How do you know you are empathic?

[-Ember]

So, I'm curious: what made you conclude you were an empath? What made you conclude that you weren't imagining things or dealing with some other issue (like a psychological disorder)?

I've tended to work on the assumption that if I need to ask if I'm empathic, I'm probably not. But the more I hear about it, the better it seems to explain some things. Like the problems I have with crowds... am I being trapped by the group emotions? I either end up very charged or very drained being around people... am I piggy backing on their energies? I tend to find people in general overwhelming... could it be that I am really picking up on what I think I am picking up from them? Could my tendency to pull away and close down around people be a defense mechanism?

On the other hand, it is also very easy to look at all of that and think I'm trying to avoid dealing with some real issues by slapping an excuse of empathy on it. Perhaps it is a social disorder, some social anxiety and social phobia and anti-social tendencies. Perhaps it is more a case of projection when I think I know what others are feeling rather than my picking up on their emotions. Perhaps I'm just very suggestible rather than sensitive to emotions and easily caught by them.

So what convinced you? What made you decide that empathy made sense for what you were experiencing?

[Pesha]

When I go into a roomand I can feel people happy, sad, and angry all at once. Coming from every direction. When I can feel a persons emotions so strongly that I can tell if they are lying or being truthful. So mny ways I know what I am. I have learned over the years to differentiate myself from others emotions and pain and pleasure. I can feel a headach from another person. I can feel my friends in two states away having good sex. I can send my BF pleasure vibes in Oklahoma and feel him sending them to me. I have been this way since I was three years old. And I know what and how I am. I am an empath. It is not just a fantasy or me trying to deal with my own stuff. After a while when you astudy on this and ask Q's and read the experiences of other people. you will see that you can be this way. It takes time. It is scarey at first. But the great thing is that this Empathic Bunker is for all of us to suport and hel each other. Well that is my $2.50. :hugz:

ETA: I am in South Ogden UT. Where in UT are you hun.

[Lunacie]

Wow, what an interesting question.

How did I know I was empathic instead of imaging strange feelings or putting them on like a mask so I wouldn't have to deal with other issues?

When I created a shield that blocked out all emotions I realized just how bombarded and overwhelmed I had been.

Why did I create a shield?

Because I was tired of feeling happy one minute and sad the next and then angry and then silly and then anxious... and most of the time nothing had happened to ME to make my feelings change like that. I was overwhelmed by feelings that went this way and that way like a flag flapping in the wind and I had no control over how I felt.

One I began opening my shield selectively I could actually sense what direction a wayward emotion was coming from, and sometimes I was even picking those emotions up from at least half a mile away.

Then I was able to be logical instead of simply feeling. If I was in line at a checkout stand and the cashier was having a rough day I could feel that it was coming from the cashier and not from me... then I would block those unhappy or frustrated or angry feelings and remember how I had been feeling in myself only a couple of minutes before that.

[Lorrie]

For me, I kept seeing the thread on here about are you an empath. I didn't know what one was, so I never looked at it, but something kept telling me that I needed to look at it. I still didn't know, but some of what people were talking about described experiences that I have. I hit on a link for Empath 101 and began to read. As I read I had a flood of confusion, happiness, all kinds of emotions because it described me. I googled it and read more. And more. Then I decided that maybe I need to read that thread and start learning! I've been here ever since. Yes, it is a "label" but not an excuse, there is no excuse, this label is more like a responsibility not a copout. I have learned alot so far, and strive to learn more, from more people. It has expanded my horizons, not just labeled them!:lol:

[Antoninus]

So, I'm curious: what made you conclude you were an empath? What made you conclude that you weren't imagining things or dealing with some other issue (like a psychological disorder)? Most empaths dont "see" things per say, we feel them.

If I may borrow a line from pop culture, Being an empath is just like being in love. No one can tell you your in love, you just know it. Through and through. Balls to bones.

I've tended to work on the assumption that if I need to ask if I'm empathic, I'm probably not. But the more I hear about it, the better it seems to explain some things. Like the problems I have with crowds... am I being trapped by the group emotions? I either end up very charged or very drained being around people... am I piggy backing on their energies? I tend to find people in general overwhelming... could it be that I am really picking up on what I think I am picking up from them? Could my tendency to pull away and close down around people be a defense mechanism? Some empaths can experience forms of sensory over-load when around enough or the right people. I definately feel overwhelmed when Im in seriously high energy areas.

On the other hand, it is also very easy to look at all of that and think I'm trying to avoid dealing with some real issues by slapping an excuse of empathy on it. Perhaps it is a social disorder, some social anxiety and social phobia and anti-social tendencies. Perhaps it is more a case of projection when I think I know what others are feeling rather than my picking up on their emotions. Perhaps I'm just very suggestible rather than sensitive to emotions and easily caught by them. Perhaps that social disorder or phobia was caused by empathy. Its very possible that some people who think they are empaths really have a social disorder. But most know it for sure, they feel different emotions around people they know arent thier own.

