EXHAUSTING!! In emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects! I’ve had to really pull away emotionally from others, because it is well, TOO OVERWHELMING! I hurt to the point of not being able to function, but not for myself, but for others. That just isn’t good. The energy I absorb is unreal, but I don’t even think about it. It just does what it does. I guess the only positive, is, I can adapt to who is in front of me. I can feel their energy, and I can conform, in order to try and communicate better. Don’t know if that makes sense. At the same time, those gut intuitions/energy, have been ignored, because I chose to believe in WORDS. I have been badly traumatized because of this ….

It’s a REAL thing !!!!!!! I can feel the atmosphere changing in the room, usually to a negative. I immediately start praying to Jesus!!! I’ve experienced things in the spiritual realm, that I never want to experience again !! I don’t understand how “some people “, are drawn to these things. I didn’t in any way, ask for it !!!

Stevo John

Gina,

Now I know why I love people so much & desire love that’s never received. I just found I was an Empath & now I fully understand why I’m STUCK & completely ZAPPED from energy. I know better but I still choose to love people who use me & lie. I keep attracting narcissistic people who take take take …

Alicia Bryant

OMG, WOW I just figuring this out being a empath, and it all makes since people don’t get me at all and never have I feel alone and lonely finally I am not crazy can someone please reach out to me would really Appreciate it…

Wendy McDowell

I feel the same way. I have been a loner all my life.
Now I know I am not crazy for not wanting to be a round a large crowd. I can feel how another person is feeling when I am around them. It is very draining.

Zia

My entire life I’ve felt like nobody in this world would ever understand me. Reading this article Felt like someone was gathering the pieces and finally completing the puzzle that’s been my life .
I’m always the one smiling to the point where everyone in my life knows me as the one who never gets mad, the really sweet one. And I’ve never ever in my life showed them what Im really like. I cry almost every day because I feel soo boxed in. People don’t really understand that you can feel sooo alone and and trapped like a prisoner to your own feelings but still put on the best brightest smile. The only hope I ever had was for someone to finally catch me in my lie.

Betsy Edholm

Ditto for me on choosing inappropriate (narcissists) as partners, thank u 4 putting into words as it gels for me when I see the words rather than just thinking about it. Just recently put my experiences into action, finally, by just saying no. It’s never too late to set YOUR boundaries.

Jeff

Wow I still so blown away at all these descriptions of myself and I’m 43 barely snapping or should I say finding myself. What a feeling!

Lindy Flay

Gina and John..
There are obviously so many of us here..imagine if we could all meet and be in the same room..the positive energy would light the room..
I have found myself giving more to the jarsacists trying to find acceptance..I always walk away drained talking to myself asking why I keep putting myself through that pain when I already know the outcome…fear…of being alone…as I sit here now feeling lonely and wishing there was just 1 person I could call or go and see who is like me and so many of you other wonderful empaths

Valerie

I am the same as you, plus I experience paranormal activity in my house. Native Americans.

Every time I go somewhere, I have to recuperate for two days. Anxiety drains me. I definitely sense how others feel towards me. I dwell on the one negative vibe instead of the 10 positive vibes. I worry constantly about something may go wrong. I over think and over pack, just for a four hour adventure. I’ve had so much anxiety I can’t eat hardly any foods any anymore. I had to drink protein shakes for nutrition. I predict all the tv shows what is going to happen and it does. Much more….I make myself go places because I’m a musician and love singing.

Venus

Predicting TV shows I do that also , and I find myself saying to people well it obvious can’t you tell how the story is gonna go, and like you said it does ..Then I’m the person Who think they know it all

Demo Kacchan

I feel alone because everyone tried to understand me but they never truly feel the pain that comes from picking up other people’s pain. It’s a curse that I would love to be rid of, but I don’t know if I’d be myself if I did.

Blanca Ventola

You are who you are

My mother would tell me all the time

Never change who you are just do your best to understand yourself

Julie Hancock

Beautiful encouraging words. What an insightful mum.

Jo

Smartest thing I’ve ever heard. Everything beautiful is a bi product of that surely?

McKinley

I’ve had the gift/curse discussion and there was a time I didn’t want to be an Empath and I renounced my gift loudly. Be careful what you wish for….the Cosmos answered me alright. This was one life lesson I would never ever forget. I got wish but with strings attached and I had no control. Within a number of hours after renouncing my gift, it was gone. EVERYTHING I was as an empath was stripped from me. I was like being alone in a white room or static bubble and I couldn’t feel ANY energy from anywhere . I was scared, trying to understand what just happened. Was this a punishment? I later came to believe that it was a punishment. I didn’t want to leave my apartment, even for groceries. I went to see a friend who instantly recognized something was severely wrong with me. I told him but he had no answers for me. This hell went on for 6 weeks and stress kept building up. I ended up in Hospital with a severe case of shingles, several times worse than what an average person endures. I meditated in Hospital and examined my thoughts and actions up until that day. I can only be the person I really am. I was reminded to embrace everything that makes me unique. Everything has some good and bad and the Cosmos works better when we work toward finding balance. I accepted everything as an Empath and not everyone can experience a wonderful gift like this. Minutes later a Dr walked into my room and I thought I might pee myself. I could feel him and it was all I could do not to jump up and start dancing. The Dr was discussing my home care and other topics related to my having shingles. I knew I had my gift back because I just realized my Dr was bullshitting me a little bit During our talk ( trying to influence my behaviours and decisions). Boy I missed that. Remember…we wouldn’t have such a gift being an Empath if we weren’t strong enough to learn how to make it work for us, not to squander it.

Ken

I feel the same I wish I had an I don’t care switch some time and I could just turn it off. I see people do things that they don’t think twice about that harms others . Worst thing you help people and you know they either don’t care are will abuse you in the end.

Jamie

Omg Gina THANK You for your post and everyone!I can relate to everything you just said and I’m so glad their are more of us. I knew something was different about me for years and I feel like I can function properly now that I’ve educated myself, with being an empath. I could never identify who’s feelings or thoughts I was struggling with as I couldnt differentiate mine from others near by me and it exhausted me.im so sensitive and I sometimes wish I didnt have to feel everyone’s pain an anxieties but my purpose is to make others feel better so they don’t ever have to feel the way I have. People are drawn to us because we are healers and they feel safe with us, but try not to let them unload issues to much as we can become emotionally exhausted from their sad feelings.

Kyle Forsythe

I agree. I kinda always new I was a empath, but the first time I heard about empaths. It was always linked to magic or psychic and that was the only info I could get. I’m glad I took a empath test and looked it up again and now there’s so much info, which is helping me a lot. It’s good to know there are more of us than I thought. I do have a question. Is there any other social empaths like me? I’ve learned to find people with good hearts with my gift/ curse. I try to do fun activities, which usually brings positive energy. Sometimes I have to dill with negative energy to. Like; fear, self doubt and anxiety. The biggest thing I want to change is to not fall in love so easily and stay in love for so long. It’s hard being a single man with this. People always think I’m something I’m not like a player or guy. So I always get rejected. It sucks knowing the woman I love, love me to before anything happens. I always put my self in the friend zone or I move to fast and scar them away.

Lindy Flay

Kyle I do the same..except the social side..I used to be that social butterfly until my empath abilities kicked in full speed ahead now I get severe anxiety thinking about having to be around groups of people….
But at 54 I’m still single..I’m a really happy go lucky loving laid back lady but I meet guys and I fall way too fast…but I then have a tendency to sabotage when I start picking up their negative energy..I’ve still not learnt how to fix that problem so I stay single

Mads

I am 21 years old and have always, for as long as I can remember, been afraid to speak about the overwhelming energy and presence I experience on a day-to-day basis. I am replying to your comment in specific because I think what I have found out, and in all honesty haven’t fully admitted to myself, is that amongst all of the doctors I have seen, medicines I have been prescribed, mediums/empaths I have spoken to about my experiences, the ONLY thing that has been able to close the door to the “bad” energy is closing my eyes and asking Jesus to catch it for me. I’m not sure if praying has ever truly helped you or if it’s been more of a last resort attempt to make the anxiety go away, but coming from a college student who was not raised religiously and is actually quite good at pretending like I’m normal and strong the only thing that has helped me see that this is a gift is God. He takes away all the bad for me and I know it sounds crazy, but it works. To add to this, try to ask yourself what kind of potential these abilities could give you if you looked at your life in a different light… try asking, if you are open to praying, why God gave you this gift. You are very special and I think instead of asking PsychAlive’s audience why these things are happening to you and pointing out all of the negative effects that come from your situation, you should try asking the One that gave you this gift in the first place some questions. I am curious to see what He answers. Just a thought 🙂 you may be surprised. xoxo

Cheryl

Reading this has made me realize that I was Single and a caregiver to my mother for the last 10 years. (Alzheimer’s ) My boyfriend at the time couldn’t deal well w me TALKING about anything that was drama! Also told me I talk too much after I said we don’t communicate well!
My Mother recently passed away and all the sudden he wanted me to come around and if there was anything he could do for me let him know. Well, there’s lots to be done and I really needed support. I run a low income housing unit of 32 that was moms business!!! People are homeless and hungry! We take them in! Get them to the places they need! I do feel like an empath s all these feelings relate.
After reading about narcissists I do feel if I’m not doing for him it’s like I’m not there! I’m 58.
I think being an empath or at least close to it I deal with a lot of people and it does drain me to the point where I don’t want anybody around that’s kind of scary I never was like that but now I don’t like going anywhere except my own house I’m learning how to say no that I don’t have time! It’s hard! It’sa beginning !
Ending that relationship was a it difficult but I keep writing down everything that happens daily and I am trying to treat myself as well as I work with the homeless. Mindful breathing, and recognizing this is gonna be my work!
Pray that God’s gives me this gift for ME TOO
BLESS YOU ALL, thank you for sharing, this even helped me get on w my day

.

