An empath is a person who is highly sensitive to the emotions and energy of other people or events. Empaths often feel overwhelmed when they are in crowded situations such as a mall or stadium because they may unknowingly pick up the conflicting energy of many people at the same time.
Sometimes an empath will feel sad or upset before a major event, such as a natural disaster, that may not even involve them or anyone they directly know.
Being an empath can be exhausting, especially if you don’t know that you are picking up on feelings that are not your own. Empaths may become depressed because they can’t seem to control their feelings or they don’t understand why they are suddenly angry or overwhelmed. Empaths can’t choose what they will pick up on and sometimes they will experience panic attacks or high levels of anxiety.
If you are an empath, the best thing you can do is to acknowledge this gift, and be gentle with yourself. More than most people, you will benefit from having strong boundaries and controlling your environment by deciding what visual (movies, media) and auditory stimulation you want to expose yourself to.
When you feel that you are losing yourself in another person’s issues learn the habit of releasing their energy. Release the unwanted energy by imagining you’re are cleansing it from the top of your head and running it down your body from your feet into the earth. You may feel most people’s pain, but your life purpose is not to take on their pain. Instead, try to find a sanctuary where you can reconnect with your own energy.
Below are some resources you might want to read to understand yourself, or an empath you may know:
An Empath’s Guide to Staying Balanced:
The Happy Sensitive:
The Joys and Sorrows of Being an Empath