Someone once compared it to having a radio scanner that is tuned into ALL the frequencies at once and standing in the middle of a city.

So what convinced you? What made you decide that empathy made sense for what you were experiencing?
At first I thought I was just loosing my mind. Someone suggested empathy to me and the more I researched it, the clearer it started looking. It made sense.

Could I have a social phobia? Yeah I could, but then why did I feel so comfortable at school where I was exposed to a crowd of hundreds several times a day? In public alone, I was a nervous wreck

[Kendrah]

I think you just sorta know that you are empathetic. It's more then social phobia. I shield pretty well out in public so large crowds don't bother me. However, since I care for my family and other around me, my shields are naturally down and I can't stand much interaction with them.

It's like walking into a room and knowing what everyone is feeling. And if your not careful, you'll catch their feelings (like a cold, haha) and turn it inward. That's the hardest thing to catch when you're first learning.

[Morrigan_Wolfwind]

I am fairly empathetic. I can't pick up on every single person's emotions or anything, but I do tend to get overwhelmed in crowds or when people are feeling intense emotions. I'm not particularly interested in empathy right now, but the fact that I can pick up on someone's feelings just by looking at them is rather interesting.

I was in the emergency room with my mom today, and I felt horrible almost right after I went in; all those sick or injured people in one place made me really want to just get out.

And my twin makes my empathy even worse. She's constantly arguing with our mom, and I can pick up on her feelings in the next ROOM when that happens. That may not seem very far, but being twins almost doubles what I pick up from her, I swear.

[Bliss]

[QUOTE=-Ember]So, I'm curious: what made you conclude you were an empath? What made you conclude that you weren't imagining things or dealing with some other issue (like a psychological disorder)?

i began to discover this gift (or curse depending on who you ask) several years ago. i really never noticed it until i began to chat. i would find my energy surging. my hands would be hot and tingling. dependent on the context of the conversation and their emotions my connection would drop, the pc would shut down, reboot, or just go wonky.

i found myself picking up their emotions like crazy and began to notice that i was in a good mood before speaking and walked away feeling like the person i had just spoken to. needless to say i was floored. this was during a period of tremendous spiritual exploration and i gather i was soaking it all up like a big fat sponge.

however, i learned to put up barriers between myself and others and i was no longer affected. what did continue was my ability to feel people sharply. a simple hello would allow me to know their state of mind or emotions without explanation. i just knew. mind you these are perfect strangers, but those i have a connection with are much stronger.

i am extremely receptive to energy sharing expecially those of a sexual nature. although some were not tantra practitioners, they were capable of turning thoughts into physical sensations. initially i believed something was wrong when this occurred, but i've realized the opposite is true.

like others have mentioned i have a sixth sense and seem to decipher truth from fallacy, and when people are downplaying or overreacting as well. it is hard to explain to others that can't conceive of such. but i've found that it has made me far more sympathetic and patient with others and myself too.

the biggest impact empathy has had on my life is the sharpening of the skills i already possessed. my mind moves rapidly and i'm constantly sensing things. at times it can seem like it is neverending but i do enjoy the energy high.

~bliss

:flowers:

[Rasenna]

As someone else on this thread said, I also tend to get emotionally overwhelmed/drained in crowds. Many times I become overstimulated and have to go decompress for awhile...
-R

[fangedeshana]

Over a period of 2 years I felt emotions, or physical pain that I couldn't explain while around people. After a while, I developed the idea that maybe it wasn't mine... I might be feeling a really sore knee and shortly after acknowledging the feeling I was experiencing, the person I was with would say, "Jeez, I just came back from the Doctors and my knee is killing me today. Turns out I have a bursa on my patella tendon". (okay so they might say a cyst on in their knee and not get so detailed lol).

Later on, I started acknowledging emotions and then ASKING people, "Are you feeling a bit angry about something?", "Has someone upset you today?". And they'd confirm what I was feeling everytime. I did the same thin with some people I chatted too online.

I also was checked out by a doctor. While I AM sesitive to depression (moreso a few years ago than now), I'm perfectly healthy in every other way.

I learnt about empathy and how to control/shield better and after I learnt how it felt NOT to feel those pains or emotions, I put it down to empathy.

[watercup]

I just AM one. The word 'empath' is a relatively new trendy pop term (albeit one that I like.) I was always called, psychic, intuitive, overly sensitive growing up. If you're empathic you just know things.

[watercup]

It's a knowing through feeling the feelings and energy of other people like they're your own. And you have to conciously turn it off or remove yourself from the situation to make it stop. Does this help?

[Aleannah]

More, and more, I am becoming convinced that being an empath also means having some sort of mental disorder. Or, is it that people with social disorders, bipolar, depression, etc. (btw - I have depression) are seeking help to alleviate these feelings they have and medical science has had to come up with relatively new diseases (and medication) to explain and numb these feelings? Growing up, I was taught that psychiatrists were for crazy people or people that had been through trauma, and everyone else just learned to deal with their feelings...but, that's the way that I was brought up.

