Are You an Empath?

                                                    Are You an Empath?

The definition of an empath is someone who can detect the thoughts and feelings of other people. Some empaths not only sense the feelings of others but also absorb them. Some believe that empaths can feel the energy of others. It is difficult to prove with scientific data that being an empath is a real thing, but I know it is because I am one.

All my life, I have been able to feel someone’s emotions. As a teacher, it was a wonderful gift because I could read the room and diffuse any negative emotions that might have disrupted the lesson by acknowledging the emotions.

 My children are still surprised when they are trying to show a brave front and I see through it. My daughter had come home from seeing her boyfriend. She popped her head into my bedroom where I was reading. She said, “Hi mom, I’m back.” She was trying to sound happy but all I could feel was sadness. I asked her what was wrong, and she said, “nothing.” and started to leave. I asked her again what was wrong, and she burst into tears and told me she and her boyfriend had argued. Later, she told me she couldn’t figure out how I always know when something is wrong. I see a similar reaction when I ask someone if they are o.k. I am used to seeing the surprise in their eyes as they ask, “How did you know?”

I don’t tell many people that I can feel emotions because I have always thought it sounded a little crazy. I still remember the day I was in a bookstore and saw a book about empaths. I almost started crying when I realized that what I experienced was common and well documented.

Although I feel the emotions around me, I do not absorb the emotions of others. I cannot imagine what that would be like. My greatest frustration as an empath is when I feel the emotions of a stranger and I want to reach out and talk with the person, but the situation does not allow me to do it. I don’t want to intrude on anyone’s privacy.

Empaths are vulnerable to depression because they experience sensory overload. Crowds, excessive talking, and noise can be difficult for an empath. They are often described as being hyper-sensitive and they have an overwhelming desire to please people. Empaths often have a connection to nature and need to be in nature to recharge.

There is a test that says if you say yes to more than three of the following, you are an empath.

Do people say I am too sensitive or emotional?

If a friend is sad, do I feel sad as well?

Do my feelings get hurt easily?

Do crowds drain me, requiring me to escape for time alone?

Does noise, excessive talk, or odors fray my nerves?

Do I overeat, drink excessively, or overindulge in other activities to cope with emotional stress?

Am I afraid of being emotionally suffocated in a relationship?

I answer yes to 6 out of 7. How about you? Are you an empath?