Jeff

Thank you. I think I now realize that my narcissistic gf was sent to me to show me I was an empath. I long for a way to bring her to Jesus. It seems as though I’m taking it as a personal challenge. Does God have anything to do with these connections. It feels in some way my duty.

Ken

I’m sad to tell you after 40 yrs of marriage and trying to share my faith with my wife has not worked out so well for her nor me. My health is damaged from the one way love you will get back. The other partener my wife has suffered nothing and has not changed one bit jesus is as much a stranger to her now as he was 40 yrs ago.

Lesley D

Wow! I’ve done a lot of reading on this subject. I am not a religious person but am spiritual. I must say, for 21 years of age, you seem to have a better grip on this subject and more confidence than most others who are two to three times your age. Keep up whatever you are doing and you will be unstoppable in whatever you choose!

Lindy Flay

Mads I believe in God always have but I am also very spiritual and I have 2 amazing guides with me 24/7..I know spirituality is not everyone’s thing but it works for me..so I ground clear and protect asking for my guides to provide me me with white light protection saying a prayer to ward away all negative energies not meant for my higher self and welcome all positive energies meant for my higher self. It works beautifully but I forget I pay and feel everything around me like a battering ram…
I include the lords prayer with my spiritual protection as the Devine is still the biggest part of the spiritual realm

Tylisha King

The part you said about the only positive was being able to adapt to who’s in front of you… It’s my only way to seem to survive dealing with any one exception my two beautiful children. It makes so much sinse. Perfect sinse thank you so much!

Christina Burks

I agree that being a empath is very exhausting and an emotional rollercoaster. I was told by my boyfriend last night that I was an empath so, I looked it up and its crazy because, I didn’t know something like this was real. But, I understand why after I have been around large crowds or in church services I just want to hide from people and just be alone because, I need to recharge myself. Now, I don’t feel so crazy.

If any wants to talk them can get me on Facebook under my name 🙂

Aimee Melissa Taylor

I’m 100% so luckily I came across this website I finally found people who think the same as me and wondered why I’ve felt like an outsider all my life no one understands me or they half do but that’s because I tone down half of what I’m thinking or feeling ! Feel free to add me on fb also 🙂

Julie S

I experience the same things in every word you just typed. It’s ruining my life and my job. How do you cope? Help me please? I’m begging you

Debra

I’m 66yrs old Over the long decades of suffering with being an empath and many different experiences with this throughout my life that are your same stories listen to your gut feelings, Don’t second guess or think your crazy or it’s you as much as you can. The process of acceptance of this condition takes time and willingness to look at the truth. Own it and don’t try to get people to understand. Sadly this will save you time and energy before it potentially destroys you. I know, I had a lot of counseling and still run into problems with everything on occasion that you’ve all said

Kyle Forsythe

Have some alone time to gather your thoughts. Try to figure out where the negative emotions are coming from. If you can try to help them. If that doesn’t work see if you can change your schedule. If you have fun loving friend. After work take a hour of alone time and then see if they want to hang out or watch a comedy to get you laughing. I hope I help you. Always remember you are a wonderful person.

Colleen Forte

I can fully relate to you. I found that when I was not grounded, was not emotionally well .that I suffered the most from the “Super-power” of being an empath. To make an analogy, when the house is on fire, you’re not worried about the state of your fences. I was also married to a narcissist, and while I was with him, I was more susceptible to the pain of other people. Now that I have left that relationship, my boundaries are in place, and I do not absorb the energies (good and bad) from others as easily as I did before. My advice: look closely at the relationships you have in your life. If someone drains you of energy, limit the time you have with them, and remind yourself that this is their burden, not yours. It will be tough, but with practice, it becomes much easier.

Tonya R Clark

I feel the same things. I can sense something is wrong and when it happens I’m devastated. I can look at people and sense the evil or good in people. I really don’t like feeling this way. I answered yes to all the questions stated above. Im constantly praying to separate my emotions from others.

Christine Dunstan

Thank you for telling how it is for you all. Sooo reassuring to me. I think you have helped me understand myself.
My challenge is that I doubt the thoughts I’m having about people and situations because I think they can be viewed from different angles and I wonder if I’m projecting myself onto people and situations. It’s almost as if if I’m making up scenarios and fearful stories in my head of worst case scenarios and catastrophizing.

. I feel so so much love and feel very protective of my first little grandson. When I’m with him I feel as if he’s my child.
I felt a wrench when he went to spend time with another grandparent aged 6 months. It was a different set up to how I raised my children.
When he cried at the handover I didn’t know what to do with myself,I was completely all over the place, I have to fight my instinct to keep him in my house. I had to get out of the way so I didn’t give my feelings away to my daughter who was doing the handover.
. It just felt 90% wrong to me. I didn’t feel they could look after him as well as his mother or me. The other 10% of me was trying to share nicely and imagining how the other grandparent would feel if they knew what was going through my head.
I didn’t know where the boundary was, I didn’t know my role. I felt I had to to empower my daughter by stepping back and letting her judge the situation and deal with it her way. I raised her to be assertive and to trust her instincts, and she is is doing very well in that respect.
I didn’t know whether to say anything or not as I was a gibbering wreck. I did managed to mention to daughter my thoughts, and she had concerns as well, l was mindful not to interfere in her marriage and life. I felt I could see it from everybody’s angle.
I eventually decided that in order to remain more stable and less emotional and calm, if I took my my antidepressants in a very small dose before they visited me from far away I could cope much much better. So about twice a year I go on a very short course of antidepressants and it has helped me hugely it’s my go-to solution but it’s not ideal and you people are really helping me thank you x

Kris Werkheiser

I sometimes feel so overwhelmed. I have lost myself and I’m so tied up with my family. Thinking about myself is non existent. I need time to recharge but I can’t find the time. I am truly exhausted.

Tim

I’m positive anyone who has googled this, but also feels compelled enough to post their connection to this is someone like me. I know so much about myself and the world, yet I’m at a roadblock…. I never really believed in mystical stuff (and still don’t) and am not religious, but I feel like if I had a twin to help me or someone just like me to help me break-though I so desperately need.

Ok, So really really don’t believe in astrology or horoscopes, but I have been more curious about the history of it—Now I understand the whole concept of cognitive dissonance and all the other psychological reasons people buy into these things, but—long story short—I end up looking up my horoscope and while I still don’t believe in it the way General society does, I do think mine describes me (or empaths) exactly: https://cafeastrology.com/articles/piscesmanlove.html

I know, I feel insane for even reading that, but it does a good job of generally describing me, regardless of astrology AND i’ve interest in reading daily horoscopes written by baby boomers (or millennials) trying to sell magazines, papers, read their blog….but that one page describes me really well—and I’m going at I from a scientific perspective, but that also includes ideas that there are things in the universe we still don’t fully understand….

Some days I just wish I was more of a psychopath or narcissist, because the world as it is right now seems to reward those people and they are able to get things done without emotions getting in the way, yet then again, the last thing I want in the world is to be one of those people….

I don’t know..I’m all over the place with this post. it’s 2am , so i’m too tired to write it all pretty, yet I’m so sick and tired of being an empath….it used to make me so creative and special, but certain events led me to a bad place 5 years ago and I don’t know how to get my life balance back…

I don’t know, I have the tiniest hope of finding someone, maybe here—maybe someone like me who has found their secret out of an emotional void as is willing to post here and eventually reach out…I’m such an empath that even in my despair I hope its a mutually beneficial relationship that helps both of us get past a problem that each other has the solution…

Anyways —here’s to hope…

Lynette

Hi it us hard to change who and what you are but don’t buy into that thougbt. I am an empath and struggled to find out my whole life to find the answers . My heart and soul goes out to other empaths. It is the most beautiful trait to feel and care for others but you must protect yourself from negative energy. Your thoughts and feelings can be changed when you eventulaly realize you must love and care for yourself first and formost. We can be much happier and at peace and still embrace this gjft. Regards to all.