[Lunacie]

I've also wondered both here and over on the ADDForum whether people who have "differently wired brains" - which includes those of us with ADD, ADHD, BiPolar, Chronic Depression, and such, are not also differently wired and are more sensitive. But the more I read and talk to people on that other forum as well as the empaths here in the Bunker, I'm thinking that less than 1/4 of those who have those disorders are also "super sensitive".

There are also different way that being "super sensitive" manifests. Unfortunately I have almost all of them, but none are completely disabling. I can only wear certain kinds of clothes and shoes and sleep on certain kinds of sheets, but tags in clothes don't always drive me crazy. Bright lights and loud noises do drive me crazy. And I pick up emotions and occasionally thoughts from the people around me, but it doesn't make me crazy (although it used to).

[watercup]

Alleanna...I ran your theory by my 75 year old psychiatrist today because I think it's true. I just knew he'd laugh at me or raise an eyebrow.

Here's what I said to him,"I don't think I really have bipolar...I'm just Like this...I feel other people's energy and emotions and sometimes I get a little frustrated and confused and worried. I'm an empath, you see. I'm just like this but it doesn't mean I have Bipolar.

He nodded his head and went on to ask me lots of questions. We talked for a long time. At the end of the time he said was going to treat me for anxiety and panic disorder but not bipolar. He said what I was experiencing was anxiety and it could very well be brought about by my being extremely sensitive. He said that that's just the way I am and it's perfectly normal for me.


I know the diagnosis is correct bc I've been in the hospital emergency room for a panic attack and I've regularly seen drs. throughout the last 15 years for anxiety. But the Bipolar diag. was always doubtful though I went along with it...

I had a panic attack yesterday and it was due to stress over moving 3000 across the country in 2 weeks, my son's poverty, my husband's Dad dying...It wasn't about empathy or maybe it was. I don't know right now!!!

So I've been mis-diagnosed all these years. But truthfully, Bp meds never worked on me anyway so it makes sence. Also I spent 6 months in a Bipolar counselling group and I couldn't relate to the 'manic' phase that the bper's described. Though I do get periodic bouts of depression.

What I'm trying to say through all of this is...THANKYOU for your post. It helped me get on the right meds and off the wrong ones and cleared up years of confusion regarding my diagnosis. And the coolest thing...the doc. understood empaths, almost like maybe he was one too. Thanks again!!!

[Lunacie]

If you have been on bipolar meds and they didn't help, then you're probably right in thinking that you are not bipolar. However, there are two types of bipolar - 1 and 2. Bipolar 2 is much milder than Bipolar 1, and doesn't show as many manic episodes, it's mostly depressed episodes. Just wanted to put that information out here. Also, severe AD/HD and Bipolar are sometimes mistaken for the other.

[watercup]

yeah, you're right Lunacie...I was diag with Bipolar II. I do periodically get very depressed, (I was in the hospital 2 years ago.) But I've been ok since then.

It is a fine line between anxiety, depression, Bipolar II and ADD. Oh yeah, I was diag with ADD 5 years ago and the adderall sent me into a panic attack and to the emergency room. It's supposed to calm Adder's down but it effected me like speed...so Add wasn't the correct diag. either.


In the case of Bipolar II, my Pdoc said you had to have at least one out and out manic episode in your life to be diagnosed. Now according to the DSM, Bipolar II has hypo-manic symptoms, (less severe than manias) and depression. But he based his diag off years and years of experience. He could tell from the answers I gave him.

So a person that has periodic bouts of depression coupled with anxiety can easily be mis-diagnosed as a Bipolar II.

My advice to anyone getting diag. for anything...be your own best health advocate. Read up on your diag...read up on meds...question your Dr., BE HONEST with your Dr. on everything that's going on with you even if it's embarrassing, (believe me, they've heard it all before!), they can't get you well if they don't know what's going on.

just my 2 cents!

[Lunacie]

Sorry to continue with the sidebar discussion, but I want to make a note about the difference between treating BiPolar and AD/HD. As I understand it (I could be wrong but I don't think so) if you respond to BiPolar meds its a pretty good bet that you have BiPolar, and if you don't respond to the meds then it's a pretty good bet that you don't have BiPolar.

However, the same thing is not true for AD/HD. Some people respond to "speed" type meds like Adderall and some don't. Some respond better to non-speed type meds like Concerta or Stratera. Sometimes it takes quite a while to experiment with the different meds and the doses to find what works best. That's one of the reasons I haven't gone the medication route but have been taking supplements like Omega 3 (fish oil). Actually, sometimes the best indication that a medication or supplement is working is when you stop taking it for a few days. ;)

[Aleannah]

Alleanna...I ran your theory by my 75 year old psychiatrist today because I think it's true. I just knew he'd laugh at me or raise an eyebrow.

