Being an Empath: the Good, the Bad, and the self-care

The dictionary definition of an \’empath\’ describes it as chiefly a science fiction reference:  \’a person with the paranormal ability to apprehend the mental or emotional state of another individual\’.
(no, it\’s not simply being empathic.)

I\’m not really a sci-fi person. But I\’d say, as an empath, that that definition is pretty spot-on. Some of the traits of empaths described in this Psychology Today piece include:
Absorbing others\’ emotions.
Highly intuitive.
Become replenished in nature.
Have huge hearts (and sometimes give too much).

I\’m gonna give you the bad news first.
(always give the bad news first, if you can, right? No worries, the good news comes afterward.)
The bad news is that, if you are an empath, you may take on the energy of others without realizing it.
The bad news is, that being in crowds could easily overwhelm and drain you.
The bad news is, being with toxic people can too.
The bad news is, that if someone near you loses a loved one, you may feel grief.
The bad news is, that if someone you are around is depressed, you may feel sad. Or listless. Or empty.
The bad news is, that if you are around someone who is anxious (I bet you can guess this one?)–you may feel anxious, and not know why.
The bad news is that when there is a political climate like there is right now, you may feel exhausted much of the time.  You may feel short-fused, but not because of anything obvious in your life.
The bad news is, you may need a lot more down time than other people.
The bad news is, that if you don\’t take care of yourself, often needing more self-care than others, you can get exhausted, drained, and physically depleted. Even sick.

Sounds great, eh?

Well, first of all, if you have this trait, if you are this person, if you are truly an empath, you don\’t have much of a choice. We are born this way, wired this way. Like people who are born artistically talented, or good at a sport, or good at math. Like people who are left-handed, or extroverted, or are good at trivia. It just IS, it cannot be eliminated or changed.

So here\’s the good news.
The good news is, that if you are an empath, you often understand people without them having to explain themselves. You may be very compassionate, and able to receive, hold, and soothe others in their emotional experiences.
The good news is, your trait can result in fantastic art, great healing of others, and tremendous contributions to society.
The good news is, when you are around people who are happy, who are present and content, who live in love, you absorb that, too.
The good news is, when good stuff happens to you and the people you love, the joy can be unparalleled.
The good news is, you may be deeply touched by the awe and magic of everyday life.
The good news is, if you are an empath, knowing it allows you make choices to care for your energy like you do your body, mind, and spirit. That self-awareness allows you to do what you need with no guilt, no doubt, no self-recrimination.

Although this may sound a great deal like being Highly Sensitive (see my last post about this), it is not. There is a great deal of overlap, but they are two distinctive traits. Lucky me-I have/am both!

Coming up soon: more on both High Sensitivity *and* being an Empath.
Stay tuned….