Em

Well that’s just scary. That same site described me to a T! Unfortunately, I do not have much help for your circumstance. I am in the same boat, my soul searching for someone who just “gets it”. Who gets me, accepts me, without judgment. I will say that being in therapy (CBT for anxiety) has revealed some tremendous breakthroughs for me. Just this week we really nailed down the fact that I am an empath. Having an answer for why I do certain things led me to accepting this personality trait which is already leading to my no longer feeling a need to “fix” myself. There is nothing wrong with any of us (at least not intrinsically just because we are empaths, LOL!). Perhaps therapy would a place for you to start as well… xoxo

Nikki

wow… you even talk like me. all over the place but so dead on. I never in a million years thought if ever respond to anything like this I found on the internet but I looked up empath trying to better understand myself and while reading came across your post. I rather you reach me through facebook instead of my email if that’s possible. just look up nikki kenworthy. I have a couple facebooks one that I cant get into anymore so maybe message them all with something brief and I’ll see it on mine.. if you want

Mariesa

This is not only enlightening to read but hilarious in the sense that I think this sounds exactly like me also ! I’m sitting here like “whoa did I just stumble upon the others?” haha. To this day and time, I have also never responded to a single Internet forum/whatever you want to call it,such as this. And Tim, I think those certain events you mentioned were just tests and the usual daily nonempath attempts at destroying your peace of mind. We can easily lose ourselves and when we let it spiral too far , we become further away from our empath traits which make us so creative and special. But it can and will come back with repeated self care and introspection! (In my experience).

Vicky

You are so not alone even though you feel you are at times. I’m two days in to acknowledging that I’m an Empath. It’s like a mysterious closed door in my life has just been opened…..the journey has just begun. Big hug to all you guys out there.

Stevo John

I now know why I wake up to achieve but can’t move past being overwhelmed. I also feel like damn, here is the answer why you care about Others more then you care about yourself, my dad told me on his death bed, the only issue I have is that you do more for others then you do for yourself & you need to STOP. Problem is I can’t stop my heart won’t let me. I fully understand it all, it took 44 years to find out WHY! I have a heart of gold & keep attracting the same people over & over.
Instagram: @mattirouse

Teresa

i am an Empath as well. i didn’t know until i read about it recently. it can be very draining if you don’t find balance. i tried over correcting with narcissistic thoughts but found that just made me unhappy. i thought this is nuts, what is wrong with me? well nothing is wrong with me or any one else here. being an Empath is a gift you can use. first find a way to recharge, i use meditation. there is an app called Calm it works well. then pull yourself up by the boot straps a realize your gift. you can…
you can imagine yourself in someone else’s situation which means you can see things from another perspective. this is a useful tool in solving problems. it also means you are able to connect with a diverse group of people, reach across gender and racial barriers to connect emotionally and anticipate their needs, this is what turns a leader into a great leader or a speaker into an inspirational speaker.
you do have to protect yourself from negative people, groups and situation but the trick is to see the negative coming and remove yourself. surround yourself with positive and for your sake RECHARGE!

Valerie

I totally relate to your statement. I’m also a Pisces. I’m negative about myself, yet I know I’m worthy.

I’m told my anxiety lies to me, makes me think people are against me. But I think I’m picking up on vibes. Lots of jealous people in the music scene. It’s tough to be so over sensitive that I’m totally wiped out no matter what I do or go. Even if it was a wonderful time. It’s hard to deal with so I don’t get in a relationship because I don’t want someone to have to put up with my issues. I also don’t want to deal with someone else, take care of them, ya know? Peace….Valerie

Lesley D

You sound young. Being you are not in a relationship, I would like to give you some advice that I wish I had known in my younger days… Would have spared me decades of turmoil and pain. Please spend some time reading and/or watching videos regarding narcissists, how to spot one, the warning signs that you are with one and most importantly IF YOU SEE THE WARNING SIGNS RUN FAST RUN FAR AND DO NOT, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DO NOT LOOK BACK! NO EXCEPTIONS! Just a little advice from an old gal who’s been wrecked a few too many times….

Mads

Hey!:) I really think you would benefit from downloading the app, CoStar. Astrology, for me at least, seems to be the closest thing to magic that is scientifically backed up by extensive current and historical research, aside from my spiritual and religious beliefs. Please see that this strange phenomenon happening within you is extremely hard to understand for those who have not experienced it themselves. And you probably will find that others may grow skeptical of you. So how is it fair for you to really be skeptical of anything anymore, knowing that something so rare and unimaginable is happening within you everyday, ya know? If anything, I hope from your experiences you develop an open-mind and hunger to find out why you were given this gift. You’re living proof that the unimaginable is real 🙂 so very cool. One more thing. I truly believe that this gift comes from something so much bigger than us all. And being only 21 years old I probably have zero clue about the true meaning of life and why we’re all here in the first place, but I can tell you without a doubt in my mind that narcissists and their way of seeing life comes from a dark place. If you let them, the evils you come across throughout your journey, whatever form they might be in, will try their hardest to turn your abilities into insecurities and chaos. Fight these evils with confidence and don’t doubt for a second that this gift will change so many lives for the better, I swear the reward will be much more fulfilling than whatever the universe is rewarding the narcissists you know. What kind of quality of life would we have to look back on if we only helped ourselves? xoxo

Sunshine

I too relate to all the posts but for some reason I felt the need to reply to yours and I don’t ever post on these , but I truly feel your pain and craziness sometimes 🙂 it’s helped me to understand and except who or what I am, I’ve always thought like what a cruel joke from god to do this to someone but it’s not it can be but it’s a beautiful thing! You are so strong but rewiring and training your brain will help the most , school yourself on meditation and go on your path of enlightenment it has made such a huge difference understanding that I am with narrcissist to help them or to help me on my journey, it is hard and draining and if your with one now, except your part in it all, but know when it’s your time to go that you gave them what they needed for there journey and that what you went through made you stronger and is pointing you to your path! Everything is good and evil, yin and yang , but you are the good and choose good, bc evil is out there but we were put here to help to heal and learning when your job is done with that person and if you stay you can not fulfill your destiny, look at how many others you can help with your beautiful gift! It is hard but trust me excepting yourself and knowing how much good you offer the world , and knowing that the universe has so much more planned! I’ve never really been religious but I now know I’m spiritual I’ve read and researched so many religions but I don’t relate to everything they say, I do believe a higher power but idk if there right or wrong so I believe in the universe bc who am I to give it a name , but whatever or who I know there’s a higher power and that I’m here to show this evil world the good that’s here on earth! Without empaths think of how unbalanced the world would be, just know your special and be happy and except the beautiful soul that you truly are! But learn as much as you can and don’t fight it, just learn to love yourself and know this to shall pass! Here’s a few things to google I think might help enlightenment, zen, meditation, Freud, mindfulness, and true self! I know it’s a lot and you may look over this post but I hope this helps on your journey and maybe points you in the right direction! Good luck and remember the beautiful gift is just that a beautiful gift to bring light to such a dark place!

Connie Clark

YES!! So often I feel as though I’m functioning like a robot, give 100% to family, employer, customers and friends (which I have very few of)

Randall

I have a lot of these qualities with picking up on people’s radar, as well as seriously picking up on their emotions. I also have problems with my family members with trying to express myself do I share this ability with them or will it be used as a weapon against me, this is my fear

Lisa

Yes this is definitely me. I can’t bare going into London or large towns. I hate Being in busy pubs it’s almost painful. Can’t bare loud noises and I’m a great listener always Trying to help people so much so I feel used and unappreciated or that’s just how I sometimes feel.

Kevin

Hi everyone! I’ve been learning more and more about this incredible gift (curse?) that we all share. First and foremost if you are an empath, feel blessed because you truly are. I know alllllllll about the anxiety, depression, overwhelming feelings, difficulty saying no, the $$$$$$ spent on counseling, the seemingly non-existent boundaries….and oh yeah the vicious and seemeingly never ending cycle of abuse that we find ourselves all too often consumed by not to mention that we attract it like nothing else. But, when we see our true selves and that we were born to bring love into this world, we are an unstoppable force for good. Most if not all of us have discovered this gift because of abuse and being caught in it. Is it hard? I’m laughing at myself even thinking I could answer that one because it can be so painfully hard. But the world needs us, especially in this day and age when the world is more corrupt than it has even been and by and large many people seem to think that hate is justifiable and vengeance brings inner peace and the love that every single person is longing for. Fight the good fight (meaning fight for honest love). Give it all you have. But before you do that, fight first for the right to truly love yourself. Become educated on the matter. Seek out others who understand this gift. The worst thing we can do is isolate, shut down, and not share this gift with the world around us. You see….we can’t live any other way. Embrace it. It gets better.

Boopie

I wonder how it came to be which people would be empaths and which would not . I am so drained. Yet so aware of myself as well as others so much that its a to a fault bc either o completely relate to all the less than ideal energies i am often drowing in from everyone i know or this extreme awareness in understanding human psychology and logical reasons to explain how or why someone might be such a narcissistic asshole or cold hearted aelf absorbed prick, that alot of times if these negative ways are directed at me well then somehow my strong mind and heart and deep understanding of the ways of the world n shit sorta make the poor treatment i may have endured wrongfully and the need for a sincere apology absolutely dissipate despite wishing it would still happen so closure and healing could take the reigns ….idk ..I swear im so damn overwhelmed and exhausted. I even had a stroke 2 years ago on the 19th of this month . It was 19 days after my 39th birthday.. stress anxiety and depression can create some of the most absurd outcomes for the most normal of life events and the not so normal just the same..

Amy F

Thank you! Wow! ?
After my entire day being spent on the edge of bawling my eyes out because of the “feelings” that have taken over my entire being, I find myself here, reading your words, and again I’m reminded how incredibly blessed I am to be an Empath! So, Thank You Kevin for sharing your raw emotions and truths to help each and every one of us on here searching for the answers.