Here's what I said to him,"I don't think I really have bipolar...I'm just Like this...I feel other people's energy and emotions and sometimes I get a little frustrated and confused and worried. I'm an empath, you see. I'm just like this but it doesn't mean I have Bipolar.

He nodded his head and went on to ask me lots of questions. We talked for a long time. At the end of the time he said was going to treat me for anxiety and panic disorder but not bipolar. He said what I was experiencing was anxiety and it could very well be brought about by my being extremely sensitive. He said that that's just the way I am and it's perfectly normal for me.


I know the diagnosis is correct bc I've been in the hospital emergency room for a panic attack and I've regularly seen drs. throughout the last 15 years for anxiety. But the Bipolar diag. was always doubtful though I went along with it...

I had a panic attack yesterday and it was due to stress over moving 3000 across the country in 2 weeks, my son's poverty, my husband's Dad dying...It wasn't about empathy or maybe it was. I don't know right now!!!

So I've been mis-diagnosed all these years. But truthfully, Bp meds never worked on me anyway so it makes sence. Also I spent 6 months in a Bipolar counselling group and I couldn't relate to the 'manic' phase that the bper's described. Though I do get periodic bouts of depression.

What I'm trying to say through all of this is...THANKYOU for your post. It helped me get on the right meds and off the wrong ones and cleared up years of confusion regarding my diagnosis. And the coolest thing...the doc. understood empaths, almost like maybe he was one too. Thanks again!!!


I'm very glad that my ramblings may have done some good. :) I'm glad you are getting on the right meds, and I hope they work for you. :hugz:

[Moonshine]

I am very sensitive to the emotions and energy around me.. My brother has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He is also very sensitive.. I have thought quite a few times whether his diagnosis may be wrong.. maybe he is not bipolar either. I do think that medical science has come up with medications to supress / alleviate the emotional ups and downs empathic / sensitive people undergo..

[starteledcrow]

This has answerd a lot of questions for me, i thought i had some kind of mental dissorder or was depressed, but reading through your posts has cleared the mists, so to speak.

i used to get very drained and emotional around even one person, people thought i was being unfriendly or rude and my family didnt help. I will be reading with interest the thread about sheilds now.

[sweetfairy]

oh my gosh there is a name for this..!!!
this is me... me all the way . i am a feeler..
its pure hell and joy for me.
i am not bi polar nor anything else..
i can feel every emotion from everyone at any time
. it does get over whelming at times and it drains you. bright lights and noise tend to make me spazz due to it overwhelms me..
this is interesting i never knew it had a name,...
bliss you said it the best... this is me..
i have joy in my life and being carefree and happy and after talking with some one
who is down i walk away just drained and either angery or sad...

[Lunacie]

Hello New posters here! :wave: Welcome to the Bunker.

Yes, there is a name for it. Some doctors and psychologists even recognize Empathy and understand it somewhat.

Empathy and SuperSensitivity are not mental disorders or mental illness. I rather suspect that like ADHD, OCD, BiPolar, Ausperger's and some forms of Depression, they are neurological disorders. And that just means that our brains work differently or have different wiring circuits than the brains of the majority of the people.

There are some of us that even have more than one neurological disorder. I myself have ADHD, am a SuperSensitive, and an Empath. And even though it's not a mental defect, it can be really toxic for us at times. http://home.mindspring.com/~kevin_elder/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/nuke.gif

[sweetfairy]

i have been reading up on this and found one most interesting thing out...
coutless articles on it..
bear with me kinda long articles but good....:-)
this is so me... i am in shock but in awe ,, happy

