Being an empath means you sense other people’s emotions, feelings and pain. It also can result in taking on more of other’s feelings than is good for your mental and emotional self.
Some empaths are aware they are empathic, others do not yet realize what it is, how to protect from it and also how to benefit from it. Since many sensitives, whether they know it or not, are currently feeling empathic fatigue to the point of deep depression we thought a note about it could be timely.
If you happen to be feeling overwhelmed and distressed, and if you touch base with why that might be, feel it could be from others versus yourself, that it could be picking up on the emotions of others then it is an empathic response. You are likely absorbing the feelings of others such as anxiety, conflict, and pain as if they were your own, creating empathic fatigue.
Symptoms include feeling:
- Emotionally Overwhelmed – you feel other’s emotions, draining your energy
- Deep Exhaustion – you absorb energies of others emotionally and also physically, making it difficult to cope with daily tasks
- Heightened Stress – your stress response increases, making it hard to regulate your nervous system
- Isolated & Lonely – you feel a need to withdraw and isolate in order to avoid further strain, leading to a sense of loneliness and depression
- Neglectful of Self-Care – everyone else’s problems take priority and you neglect your own needs
- Burned Out – you find it hard to function normally, it can even be difficult to get out of bed; depression may be sinking in
There is power in being an empath — from an intuitive sensitivity to a compassionate nature — but it’s essential to cultivate a sense of balance in your life. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is time to adjust and seek information, potentially also to seek help.
You might explore holistic practices that replenish you such as activities in nature, creating a supportive community, or healing movement like somatic exercises and yoga. Manage stress and emotions by using techniques such as meditation, breathwork, setting boundaries, and be willing to enforce them and the nervous system triggers. The gift of empathy doesn’t demand that you sacrifice your peace and happiness. Be an empath on your own strong terms.
Photo credit: Image by Лера from Pixabay
Note: we have liked Dr. Judith Orloff’s information on empaths.