Brandy

You are 100% spot on! I have been abused both sexually and physically since age 5, abandoned, used and mistreated. But I have also felt the pain and suffering of others which I was not a part of. Having the personal experiences along with literally feeling the emotions of those around me to the point of tears and emotional paralysis I still continue to love with all of me. I know it is my purpose but it can be hard to channel sometimes. I struggle with boundaries and self acceptance as the ‘inner critic’ is always talking! I have been on a journey of self love most recently and very intently. And part of my self love is ACCEPTING ME FOR ME! I know this can be a burden, but as you said it is more-so a gift. I give that to others I encounter because I know even the smallest gestures of love and kindness can and WILL make a difference in someone’s life and ultimately for all man-kind! So to all the Empaths reading this, God Bless you and KEEP BEING YOU! You are special and you are a gift to this world! Your love and energy will not only elevate yourself to a higher dimension but it will spread like wild fire to those around you. YOU are a strong soul with a purpose! Embrace it!

Connie Clark

Have been bartender 41 years, still working at 69. Often feel I am where I am because I’m supposed to make sad people happy, downtrodden people-hopeful. I am a hugger and people seem to absorb my hugs. Lonely people seem to gravitate towards me, Confused people come to me for comfort. But it’s so DRAINING

Connie Clark

I am so confused! I have been told that I’m an empath a few times. I do have a lot of the personality traits describing an empath, yet I still question whether I am or have I just become who I am because of the circumstances of my life? I don’t want to make this into a full blown novel so I will minimize as well as possible. Born to highly intelligent, socially powerful women who was extremely abusive mentally and physically. Taught us we were not worthy of being loved. Yet my grandparents and siblings loved me so why not her. F4 tornado blew me away from her and my senior year, living with grandma, I felt happy and loved. Married a man from a loving family who turned out to be just like mother. 4 beautiful children, my whole purpose for living. Worked so many hours and missed so much of their lives ( husband didn’t like to work) I knew someday they’d realize how unworthy I was and they’d quit loving me too. At 16-my son was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. After he died, I ran away, got divorced, met 2nd husband, LIVED, was loved, learned not to be afraid!! 5 years of greatness!! Car accident, his passenger was killed, went to prison. Next 5 years I visited every weekend. He died there-in my arms. SO-do I feel things so deeply because I’m an empath or because I can associate with so much pain?

Beth

Reading your post hit me to my core. Read it three times because I recognized how much this is me, my feelings exactly on not being religious and all my thoughts. I feel like an old soul in a materialistic world full of selfish, self serving and cruel people. Being a Libra fits me perfectly because I’m all about balance. Not having family or true friends leaves a void in my life. I have learned to be okay being alone with myself. I’d much rather have a true friend, partner and love to share the journey of life with. Having someone else who understands, cares and shares openly to *grow with what we *go through. Been taken for granted, used, stepped all over and verbally abused by a narcissistic man. I felt so stupid when I found out what I’d gotten myself into with this man. He wasn’t the first, he was just the worst. It’s hard to accept the fact that I started going to therapy to find out what was *wrong with me* I went secretly to a therapist because I felt so mentally exhausted wondering why I couldn’t do anything right. I gave my all monetarily, physically, emotionally and even pleaded for him to tell me what I needed to do to “fix everything.” I wanted to fix myself so everything would be right. Lesson learned and on the bright side, I have learned to love myself and how to keep myself in check mentally, emotionally and physically. If I could only find someone who relates to being an empath.
Hanging onto hope…

Thinking of ending

How do
U balance it
I
Am so out of tune
Overwhelmed
Can’t
Get control
Picture
This
Your with family friends crowds LOVER
AND YOU FEEL what they won’t say or u don’t have to hear what there saying cause u feel it
Lust,hate, contempt, manipulation ya da Yada
And one day u can’t manage Anything
You learn your families true feelings,mainly selfishness and greed.Always looking to take advantage and wondering Wth is wrong with her” me”
Relationship pfffft I’m a narcissist magnet or CONARTIST

IAM RELIGIOUS
It took a long time to
Realize people don’t think
It feel like
I do
Yeah this is so screwed grammatically and more but the
Tears and snot are
In my way who
Care at my end

Connecticut

I do!! ?

The ultimate empath does too, Christ! Our only hope! We are called to greatness! Go empaths!!!!!!!

Signed ~ One empath to another

Blanca Ventola

Ditto

All empath are the best humans on this planet and earth needs us !

No matter except who you are love it and embrace it but above all continue to educate yourself and learn to love yourself every day of your life especially being an empath is truly is a gift and sometimes it can feel like a curse I felt that at the age of 15 feeling confused and I remember embracing it at the age of five, I would tell my mother who is also an empath I feel things and I don’t understand mom and she told me one day you will understand who you are today I understand I am a true empath and I am blessed in every aspect of the word blessed

Stacy

We are special. And you are not alone. Don’t end it. Rather accept and embrace your life as an empath. I’m just beginning to understand what it means. But we are special people empaths.

Linda

Hi Beth,
I am a empath also I find myself always trying to help people especially kids, old people, handicap, dying people and animals. I find that people are drawn to me in need and I to them. However it seem that I’m always viewed as having some ulterior motive. I meet up with a lot of peoples vultures when i’m tying to help them and wind up in situation where people feel threaten that the individual i’m helping is getting to attach to me, which makes them feel threaten if there is some type of financial gain to be gotten. Also I feel what people are feeling. I can walk into a room in feel energy. I can tell weather I’m welcome or not. I can also be around a individual and feel what they are feeling. I can tell if they like me or not. Must of the time I try to dismiss it and continue on. I use to think I was tripping but not any more. Although I still find myself trying to ignore what I know is the truth, because sometimes I don’t want the truth to be true. It’s still a struggle and still a learning process. Sometimes I know things and try to share them with a individual, but I can’t because there is know physical proof, so I stopped. I may suggest a warning and stop. When I go further it always back fire on me in some kind of way. Some times I watch and when whatever it is happen. I stand by in support of what I knew.

Leslie R

Thank you for this article.

And for those that posted in the comments that are struggling with being an empath, I want to provide some of my experience…

Being an empath can be incredibly rewarding but you must protect yourself. It can be so draining. I spent decades depleting myself, feeling cursed or like something was wrong with me. Through acupuncture, meditation, yoga and guidance from some transcendence books, I have found ways to keep my energy up and still have more than enough to share.

The hardest thing to do is to learn to let go. To surrender to your empathetic abilities, to let other peoples energies simply flow through you and out of you, including your own thoughts and emotions.I don’t always have a lot of time, but meditation can fit anywhere, I do it on my way to and from work. I simply pay attention to my breath, any thoughts that enter my head, I just let them fall away. I don’t label them, I don’t agree or disagree with them, I don’t judge them, they’re like a cloud and I just let them float away. Return to simply being aware of my breath. When thoughts start appearing again, I noticed them but return to paying attention to my breath. I do this while standing in line at the grocery store, walking down the hallway at work, or any place where I can just simply pay attention to my breath even if it is only 5 to 10 breaths. Meditation can be that simple. It keeps me grounded. For an empath, this is so important, we get so lost and so overwhelmed. These simple meditations are like filling up your gas tank along your journey.

Some of the books I’ve read are “The Power of Now”, “The Four Agreements”, and “The Untethered Soul.” These books guide you on how to let go and restore your energy. Another important lesson I learned was to not take things personally. Being sensitive people, this is probably the hardest thing to do. Learn to let go of other people’s judgments and opinions, let other peoples problems and emotions flow through you and out of you. You can be there for them, and take on their energies which is helpful to them, and then you just simply let it go, do not hold onto it otherwise that energy can consume you and deplete you.

It amazes me how many empaths are out there, and yet we still feel very much alone. Take care of yourself. You are an amazing soul born with an equally amazing gift.

Lesley D

Thank you. I have been reàding the comments on this post for over an hour. I never do that. I have gotten some good advice, but yours was the reason I kept reading on. Thank you for taking the time to share what you have learned. Not only do I plan on following it and reading the books you suggested, but I will be paying it forward as well. Peace Out! 🙂

Toby

Thank you. Letting go and not taking it personally are the big ones. Maybe empathy only happens to those who keep their egos in their back pocket.

Richard H. C.

Yes I try to focus on that wonderful

Empathic energy e.g. Hope is sometimes
The thing that is greater than Fear.
Thank you

Sensitive child of 49

Our society needs more like us. I still weep for deaths that occurred decades ago. How can u get thru life w/o an understanding therapist, counselor or coach? (a trained or experienced person, not from your inner circle) It took me almost 50 yrs to realize this! I also realized I had Cluster C personality traits (avoidant / fearful & perfectionistic). As a “warm” child in a “cold” family my feelings weren’t acknowledged, deepening these traits. At work (public health), it hurts (& angers) me to realize that some co-workers (thankfully, few!) who don’t care. People who judge quickly or listen poorly (e.g., family members, friend, colleague) might misperceive my anxiety & panic in times of personal (or family) crisis as “selfish” when my distress is due to deep feelings of pain & insecurity (or grieving & compassion for others ). My cry for help or understanding backfires! I may withdraw for awhile, but seem to become even more sensitive towards people (I know or can just empathize with) who are hurting or suffering a loss, even if their situation is completely different than mine. P.S. When someone says, “You’re too emotional”, an authentic response may be, “No, I just feel very deeply”. –> If anyone has a different response, please share!! (Thank you.)