Overcoming Being Unconsciously Empathic in Favor of Being Intentionally Multi-Dimensionally Connected
At birth we have a tendency to be energetically like little amoebas. We have unstructured borders. We move our energy fields in and around the energy fields of other people in order to check out how they are feeling. We do this instinctively in order to know how to get what we want, in order to be safe, or in order to understand that which is around us. As we grow older some people learn other methods of defense, understanding verbally, or methods of getting information. Some people do not learn other methods and continue to be empathic, being sponge-like in soaking up energy, information and emotions from other people. These people find it very difficult to understand where they stop and another person begins. They have a tendency to allow their boundaries to be invaded by other people. The do not understand the concept of personal boundaries. When a person is empathic it is difficult for them to have a good self image that is not controlled by the thoughts of other people about them. They do not have a clear impression of self hood and "others". This gift of being able to read other people empathically becomes more of a curse than a gift.
Being An Empath Is A Double Edged Sword
Can you feel what others around you are feeling? Are you sensitive to your surroundings? When you lay your hands on someone, do your hands know right where to go to help that person? Perhaps you are an empath.
Being an empath is a double edged sword. It can be both a curse and a blessing. On one hand, you have the ability to intuit exactly what you need to do to make someone comfortable. On the other, it is easy to lose track of what you need, because you are so accustomed to caring for other's comfort before caring for your own. You have easy access to information about what is going on with the people around you, but sometimes it is hard to know your own mind
Empathy is the ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one's empath capacity.
Empaths have the ability to scan another's psyche for thoughts and feelings or for past, present, and future life occurrences. Many empaths are unaware of how this actually works, and have long accepted that they were ěsensitiveî to others.
Empathy is a feeling of another's true emotions to a point where an empath can relate to that person by sensing true feelings that run deeper than those portrayed on the surface. People commonly put on a ěshowî of expression. This is a learned trait of hiding authentic expression in an increasingly demanding society.
An empath can sense the truth behind the cover and will act compassionately to help that person express him/herself, thus making them feel at ease and not so desperately alone.
Empaths experience empathy towards family, children, friends, close associates, complete strangers, pets, plants and inanimate objects.
Empathy is not held by time or space. Thus, an empath can feel the emotions of people and things at a distance. Some are empathic towards animals (i.e.: The Horse Whisperer), to nature, to the planetary system, to mechanical devices or to buildings etc. Others will have a combination of the above.
Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one's abilities (sensitivity) to another's emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep sense of ěknowingî that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate, considerate, and understanding of others.
There are also varying levels of strength in empaths which may be related to the individualís awareness of self, understanding of the powers of empathy, and/or the acceptance or non-acceptance of empathy by those associated with them, including family and peers. Generally, those who are empathic grow up with these tendencies and do not learn about them until later in life.
Empathy is genetic, inherent in our DNA, and passed from generation to generation. It is studied both by traditional science and alternative healing practitioners.
Empathy has both biological/genetic and spiritual aspects.
Empaths often possess the ability to sense others on many different levels. From their position in observing what another is saying, feeling and thinking, they come to understand another. They can become very proficient at reading another personís body language and/or study intently the eye movements. While this in itself is not empathy, it is a side-shoot that comes from being observant of others. In a sense, empaths have a complete communication package.
While there is much we don't yet understand about how empathy works, we do have some information. Everything has an energetic vibration or frequency and an empath is able to sense these vibrations and recognize even the subtlest changes undetectable to the naked eye or the five senses.
Words of expression hold an energetic pattern that originates from the speaker. They have a specific meaning particular to the speaker. Behind that expression is a power or force-field, better known as energy. For example, hate often brings about an intense feeling that immediately accompanies the word. The word hate becomes strengthened with the speaker's feeling. It is that person's feelings (energy) that are picked up by empaths, whether the words are spoken, thought or just felt without verbal or bodily expression.
Empaths are often very affectionate in personality and expression, great listeners and counselors (and not just in the professional area). They will find themselves helping others and often putting their own needs aside to do so. In the same breath, they can be much the opposite. They may be quiet, withdrawn from the outside world, loners, depressed, neurotic, lifeís daydreamers, or even narcissistic.
They are most often passionate towards nature and respect its bountiful beauty. One will often find empaths enjoying the outdoors, beaches, walking, etc. Empaths may find themselves continually drawn to nature as a form of release. It is the opportune place to recapture their senses and gain a sense of peace in the hectic lives they may live. The time to get away from it all and unwind with nature becomes essential to the empath. Animals are often dear to the heart of empaths, not as a power object, but as a natural love. It is not uncommon for empaths to have more than one pet in their homes.
Traits of an Empath
Empaths are often quiet and can take a while to handle a compliment for they're more inclined to point out another's positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times, quite frankly in respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings.
However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at blocking out others and that's not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings.
Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs. In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly.
Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears. Some empaths will struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and will have grave difficulty in expressing themselves in the face of another's ignorance, closed-mindedness and obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel and see.
People of all walks of life and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine compassion of empaths. Regardless of whether others are aware of one being empathic, people are drawn to them as a metal object is to a magnet! They are like beacons of light.
Even complete strangers find it easy to talk to empaths about the most personal things, and before they know it, they have poured out their hearts and souls without intending to do so consciously. It is as though on a sub-conscious level that person knows instinctively that empaths would listen with compassionate understanding.
Here are the listeners of life. Empaths are often problem solvers, thinkers, and studiers of many things. As far as empaths are concerned, where a problem is, so too is the answer. They often will search until they find one--if only for peace of mind.

[CassiaMoon]

Yesterday I spent the day with a 70 year old psychic named Alexandria. She comes from a line of Gypsies. I had never really sat down and talked with her even though I saw her once before. In conversation one of the things she explained to me why I can spontaneously cry at someone else's pain and my palms sweat upon hearing about a bad situation or seeing something bad, she said because I am a strong empath. I can't listen to public radio anymore because I pick up really negative energy in some of the programs. When my husband and I get into arguments, and sometimes before he even says anything I make myself scarce, because I literally physically become drained, or even worse take on his bad vibes and they overpower me. Never knew what to call it, but aparently its part of being an empath.

[BlueWaves]

i know i'm empathic when I feal a energy vamp sitting and staring at someone trying to take their energy. What do i do? send a bit of negative energy their way and then force a huge whopper of a positive energy for a knockout punch. They think "omg i'm good i just grabbed a lot of energy and move on their way. They dont realize i just knocked their senses out a little bit." :)

[Johnathan Brisby]

i know i'm empathic when I feal a energy vamp sitting and staring at someone trying to take their energy. What do i do? send a bit of negative energy their way and then force a huge whopper of a positive energy for a knockout punch. They think "omg i'm good i just grabbed a lot of energy and move on their way. They dont realize i just knocked their senses out a little bit." :)

Why would you bother with negative energy? I simply return it to its source Yoda-style.:idea: Vampires are to be avoided-

you might meet a strong one whose own negativity

actually makes you physically ill.

True story...

[Starry Di]

I'm often refered to as overly-sensitive. If anyone is angry around me, I pick up on it, and I get angry too.

I don't know if it works for happy people, because I'm not usually around them. Sometimes, I get an upswing from them, and sometimes I just get annoyed and want to get away from them as quickly as possible.

When my ex-High School came to visit my current uni, I felt fine, but when I went up to say Hi to the prinicpal, I just suddenly felt as hopeless as I had felt in High School. Went back to my group of friends, and I was fine.

It wasn't until an aquaintence suggested I could be empathetic that I looked stuff up. But I guess it's modern day because it says you can relate with someone's feelings? :/ And I don't think I can. If someone's feeling angry, I'm angry at them for feeling angry, I don't sympathize with them at all, and I'm not very understanding of it, I often blame them for letting themselves get angry (which is silly and dumb, but it's what I do).

[Nicholas]

Personally, I know I am empathic through energy. I have always been sensitive to the changes in others emotional energies enough that I can read pick up on or even sometimes feel the emotions of people around me. This level of connection to people has given me a chance to experience things which are quite beautiful to me. The fact that I have been able to "Soul real" on the little bruises and scars left on a person from emotional distress at a point in their life. I've been able to go back to the place, and sometimes experience it in a flashback type of vision. Most importantly, it has allowed me to feel the joys of emotion and experience happiness and love on many higher levels. I see no disadvantage to my being an Empath, but sometimes it is hard to cope with the things I feel especially from those who I am close to.

Many Blessings,
Nicholas

[plumedsnake]

My question is . . .

What is the difference between what happens in Empathy and what happens during Mass Hysteria, or Zeitgeist?

In other words, isn't everybody an empath but to varying degrees? Don't we all get caught up in a collective mood or emotion?

[Blue Heartd Kitty]

I think the difference between mass hysteria and empathy is that during a mob scenario, each person is feeding off of and into the overall emotion raised by the group. Empathy or empaths experiencing emotion on a personal level is different. For example, go to any major sporting event. The emotion the crowd generates for their team is comparable to the mass hysteria phenomenon such as the riots that have broken out during and after UK soccer games.
Empaths on the other hand can walk into a mall or large office and be overwhelmed by individual emotions of other people in the room. Depending on their sensitivities, one other person is enough to affect them.
I hope this explains the difference.

BHK

[Lunacie]

That's a pretty good explanation of the similarity and the difference between mass hysteria and empathy. Also, in the case of a lynch mob or a world-class soccer game, you want to get caught up in the feelings and emotions. As an empath, you are usually not seeking out those other feelings and it's not your choice to share them.

[Blue Heartd Kitty]

Absolutely!

[plumedsnake]

That's a pretty good explanation of the similarity and the difference between mass hysteria and empathy. Also, in the case of a lynch mob or a world-class soccer game, you want to get caught up in the feelings and emotions. As an empath, you are usually not seeking out those other feelings and it's not your choice to share them.

hmmmm . . . but . . . when for example there is a bull market and the economy is overpriced liked what happened in America in the late 90s with the Dot.com bubble, then many people bought shares and got carried away with the economic bubble but they didn't choose too. Also when there is panic, people don't choose to have horrible panicky feelings, they carry swept up in them.

And as for the individual thing, what about when a toddler totally reflects the feelings that his mother is going through. It like when you look at people's kids you can see straight into their soul. Adults are better at hiding feelings with political correctness and such but I find that you can learn a lot about what a parent is thinking by observing their kids.

I just thinking around and about the subject a lot at the moment. I think that everyone is subject to empathy but some people are more so than others. Like everyone's got an ego but some people are more egotistical than others.

[Lunacie]

Just about the time I hit the "post" button on that last post, I wondered if I had used the word "usually" to describe both kinds of situation. But I didn't go back and check or add it there. That's what I meant though, "usually" people get swept up in "mob mentality" because they want to be, but not always. And "usually" empaths pick up feelings and emotions that they don't want to feel, but not always.