Laurie Reynolds

I’m glad I found this article. This has described me perfectly. I have always known I was different. I was not very accepting of this in the beginning but now I cherish it. Because of my ability to sense feel and interpret a another person’s mental and emotional feelings so intensely has changed me for the better. I use to think I was unable to connect with anyone on a higher level. Only after surviving a traumatic and near death event did I begin to truly understand, embrace, balance and share this beautifully intense gift. I have also learned a more effective way to explain what my life is like on a daily basis. I simply express that my life would be best described as an emotional rollercoaster that I was afraid to ride and left me completely helpless of ever making sense of it. Though now I’m embracing the most overwhelming beautiful chaotic sometimes devastating intensified yet calming cluster of emotions that make it worth feeling like a beautiful disaster. I have been blessed with meeting others like myself that leave me feeling complete and one with this courageously spiritual quest better known as life. I am also a very intense and overly expressive speaker. That’s of course when I meet someone willing to stay the course and let their soul connect with mine for a minute yet additively enjoyable ride. The few who withstood my storm of emotions have always come back to just enjoy things on a level few can only experience through one perfect experience of levels most could not even fathom. I enjoy who and what I am. I am a being unable to ignore or take for granted life in grandest sense. Thank you for allowing me to share a little about my life living outside the box. Inner peace is the ultimate freedom.

Connecticut

Oh my, I just met myself. Who could describe oneself better?! Amazing share! Thank you for your courage, insights, and bless…ed gifts!!! Wow!

Bradley Robertson

It’s a blessing and a curse! A blessing because I know I have enriched the lives of others and a curse because the people who know me the best , my family use it to hurt me in ways like no other! I would not change this part of me but I’d not wish it on anyone else either! My nephew in so many ways is like myself and this is yet another example of how! It’s hard to know this child will have a beautiful, yet tortured life beyond his control!

Toby

Totally, BAC, blessing and curse! I was able to use my abilities as a councilor for many years but then became so drained that I couldn’t talk with people. I could see the person who wanted to speak with me and I would duck out. They would even invade my dreams. However, as someone mentioned, “No” is a complete sentence. Love it

Liane

Whatever I am be it empathy or other I also hate it. I just ever wanted to be a normal human being. To just do & be what I want. It’s a terrible thing when your forced to feel things that aren’t yours. I’ve been dealing with this my whole life. For me it’s caused me nothing but problems in health & in my life. It causes you to be depressed & lonely. It’s been nothing but a hindrance for me. I have no problem admitting the things, thoughts, emotions that come with being like this but I know that it does not agree with me. Some can welcome it & it absolutely makes them feel whole. But for me it has never & probably will never benefit me. When some unknown force or emotion enters my body it feels all wrong & therefore I know it doesn’t belong there. It’s not just about negative energy or opening yourself up these forces or the universe. If you’ve had trauma in any way it exacerbate these symptoms.
Others may benefit but some of us are left with nothing but our hell.

Kristinn

I was at a pre Canada gathering last night and after about half an hour I felt like crying but I didn’t. I was in a cafe watching all the people and tried to distract myself by looking on the Internet instead but I was drawn to the people and sat outside and just watched …and felt and it was too much .too many people. All of them seems joined by lines or cables leading to me. Some were so angry and hateful while others were enjoying themselves and I focused on those ones but one angry man walked up and past me and that did it. I left, went home and felt relief but tired and napped. I still see the lines and people though .that was the first time for the lines . Usually if I encounter someone it’s just 1 person.i can handle them if they are calm but…lately I feel a need to touch them to tune in or get inside them more. Angry people I need to stay away from.its like being physically hit when they are near.

I’m getting close to 60 and this feature or mine is growing.
Soon I wont be able to be around anyone.
But I have my bicycle, parks, Internet and an amazing imagination I’m told.

Kristinn

“What’s it like to be an empath?”

Brutal and lonely. People have such troubles and they are wide open books.
In about 3 years now I’ve only met 2 people I could be around for a few minutes without discomfort.
One actually had such a good ‘inside’ that she comforted me unknowingly.
In 9 years only 3.
Due to my unease with people I pushed them away .it’s a habit . A lifelong one.

Toby

Yes, it’s good to know that others have this predicament. Even people I would like to be friends with, male or female, I cannot usually spend much time with. I’ve had the experience where people come to me in dreams to share problems or emotionally difficult situations. I do get tired. And it’s hard to explain !

Rafael Ortiz

So how do you know or rather determine when your own feelings are being detrimental to your well being?
Since empaths are based upon their sense of feeling it just seems like it could cause some major psychological damage if left unchecked. Please give me some clarity on this. Thank you.

Allyson

For years, I have wondered, “what is wrong with me?”. I have these feelings of worthlessness because I’m constantly belittled or have my niceness taken advantage of, or unappreciated. This leads to depression and a sense of unimportance. I was attending a church where I could really feel the emotions of others and would come home crying because I could sense the lack of love and compassion among the congregation. I had even began having panic attack’s. I left and found a church that is the most loving place ever! The only problem is that it’s a church with a large congregation and being in a crowd is often unpleasant but it allows me to often move about relatively unnoticed. Being unnoticed is probably the best thing about it. I was googling the definition of empath and found this group and I’m glad I did. After reading everyone’s post, I’m more confident.
Thanks for posting.

Gayle Roberts

“You’re just too sensitive, Gayle,” is a phrase I have heard during all the 65 years of my life; from my family, my teachers, my friends and my husband of 46 years.
Yet, when and of them were in trouble, they turned to me. I listened to their darkest fears and most terrifying memories. I held their hand and swallowed their darkness. I never disclosed what they confided in me.
My “Heart’s Soul,” (husband), still gets angry when I finish his sentences and hear what he is thinking.
My strength has always come from nature. She is cruel, but kind, She plays no favorites. Yet her world is heartbreakingly beautiful. I have four acres of wood behind my house that I walk in every day. I close with the first stanza of Edgar Allan Poe’s “Alone.”

From childhood’s hour I have not been
As others were—I have not seen
As others saw—I could not bring
My passions from a common spring—
From the same source I have not taken
My sorrow—I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone—
And all I lov’d—I lov’d alone—

Gayle Elaine Rice Roberts

Toby

Amazing, growing up with many acres behind our home probably saved me too. I just had to be home for dinner. You are fortunate to have someone in your life who understands. I have outlived my partners, the fee that I found.

ERNEST NOEL NANDANG

Thank God for this special gifts of being 100% Empath,80% melancholy and 20% choleric which all combine to help me discover my life callings which is base on service to humanity.I am called to be a unique ARCHITECT in order to protect our natural environment with sustainable design,an ENTREPRENEUR to solve our contemporary commerce problem and a great LEADER to liberate,gather and carry my people to our destined purpose in life. Good to be a gifted person with clear goals and strong guiding principles but one thing i lack: A TRUE HELPER WHO UNDERSTANDS AND IS WILLING TO WALK WITH ME.

Christine.

I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’m in my early 60s and from a young child my Mother closed me down. Only in the past few years do l know who l am. A natural, born Empath and HSP. I have a few Claire’s. All natural. I’ve never developed myself, never need to. It would be nice to hear from other Empaths.
Only me in my family are an Empath, but my Mother and daughter are psychic, naturally.

Revathi

Hi everyone! I’m an empath too. I’m 53, and most of my life I’ve been told I was over-sensitive and/or emotional. It’s only been a few years back that I realised that I was not just sensitive about my own feelings, but also to those of others. I realised that it was a positive trait because I am very considerate about others’ comfort and well-being, and to their feelings.

I have tried to be less sensitive and less openly emotional, but sometimes I’m caught off guard.

I’m an introvert and although I really like people, I cannot be with people all the time, nor can I be with too many people at the same time. I really need my downtime alone, to recharge.

I’m also highly intuitive and have had a few “insights” or premonitions concerning people I’m close to.

I was a teacher in higher education for many years, but have taken a break now and I’m studying Counseling Psychology. Now I’m not so sure if I want to become a counselor, because I can see how the profession could emotionally drain me, but I am also naturally drawn to helping people. So, a little lost career-wise, but I also trust the Universe will show the way, as it has done all my life.

I do have a handful of very close, dear friends, and I am aware that many people like me. However, I miss a soulmate on this journey of mine, but the scars of a bad marriage and the intrinsic fear as an introvert of losing my “space, are probably blocking the person from materialising.

Happy to read (most of) your posts here.

CJP

Wow, A friend had posted a Facebook message about not fitting in with the “Normal People” has always been a loner. I found this website, I had a yes for every question. It now makes sense why I find myself avoiding people, why after visiting friends, I end up with anxiety for days, because I may of said something that they did not like. I feel like a outsider all the time. I feel other peoples emotions. I can’t say no and people use me. Even to the point where it has endangered my life. I don’t fit in anywhere. It all makes sense, where do we go from here?