Even if I want to feel what others are feeling, I want to be able to exercise some choice and some control over that. Empaths have little control over picking up strong feelings, at best they can shield themselves from them or recognize the feelings and then release them. Those who aren't empathic or are not strong empaths can walk away from a situation where they are picking up strong feelings of anger or fear or euphoria but empaths stay connected to those feelings no matter how far away they get, unless they deliberately sever that connection. And people are not taught to do that in this society.

[MysticMoggie]

I have an autistic spectrum disorder and credit most of my sensitivity to things to it; though I suspect that those with "Asperger's Syndrome" are more prone to extreme reactions to things (Van Gogh was one of us), on the whole I can recognise something in people who stand out from the crowd in many ways as having some sort of almost psychic ability to predict and pre-empt things that might hold them back.

WARNING - I AM ABOUT TO GET POLITICAL. I do hold strong political opinions and I will be analysing several characters from the United Kingdom, but I do so in an quasi-academic way - and most of my political opinions actually stem from an analysis of behaviour. I generally tend to support those who are more right-wing economically, left-wing (or liberal) socially; but I feel that an inept leader on either side is as damaging to a political movement as a bad set of policies, and in fact in the UK one seems directly to lead to the other. I am always a critical friend to a political party - I feel that careerism (e.g. David Cameron might be seen in this light, a careerist who is leading himself into a dead end as far as things are currently going; and yes, I am a member of the Tory/Conservative Party) leads one so far, but can't get you all the way to the top, for the reasons I'd like to list below.

Over the years in the UK, at least since the end of WWII, I have strong suspicion that most people who have won elections and held onto power, or been exceptionally talented politicians/government ministers have had some form of autism. What we "mortals" see as shiftiness, evasiveness and inconstancy actually protects these leaders as they seek to mediate between constantly changing fashions and the long-term good for themselves and the country (to give them the benefit of the doubt). Given that over here you can make a lot more money by going into business and our politicians are relatively badly paid, compared to those in the US, I would say we do attract those who seriously want to do some good, although over the last 20 years politics has become professionalised in a way it wasn't before that. Those caveats aside I am going to list politicians who I think have some form of autistic specturm disorder or, to use our more mystical language, are empathic and sensitive to the point of near-lunacy.

Tony Blair (until recently was like a cat-squared - he seemed to have 81 lives! he was very very good at recovering from traumas which would have destroyed others; perhaps he was able to do so with help from friends in high places but he has been almost eerily lucky throughout his premiership that it intrigues me. At the very least he can probably sense what is going on before it occurs and take the right steps to cover his tracks.)
Winston Churchill (a known psychic)
Margaret Thatcher (allegedly clairvoyant - she correctly predicted that William Hague would be the next but one Tory leader - after her - when she saw him at a conference in 1977 - and he was)
Gordon Brown (underestimated but incredibly tenacious, perceptive and a very good manipulator. He is currently doing the right things at the right time; he is like me, he got frustrated waiting, but I have "oracle" style documents that tell a very interesting story about how this current "inter-regnum" period in the UK is going to come off.)
Michael Howard (take note of this name, all you in the US... I have a feeling we will be hearing from him again soon enough).

Most of those who fail at our political games - far too numerous to list here - have a lack of inner awareness of what is going on and rely far too much on the media to guide them rather than trusting their own judgement and resources.

What I have come to develop is a definite sixth sense about politics, and a definite ability to "see the woods for the trees". I have cultivated raw talents over the past 10 years through visions, dreams, writing comics (which unfold in a kind of allegorical never-ending story, set both in the real world - political satire which turned into political fortune-telling! - and in an "analogous" world where I am free to create the setting and other characters; these were for a while self-generating, until the last "round" started about 3 years ago when I reverted to standard satire to cover the more interesting times that I correctly assessed lay ahead), and other methods both spontaneous and controlled (I lament perhaps my loss of innocence and spontaneity which has to some extent clouded my judgement or spark which generated the clearest prognoses). People who know my love of politics want me to go and study them in action in Westminster, but until things get better - and, ironically, I am able to roll up my sleeves and get on with proper advisory work rather than mere intriguing and politicking - I would be terrible at dealing with the world as it is, because knowing what is happening and in which direction things are going, I feel the media creates a kind of claustrophobia where scandal and rumour are clouding the judgement of many of our best minds and disabling both critical faculties in the most important people, and to an empath the information overload led me to deep depression when I knew almost that I was right - but living 2-3 years in the future!

The best people in politics are those who know inside themselves that a lot of what the media prints is patent lies, and can almost screen out the white noise. I've got better at this but it means putting myself at arms' length and trusting that I will hear what I need to hear, when I need to hear it (my mother is convinced of this; my boyfriend, while one of these gossip-hounds and who reads all the best blogs around - which to me say nothing important - respects this distance that I need to keep until the pendulum swings back towards me).

The problem I find is that distancing myself from what I feel to be my life-purpose (to assist a new government and hopefully be a part of it) has led me into the wilderness personally speaking, so much so that I have been on disability benefit for the past year and a half with still only vague light at the end of the tunnel. Trusting insight when it is at odds with majority opinion is very difficult to do, but since I am - in small degrees - being proved right, it is some kind of a moral victory which should strengthen me. Inevitability in the system is that the ultimate prize will go to the politician who is able both to screen out the clamour of fashion and get beyond the smokescreen into the heart of a country's problems; but paradoxically getting non-empaths to realise that a change is needed puts me in bed with some very dubious people indeed - the person who brought down Michael Howard, ironically, may well be the person whose ambition brings down the next person, only to find himself trumped by the empath who sees the opportunity and twists it in his own direction.

Meanwhile here's me just waiting. I hopefully won't have too much longer to wait - I keep getting readings done, and I keep getting the same answer: "have patience, keep going" - but sometimes the frustration makes me feel angry and bitter at the people who are supporting me while all this is going on. And explaining it to a rational world is one of the biggest problems...my dad got very angry a month or so ago and threatened to have me certified...luckily it was only a flash in the pan (thanks to the I Ching I knew that before it calmed down!) but...at the same time it made me very scared. And I did foresee it in my comics as well!!!...!!!

Anyway. Sorry for the long post.

[Tranquility]

How? Emotions have been very strong within me my entire life. I suddenly often know the exact agenda / feelings / thoughts of people, whether they are in front of me or not. I hate bright lights, loud noises, crowded places, malls, faires.. etc. Mosty though, it's an innate knowing of people and their emotional states. I get "swept away" a lot though, and get overwhelmed too often.. Somethig I have to work on.

[Pesha]

Being born the way we are, we tend to know at an early age what we are. I knew when I was just three. And you develope your gifts over time. I am finding the older I get the more focused my Empathic senses are and how much easier it is to sheild and read what I am sensing.

[LotusFlower]

:strike:

[ancalemagill]

Wow, what an interesting question.

How did I know I was empathic instead of imaging strange feelings or putting them on like a mask so I wouldn't have to deal with other issues?

When I created a shield that blocked out all emotions I realized just how bombarded and overwhelmed I had been.

Why did I create a shield?

Because I was tired of feeling happy one minute and sad the next and then angry and then silly and then anxious... and most of the time nothing had happened to ME to make my feelings change like that. I was overwhelmed by feelings that went this way and that way like a flag flapping in the wind and I had no control over how I felt.

One I began opening my shield selectively I could actually sense what direction a wayward emotion was coming from, and sometimes I was even picking those emotions up from at least half a mile away.

Then I was able to be logical instead of simply feeling. If I was in line at a checkout stand and the cashier was having a rough day I could feel that it was coming from the cashier and not from me... then I would block those unhappy or frustrated or angry feelings and remember how I had been feeling in myself only a couple of minutes before that.

Same for me .

[LadyLuthien]

For me I think it's always been there. But I discovered it when I was a teenager. I had a friend of mine who was rather gifted. Shortly after we met I was expressing some unexplained sadness I was dealing with lately at school. She turned to her friend and said quietly,"She's an empath. A pretty strong one too." I looked puzzled. She explained to me what I was. Asked me a few questions about myself and how I feel. It all fit into place since then. I think I have got better at controling it, but no where near where I think I should be. I feel all sorts of things. A few weeks ago I was in the car with two of my friends that are boy friend and girl friend. They suddenly held hands while she was driving. (I was in the back seat) I felt a surge go through my heart the moment they touched. I tried to explain to them that I felt it, but they both looked me puzzled. I knew it came from him though. :)

I feel all sorts of things around my boy friend too. He likes to keep his emotions blocked off, so he really hates it when I pinpoint something to him. There are times I will be at the mall or other places around lots of people and I will have to go outside because I feel clostraphobic from all the surges I get.

[moonbride]

I wasn't sure if I should post this here or start a new thread.... but here goes...

I never thought I was empathic before. It just never occurred to me and I guess that's because there haven't been very many incidents that would make me think so.

This weekened I was on my way to a holistic healthcare class that I'd been looking very forward to taking. I was happy and felt really good. I was driving past a church where there were people coming out from a funeral being held there (I could tell by the hearse waiting out front). I saw an older woman being helped into a limo... I'm guessing either the widow or possibly mother. She was understandable VERY distraught and I immediately just felt this overwhelming sadness and heaviness within myself. The tears came then and I just remained very shaken for a time and the further away I got the calmer I felt.

Now... I have felt very sad before over things like this. Sometimes it can't be helped when you see someone's grief like this. But this was very different with the heaviness I felt and the overwhelming feelings. So I wonder can you just all of a sudden be empathic? Does it come on all of a sudden like this or am I reading too much into it?

On a side note... I have been working a lot with energy lately. I have been a Reiki Master for almost 8 years but honestly haven't been working a lot with it until the last several months. So am I just a little more sensitive because of all the energy work lately?