Rita Evans

I am wondering if Empaths find themselves overly sensitive in movies as well. If a character has a skin disease, I find myself itching. If a character is dodging arrows, I am dodging in my seat. I know I’m an empath with people. But movie characters? My husband thinks I’m just crazy.

Gary Zamarripa

I had a hard time watching “Meet the Parents” because I had such bad feelings about the despair of the main character, Ben Stiller. I always wondered why I was the only one that didn’t really like that movie.

Lance Wells

Suffering the pains of others to such a degree that it makes us introverts, sick and depressed prevents us from being of value to our loved ones and fellow human beings. We all need to be valued. When I finally understood this and that there is someone who already suffered for me and all my fellow humans then I was able to unburden myself, find joy and provide empathetic support to others and stay effective and mentally healthy in all my relationships. I discovered a foundation of joy under my anguish and depression.

Johanna

I didn’t hear about. The term empath until about a year ago when I read it in a medical journal. All of a sudden I realized all the characteristics that had set me apart from other people since I was a child were all attached to being an empath. I also realize that two of my three children are empaths as well. My mom certainly has some characteristics but as she’s gotten older and has had more physical issues she has kind of gone to the Darkside I guess of being an empath. That makes it hard For my daughter and I when it comes to having a relationship with my mom at times. I am currently getting out of a 29 year marriage With a narcissist. I went back to college I studied psychology as a concentration and never even saw the signs that he was a narcissist. I was in complete denial and unaware of the codependency that was occurring. All of this was occurring because I was just trying to be a peacemaker. I married into the relationship with two young children and all I wanted was for us to become a family after my third daughter was born and the older girls became teenagers the normal conflict started to occur but he would break out in an out rage over some small decision or some chore and all I wanted was everyone to just calm down take their corners take a deep breath and start over. My health has suffered as I have severe G.I. issues that have required three surgeries as well as fibromyalgia. I have now found who I am and I am embracing it and learning to set boundaries. When people get things such as gifts or a note or a phone call or a text from me and they say how did you know? I always say I pay attention. And I can’t understand why no one else does. So I guess that’s my hyper Sensitivity. I don’t feel overwhelmed and crowds unless the crowd is exceptionally negative but if it’s very positive it’s almost as if that refuse my energy. I am currently starting to date someone who thinks I’m absolutely beautiful and wonderful and wants to know every single thing about me and I have my guard up and I don’t know how to put it down with the exception of telling myself every single day that I am worth happiness and I am worth being loved and I need to start with myself. I’m also very open about being an empath with him so that he understands Better who I am. Would it be great if there was some huge convention of empaths absolutely I think we can solve world peace and world hunger and get rid of all the hateful people in this world and find better ways to rehab those that are in prisons and get our government street but more so just so that we can get together and realize that were in my purse sensitive beings who are special people on this earth for a reason. Have faith in my fellow empaths and don’t forget to love yourself.

No One

I think a lot of you have confusion about what an empath is. We know and feel shit way before it happens. It’s like the universe is made up of energy and for whatever reason is attracted to us and sends messages.

It’s super fucking stressful, even if you know how to block and protect yourself. Empathy is walking through Walmart and picking up the emotions of every being in the place.

Empathy is having a conversation with a stranger and knowing everything about them, not being able to say a damn thing while trying to keep the two streams of energy straight so you don’t fuck up and say something you shouldn’t know.

Empathy is walking through a place where people died and knowing how, when, and why they died. Empathy is hearing a person say one thing while hearing what they’re really feeling. It’s a constant balancing act.

mojtaba

I felt someone writing something about me several times (just 2 or 3 times). actually I cant say whats happening exactly but I have weird feelings like anxiety (but not exactly anxiety … I cant describe it). after that feeling I’m searching around myself to find whats happening to me and after around 2 or 3 hours when I go to internet (and that specific group) I see the source.

this weird feelings happens sometimes after that but I try to ignore it and I think there is something wrong about me till I see this Question.(this was happening to me about 10 years ago)
when I was younger (under 15 years old) I can predict when the phone wanna rings just about 3 or 5 secs before ringing and for making sure that I’m predict it right, I go to phonedesk and waiting till its rings (this happens just for my uncle which i like him) … I’m not sure but I think I remember some false detection.
and plus I have too much emotion for other peoples that i cant cope with that emotions. so I’m trying to cut down this feeling or ignoring them, After cutting this feeling I’m changed to stone heart.
But Now I think I wanna test your proposed way. and report it here

Lynette

Hi it us hard to change who and what you are but don’t buy into that thougbt. I am an empath and struggled to find out my whole life to find the answers . My heart and soul goes out to other empaths. It is the most beautiful trait to feel and care for others but you must protect yourself from negative energy. Your thoughts and feelings can be changed when you eventulaly realize you must love and care for yourself first and formost. We can be much happier and at peace and still embrace this gjft. Regards to all.

Marc Cinquegrana

I always said it was a blessing or curse. I absorb emotions. I can read a person upon first glance. For years I repeated, unknowingly that I’ve been gifted yet cursed. It brought me to dark places. Places I didn’t want to be in. Alone. I called it shutting people out. I drank to much. Not understanding why. That’s a subject all to itself. I debunked the argument. To me it’s a decision. It wasn’t until just a few months ago. I quit drinking. I detoxed myself. I had already been to detox twice. I renew my faith. I changed my denomination because I wasn’t getting enough and I needed to engage more. I just recently learned what an empath is. I read 1-2 percent. I also read ambidextrous about 10 percent and blue eyed 8 percent. I’m not cursed. I’m blessed. I’m facing every day challenges with arms open. No more self destructing. My ability to talk to people is second to none. I can finally help people. It’s a matter of accepting who we are and our unique abilities.

Dennis Wayne Johnson

Just now! For the first time of so many WONDERS ANSWERED ! I NOW DON’T FEEL THE LONELINESS THAT VERY VERY MUCH HAD CONSUMED ME !!!!
JUST REBORN TODAY… I LOVE LIfE AND HAVE ALWAYS HIGHLY KNOWN OF HOW BLESSED I WAS AND CURSED I AT THE SAME TIME.. THE GIFT WAS SO STRONG AND EXCELLED TO A POINT OF SOMETIMES OVER WELMING at times.. But also extremely entertaining for injoyment of the gift. That i was highly Intuitive of this gift and aware of the ability to see mass amounts of information from a perfext Stanger to the point of extremely entertaining my extremely receptive mind abilitys.. With out knowing what was going on with this ability about what I highly sensed that i referred privately to myself as a superpower.. I highly keyed in on how to balance the lonelyness of the curse that comes with this ability. At times I took advantage of all the normal people that I can’t relate with by using this highly Excel gift to sometimes f*** with people also … HEAR THIS !! This is one of the most important things that I have to share That I never could before because Most people don’t have the mental capacityOr capability to even comprehendThe things that I could never share! Until now.. Miking senses were so strongAnd excelled to the point of letting a person into my lifeFor the only purpose of using my secret abilityAnd gift Of being able to see into other people. And with heaven that ability I was able see To the super unnatural excel point of Changing their life for ever By using my extremely adapted abilities.. I always knew I could never keep a relationship just because of what I never knew what it was but always sensed and because I did Realise and understand the extent of the blessing and the curse I knew I could never ever keep a relationship… And this is why I would take on a relationship Artie knowing that wasn’t gonna last. But just for a project knowingWhat the abilitiesThe level that I have gripped.. I’ve helped open normal people’s World In the direction of a blessed and positive techniques… To elaborate what I am actually talking about And what I have learned a lot of normal people have a lot of things that are around them Psychologically that are not aware of And are limited to the capability of even sin but through a person like me that is able to see the s*** that I shouldn’t be able see.. But I Have learned how to use it on other people in great ways… In ways that have changed their life forever In a very beneficial positive way… And the reason why do this, From the overwhelming lonelinessThis has given me a sense of satisfactionTo help balance out The cursesThat comes along with the blessings .. and if you are somebody that has read this whole thing I just want to let you know for the 1st time today’s the 1st time ever that I for the 1st time had put a name on this..

Dennis Johnson

If you’re a Narcissistic, beware, running into an advanced Empath could be your worst nightmare.

Just saying.. Dennis Johnson

Josh Bintliff

This was extremely helpful; my therapist tells me I have the problem of taking on peoples’ emotions, to the point of having second-hand trauma, and this article really helped me understand what’s going on with me. My emotional intake can get to the point of stress hives and just breaking down, not very enjoyable. But at least now I why I feel this way!

Alice Marie

After all these years, today I learned I am an empath. Holy crapola. I’m a little confused but it definitely makes sense. So can someone on here help me understand why I keep seeing synchronize digits. 1111-222-333-444-555-1234.. like all the time. Does anyone else feel cold breezes, get poked, hear knocking on walls? Is this part of being an empath? I have also been receiving feathers from what I think are my spirit guides? I am not sure I need help figuring out why I feel so heightened with my emotions .. i was able to figure out my gf was pregnant because I actually felt it. She was hiding it but I told my husband that I had a feeling and later that week she announced it. Stuff like this happens all the time. I get feelings, I could think of friends or family and sometimes get vibes and feelings and get news from them the same day, next day or a few days later and it could be very woah.

Lisa

Hi Jenna,

Thank you for saying you are a psychologist. May I ask you how I can find a psychologist that understands the gifts of being an empath? I am artistic, a deep thinker, full of love and understanding towards others, and very hard on myself. I love who I am as a person but also realize I am my worst critic. Thank you. Lisa

Johnny S.

Thank you. We all should have and exhibit empathy and love for one another, and we are the way that we were created by God.
No reason to try to find labels for ourselves.
We are all children, brothers and sisters and neighbors to each other.
I love each one of you on this thread and your courage to comment.
I pray for all of you.

Adria

Wonderful people here I know! I didn’t realize what I was until after I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and I was so angry but now I have learned that I have to step away from people and there energy before I have a flare. It took me a year but everyday I am getting stronger. I take on so much negativity that it effects my health and I want to focus on people that actually need help because of circumstances beyond there control and I need to leave the people that drain me because of choices and mistakes they make over and over again. Much love and peace to all of you.

Alma A

Thank you for this article. After 44 years I have realized I am an empath. I can feel everything I mean everything! When I pass by a car accident I have flashes of being in the car with those people in the car rolling the car with them, people being abuse I can feel it even when I passed by a stranger. I can feel the hurt and pain when someone is about to die. It really sucks but I’m working on my self to turn this so I can help someone.

Andy

I’m 60 and have spent my whole life mirroring what has been written here. Thanks to those who have been vulnerable to share. This is despite having spent decades with a variety of counselors and PhD. Psychologists who applied what they knew, helped but never really made this accurate of a diagnosis except to say that “I had an extra gear.” To the commenting psychologist; be careful not to invalidate what you do not know. One of the wisest and educated men I know, Howard Hendricks said, “you cannot impart that which you do not possess…

sean

I always knew I was different. It all makes sense now. Wife always said was something wrong with me. Nope it was a gift. Something not ok with her. Alone time will help me heal and be strong.

Ameena

I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember, since I was about 4 years of age. Lately, it’s been more of a curse than a blessing to be an empath. I’m super overwhelmed because I have no boundaries, and as usual I shut down and isolate myself. I don’t like to isolate myself, but it’s what I turn to for comfort and to regroup. I’m hopeful that with practice, I will love myself more. Anyway, best wishes to everyone.

senge

hi, everyone, I am not sure what to say course am so shy but from what I read in this article I am an empath I got so obsessed about it once I searched up what my name means and it said that i was an empath, from hearing that I started doing research and saying that empath is emotional feel people pain and so on but when I came across this article everything it said is sooo me. I don’t know if I have been with a Narcissists but I have someone who is close she is always saying negative and bad thing that brings me down and hurt me a lot because I care dearly for her but I take it all in and say it my fault when that happens I cry a lot. I have been going out to nature a lot lately without even knowing why and it so refreshing and nice to be there I hope you have a nice time on earth as an empath and remember it’s a gift from God. for senge a 12-year-old girl

senge

sorry for some of the gramma but I am 12 and at the end of the comment it said for senge but I actually meant from senge sorry and bye my fellow empaths

Marcus

Thanks for mentioning how empaths tend to be great friends because of their ability to listen. It would be important to understand the full extent of someone’s abilities in order to make the most of them. My sister thinks she might be an empath or a clairvoyant, so I wanted to help her understand her gift better. I think meeting with another clairvoyant can help her understand what the future has in store for her.

Chris Pederson

I had no idea that there are people who can sense the energy and emotion of other people. My sister was telling me about psychics and how I should try and meed with one. Who knows, maybe I can find an empath near me or talk to one over the phone.

Sunshine

Omg I thought I was crazy , been different from others , I have to learn how to say no , being an empath person is not easy , been use and abuse so many times , would love to meet others like me !!!!

Christina Taylor

I relate to everything about an intuitive empath. Even the codependency.. I have always felt I was really good at “reading people”, that I know what their intent is. If there is a motive, what they are wanting out of someone or a situation. It kinda makes me feel judge mental and probably looks that way on the surface but I feel that I know if their intent is good or bad. Almost instantly. When meeting people, I feel like I know wether I would like this person or not if, they have good intentions or not, if they are fake, A liar, a user, or a good person. When a person talks I listen and I can hear them so intensely. I can feel the stories behind things they say, I can feel their emotions and understand why they feel the way they feel. I almost instantly know And can tell when something is said if there is a reason for them feeling that way, that something has happened in life to them or an experience that has made them feel that way. It’s so hard to explain but for me … being an intuitive empath makes so much sense. I feel a lil relieved. I also feel deeply. I’m a problem solver. Bit of a loner, choose not to connect with a lot of people. But when I do, I do! I can feel a good person and I trust them wholeheartedly. But if I get a sense of something wrong or fake, I choose to keep my distance and don’t trust them…. So much of this feels right to me. I have a hard time fitting in, always felt different, abnormal. Now what do I do?

Sunay

From your comments ,I can tell you are very intelligent person. And you are blessed for sure. Answer is simple. Make a choice in what kind of world you want to live and start building it. I changed so many things for the sake of greater good. I pay great price but I’ve been protected all the time and I’m fine with it. If you ask me why? Because I can! That allows me to know whit out knowing and always get a sign, that shows me I’m on the right way. Music helps alot. If you always able to flex your brain it’s refreshing and more easy to be clean from the treat. Keep that in mind, this took tremendous amount of energy. So be sure and think carefully. Wishing you all the best.

Tess

What brought me here is a question: “Is it possible to sense others’ feelings?” Ever since I was a teenager I remember to have detected when someone liked or hated me. When someone was hiding emotions, or lies, so this helped me to avoid some disappointments. Now I’m an adult and this continues, whenever I’m close to a person who feels strong towards me, I can tell if it’s good or bad. My son is really sensitive as well. I don’t hate that this happens, but I’d like to understand if I’m supposed to do something with it.

Sonny P

Almost all empathic, sensitive, & psychic people
Are born into this existence with no frame of reference. No one to explain WTF is happening!?
I started off my life pretty normal, then I had my first experience with real deja vu. I was in preschool and I remember coming into school & noticing that everyone was doing what I remember happening the day before. Exactly!
Shortly after noticing something weird was going on, a teacher asked me what was wrong, cuz I was standing there looking confused as hell, and said why is everyone doing what we did yesterday? She what do u mean? …Well all those girls are in the corner again talking, he playing with the cars, then we play bingo, and everyone thinks that kid is cheating, then u make us color so stupid pair of shoes… Then she stopped me and said, Wait a minute, how do I know we are gonna color a pair of shoes today!? I said I told you, this is exactly what we did yesterday! Then she said, but Sonny yesterday was Sunday and we’re not here on Sundays. Being a little kid I just said, oh and shrugged it off, figuring I must have imagined it. It wasn’t till I got older and learned about deja Vu and being different kinds of psychic. Like alot of us, my empathic abilities didn’t start until I hit puberty in like 5th or 6th grade. That’s when I started feeling other people’s feeling and I constantly got overwhelmed to the point, I had to leave school all the time, cuz how I felt kept constantly shifting from one intense feeling to the next! I felt like I had no control over how I wanted to feel. I was like an antenna for feelings, and there was no off switch! I believe we all have it, it’s just some block it out from a young age and it eventually disappears. Think of it this way, It’s like a muscle, that can’t get any stronger unless ur aware of its existence and make a conscious effort to strengthen it. Trust me when I say, I know it’s easier said then done. That’s why my new goal in life is to create an interactive place for people like us to go and learn from each other. A place our sensitive kids can go to get the answers we so desperately needed when we first started down this path. I believe we are the next step in evolution. To counter all the greedy heartless, that are leading us down the path to our destruction.
If we band together, and teach each other & our children all the things they should have taught us in school & that there is alot more to life & what it means to be human.

Sunay

I’m so happy to read your post!!! You are a wonderful mind and want you to know that: Will send you much energy as i can to make this happen if you decide to do it ✨️

Jesse

I am speechless, I began reading the first post, moved in to the second, and i became stuck in a zone and found myself almost hallway through the posts. I guess I was maybe trying to find something somewhere that I could not relate to or familiarize myself with. This all seems too good to be true. I am an Empath and I have never heard of anything like this before, but this is me right down to my core. I cannot express into words how relieved im feeling at the moment as if a weight has been lifted from me. I know all of these feelings, emotions, sensitivities, sixth sense, etc.all of it. So there is nothing wrong with me. There are others out there just like me that have experienced and at times maybe didn’t understand themselves and/or struggled with trying to piece everything together. I am so excited, relieved, and I feel empowered. Even learning about the Narcissistic partners that we have fallen prey to. It all makes sense now. Thank you, every one of you. Your empath brother JS

JS

It makes so much sense and it’s indeed a blessing or a curse. I used to think I am a very blessed person at work whom had met various great bosses and colleagues around for 15 years. However, after one incident with the most respected ex-boss, I realized I have had been a narcissistic magnet the whole time. Though I might have been taken advantages, I still tried to find reasons to explain the stress or possible intentions that people might have, etc, to validate their act. Tried my very best to help everyone in the team, but they were all trying their best (being manipulated by that ex-boss) to hurt me. In the end, I have had been devalued, sexually harassed and mentally abused (via gossips and over chats).After 6 months, I am still suffering from self-critics for ignoring all the red flags in the beginning and fear of going to an office area or even finds words that associated with any conversation with the narc was terrifying. Tragic! Wish I learned about what narcs and empaths were long time ago for some self protections.

I was so naive to think everyone should have certain level of empathy for the society, particularly in the pandemic.

Patricia

Speaking astrologically, the ’empaths’ would be the water signs. Those born with the Sun in Pisces, Cancer or Scorpio. They also know the spirit world. ‘You cannot make this stuff up!’

Matthew garrison

Everything in this article is what I experience on a daily basis, but I don’t get drained and of course I also can since when someone upset or depressed with out knowing thim

Colin Webb

After reading a lot of they above of which I have feelings for the people I have had a psychic ability of which I have ignored all my.life my son is 35 and for the past 5 years never ignored it and helps people who wa t to know .Well the past 2 years with myself I cannot tell lies I can sense a person within 2 mins of talki g to me if I’m introduced to a stranger I can sense if they have ever beeb hurt if there hiding something or if they are good or bad ect ect now I’m getting asked at 61 yrs of age for a reading iv gave a few but I hurt cause I can’t tell lies and it hurts last week I told a girl she was 9 days pregnant 2 days later she told me how did u know I cannot explain it .do I just keep on doing what I feel even thou it hurts them or stop ?????

Jesse Wagner

How do I find a doctor for this kind of stuff, I just got so emotional I literally blew out half the breakers around me in my house, I could literally feel the surge blow threw me, now I’m really upset, doesn’t feel cool at all, really scared my grandma, idk if I need an exercist a doctor a cop or scientist but this sux it’s really taken it’s tool on me, I feel like I’ve been weaponized smh 😭 no fucking joke and anyone real on here will know I’m telling the truth so please help or Srry this is hard

Jason Spencer

Glad I researched about this because I’ve been wanting to know more about myself. I personally chose a position at work that helps train people and allows me to interact with them as they do their job. I’m a very selfless individual who doesn’t think too highly of myself but I’m always putting myself in a position to help another person if they need it. Yes, it can be stressful and draining at times, but it’s what I love to do. Even not being at work I can learn about a person quickly through more than I realized. Body language, the tone of their voice, eye contact, their outward appearances, and what they choose to talk about all play a big role in it and I notice it. Almost makes me feel like I have a crazy ability to perceive more than the typical person but I kind of like it. The only downside is the relationship part honestly. I find it difficult nowadays to get back into the swing of things in regards to intimacy and putting a label on me and a partner. It’s not frightening, per say, but it’s not something I’m sure about doing again just yet. I also feel like I’m hurting myself or I don’t know myself at times. It’s all very confusing…

Ronette Ley

I could check every box plus. I can read people and when I don’t think about it I can tell you what they will do. I also can absorb others pain and have in the past made people believe things that they know are not true. I can’t hold anger or really get angry much. Others feelings are stronger and more powerful then my own. Babies and animals love and I mean love me. Adulation not so much. I have found one person that can put up with me for more than a short time. Being in nature is my sanity. I never really get lonely and love being alone. Other adults either only want to be around me for what they can get from me or they hate me for no real reason. I love to take care of things and protect them at my own costs. Some I’ve known forever some I just learned by trying to better myself. My problem is how do I better myself if I don’t know why these things are. Oh and bad things seem to love to snake me upside the head. I mean like crazy stuff and when I tell someone about them they think I’m lying my husband had to experience them to get it.

Pamela

I don’t know what category I fall into. I usually can’t refuse other people’s requests, even though I can do it grudgingly. I also pay attention to other people’s attitudes towards me. What wrong with me ? I get a lot of game on apkdownload and dont feel any better

Kristina

Hello I just recently figured this all out…God has been the one to put these puzzle pieces together for me, I now understand why I start freaking out around certain people I feel energy so strong even just spiritual energy, it is a gift from God, just keep Him close and you will be ok, I believe we were given this gift for a reason, a lot of people are hurting in this world and just need a hug and someone to listen to them. God is love and love can heal… I am a healer so it goes hand in hand. God bless all of you and when you learn how to use your gift to heal others it really helps balance the negative and positive energies.

Ren Signs

Hello, I read your post and was wondering if you could explain in detail the healing empath, physical or emotional?
I’m 52 years and I heard the word “empath” for the first time in my life. 2 years ago. It helped me a lot to explain why I’m so different from others. About 4 to 5 months ago, my psychiatrist, therapist, and I have been working to find ways to learn how to change my way of living and accept the gift. It’s been hard to find an empath that I can talk to about this gift. I’m an Heyoka empath and I know I help others with their emotions, but I’m wanting to know if that could be physical healer. I have hugged my daughter and my grand babies and prayed to God to give me the pain when they get hurt. Once I start it doesn’t take much time for their pain to go away. I’m strong in my faith. I know Jesus said “if you ask in my name you shall receive”. So that’s what I do!
I look forward to hearing from you❣️🙏💯

Joanne W DeMarco

What is up with us (empaths) being in serious relationships with narcissists? My ex-husband, textbook narcissist. We divorced when my sons were 7 and 10 years old. They are both empaths too, they are now 17 and 20 years old (both in therapy mainly because of their Dad). I feel badly thinking that I have passed this trait onto them. I even tried to guide them away from feeling things so deeply. Over the years, I have learned to put “walls” up around me. They haven’t reached that point in their life yet, but I constantly remind them to be mindful of where they put their enegy.. Best wishes to my fellow empaths💗

Marianne C Weis

Are and pass the only human beings that do not lie and cheat and hurt. Area relationship that I get in with somebody I feel strong empathy for hurts me cheats on me lies to me they portray somebody who is treating me right but I can always feel the truth. Sitting here now once again I’m in a lot of pain because I had to in my relationship because I just know he’s being unfaithful and he won’t be honest about it and I don’t know if I wanted to. Why does every single man that I fall in love with do this to me am I expecting too much. How can I ever find a relationship where I’m treated equally respectfully not hurting others and being loyal and respectful to me is this the naturally right way to treat people and I understand others actions. I feel like I’m never going to get to experience to honest love I don’t need much in life to be happy but that’s one thing I long for. so is there any way to fix this please shed some light my way.Im such a kind person always being accused of exactly what the other is doing wrong and it’s so painfully obvious to me that I just can’t believe that the conversation is actually happening. I don’t want to settle I don’t want to be in a relationship just because just to be with somebody I want to feel that connection true love on experience it that might get them back to me so what should I do.

AC

It’s hard for me to take all this in. Doesn’t EVERYONE perceive when others have intense emotions? When I walk into a room, I can almost ALWAYS read the vibe without a single utterance, particularly people who are close to me—parents, my children and especially my husband—it’s like he sweats anger, hostility and general displeasure and I feel it immediately.

After 27 years of marriage, it’s become debilitating, because I absorb this negativity and it wears me down.

I feel hopeless because this is my life.

On the other hand, sometimes I feel like I’m making this all up and fitting my experience to match the definition … all I know is that I’m miserable and overwhelmed with my emotions and it often takes DAYS to emerge from the emotional abyss I end up in.

Mercy

After reading this, I truely believe I’m an empath, I find myself taking on people’s pain and it can really drain, sometimes I can really feel this energy telling me someone is really lying or not being real with me, I thought I was weird but now I get it.

Gary Nash

I knew I was different from about the age of six. I am now 55 and have suffered debilitating mental health for those years. And have been treated for GAD. but to finally get this diagnosis will give me the opportunity at long last to try and find peace of mind and happiness. And learn and maybe enjoy the latter years of my life and use my empathy for some good, I hope !

Alwaleed

I completely can relate to this article, It’s funny that I was writing about being your own best friend recently ,and I found it here too. I am very grateful for being an empath it is hard but I cannot complain. I’ve always wanted to be able to read ppl’s energy or vibes. It was a long and a hard journey for me to know who I am, but defiantly worth it. When you here someone says life taught me! know they’ve been through a lot. I took an oath that I will be my best friend , to teach me, hug me, forgive me ,and always love me.

Michelle Adams

I’m an Empath as well. I usually don’t share my story with anyone, but this is something that I just learned about today. I have been researching, trying to find out why I’m so sensitive towards ppl and noise and can never seem to say no to anyone even if I know they are lying to me. My spouse “AKA” (kids dad) and I have been living apart for over 3 years. However, the other day I ended it for good. He’s cheating again, I feel it in my gut, but he will not be a man and own up to it. We lived together for over 16 years, and I found naked pics of various women taken by him and emails to/from women he was communication with while I was working. To this day he says they didn’t mean anything. Oh, I forgot to mention a text message saying he would eat pie off one of the wh**es. Nowadays, if pie is mentioned, I get upset and pissed! He can’t seem to grasp that it’s over. I’ve invested so much in this man it’s insane. I know it, I just couldn’t seem to say no. I feel relieved to have found your posts…….He’s always telling me I have negative thoughts going on inside my head and need to stop living in the past. Thank U God….now I know I’m not crazy!!

Leave a Reply