Drama Queen or Something Else?

[EvieLee]

Disclaimer: Ok, so this is my first thread starting venture here, so if this is in the wrong place I'm very sorry. I considered putting this in the Helping Hands forum, but it didn't seem to quite fit there. And obviously if I knew what the hell I was talking about I would have searched the forums for it, but alas I don't and so I'm asking.

Alrighty, well, for as long as I can remember I've always been a very "emotionally centred" person. I'm often affected more than others by slight changes in emotional states - I put this down to growing up with an abusive father and adapting to knowing when to stay out of his way or when something is wrong. I'm also what has often been called "rather gulible" where I'm easily swayed to someones opinion based on an emotional arguement.

Well, for equally as long as I can remember, I've been able to make myself feel emotions that weren't currently being felt. ie - When I was younger, I used to wonder what it would be like if my mother died and would burst into tears and it would affect me for the rest of the day, often longer.

Recently though, when I do this to myself (which isn't often anymore), instead of just the emotional response, I feel physical pain. Since realising that doing this to myself wasn't exactly useful, I haven't done it. But sometimes I do it to better understand something - like when a friend is going through a hard time, or when a character of a book I'm reading experiences something I haven't. The most recent example was reading a book that mentioned something about suicide and depression and from out of no where, I was overcome by a deep sense of depression that I've haven't felt anything similar to in years. I ended up going back to bed and just lying there for the rest of the day.

Obviously, I'm not too keen on doing this to myself on purpose as the effects tend to last even longer these days, but it would help to know exactly what's going on. I used to put it down to me just being a drama queen, but that's not really in my personality...I don't think. lol.

So if anyone has any insights to share I would be most appreciative. Also if you just want to slap me and tell me to stop being such a drama queen, feel free to do that too. :hahugh:

[Lunacie]

You could be describing me, although I haven't made myself feel others feelings as an experiment or a way to connect to them. You sure sound like an Empath to me. Welcome to the Bunker, EvieLee. :wave:

[EvieLee]

LOL! It sure sounds masochisticc when you put it like that! I always thought that empathy was an involuntary kinda thing. But it does sound similar, hence why I posted here.

[noxtwice]

it's possible you are an empath that can turn it on and off at will...

[Desert_Witch]

it's possible you are an empath that can turn it on and off at will...

I fall into this catagory. Although I have varying success at turning it off on command I can always turn it on. When i need to turn off my "antenna" and I am too invested emotionally I shield like crazy and I soon have things back under control. As far as staying in a bummer because of somthing I have felt, I cleanse and then try to get absorbed by some activity I enjoy. That usually does the trick. Once in a while I still get stuck in a funk though.:)

I recomend that everyone try and learn how to "raise and lower the antenna" so to speak. It is real handy.

[EvieLee]

I fall into this catagory. Although I have varying success at turning it off on command I can always turn it on. When i need to turn off my "antenna" and I am too invested emotionally I shield like crazy and I soon have things back under control. As far as staying in a bummer because of somthing I have felt, I cleanse and then try to get absorbed by some activity I enjoy. That usually does the trick. Once in a while I still get stuck in a funk though.:)

I recomend that everyone try and learn how to "raise and lower the antenna" so to speak. It is real handy.

I have tried meditation to a certain extent when I get too "stuck in a funk" which helps depending on what "funk" I'm in. But you're right - as sometimes these funks can reflect in my behaviour towards those around me and learning to "turn off the antenna" would be vital. Turning to an enjoyable activity sounds like a good idea. Also I've found taking time out to sit and relax in the garden can be very rewarding in this sense.

Thanks all.

[Desert_Witch]

If only we had a garden *sigh*. But yes Evie, I know what you mean. It sounds like you are already pretty good at altering your moods etc. COOOOL!:boing: It took me a long time to figure that out. (I can be so dense sometimes)

Brightest Blessings DW

[Johnathan Brisby]

Disclaimer: Ok, so this is my first thread starting venture here, so if this is in the wrong place I'm very sorry. I considered putting this in the Helping Hands forum, but it didn't seem to quite fit there. And obviously if I knew what the hell I was talking about I would have searched the forums for it, but alas I don't and so I'm asking.

Alrighty, well, for as long as I can remember I've always been a very "emotionally centred" person. I'm often affected more than others by slight changes in emotional states - I put this down to growing up with an abusive father and adapting to knowing when to stay out of his way or when something is wrong. I'm also what has often been called "rather gulible" where I'm easily swayed to someones opinion based on an emotional arguement.

Well, for equally as long as I can remember, I've been able to make myself feel emotions that weren't currently being felt. ie - When I was younger, I used to wonder what it would be like if my mother died and would burst into tears and it would affect me for the rest of the day, often longer.

Recently though, when I do this to myself (which isn't often anymore), instead of just the emotional response, I feel physical pain. Since realising that doing this to myself wasn't exactly useful, I haven't done it. But sometimes I do it to better understand something - like when a friend is going through a hard time, or when a character of a book I'm reading experiences something I haven't. The most recent example was reading a book that mentioned something about suicide and depression and from out of no where, I was overcome by a deep sense of depression that I've haven't felt anything similar to in years. I ended up going back to bed and just lying there for the rest of the day.

Obviously, I'm not too keen on doing this to myself on purpose as the effects tend to last even longer these days, but it would help to know exactly what's going on. I used to put it down to me just being a drama queen, but that's not really in my personality...I don't think. lol.

So if anyone has any insights to share I would be most appreciative. Also if you just want to slap me and tell me to stop being such a drama queen, feel free to do that too. :hahugh:

you definitely have a lot of feelings- controlling your passion can be a challenging and ongoing struggle, especially if you are emotionally high strung and sensitive

a "drama queen" in my opinion uses play acting in order to manipulate and control others, you dont strike me as that type of person- are you certain youre "creating" these responses, or reacting to vibes from others?

[EvieLee]

a "drama queen" in my opinion uses play acting in order to manipulate and control others, you dont strike me as that type of person- are you certain youre "creating" these responses, or reacting to vibes from others?

LOL! I'm not particularly good at being manipulative. I tend to out think myself and fall on my backside whenever I've had a reason to try. About the create/react part, I would have to say it's about half and half. Sometimes I create the responses (like with the example of my mother when I was a kid) but sometimes I just react (like the emotional argument example with the gullible-ness).

The part that gets me is with the books (as I'm a fairly avid reader) where I get so absorbed in the characters and situations that my moods tend to react to the happenings in the book. IE I read Lady of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley and flew into a rage when a sacred site was destroyed (or something...need to re-read that book. lol.)

Me thinks I just let my emotions run away with me sometimes. :lol:

[Pesha]

Hello. I am just like you in a lot of ways. I am probably one of the biggest emotion freks of the universe. I feel everything from everywhere. And I too have made myself feel fututre feelings and been spot on in the result. I have to realyy sheild and manage myself alot. I cry at commercials for goodnes sake.

Welcome to the Bunker.

[Johnathan Brisby]

LOL! I'm not particularly good at being manipulative. I tend to out think myself and fall on my backside whenever I've had a reason to try. About the create/react part, I would have to say it's about half and half. Sometimes I create the responses (like with the example of my mother when I was a kid) but sometimes I just react (like the emotional argument example with the gullible-ness).

The part that gets me is with the books (as I'm a fairly avid reader) where I get so absorbed in the characters and situations that my moods tend to react to the happenings in the book. IE I read Lady of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley and flew into a rage when a sacred site was destroyed (or something...need to re-read that book. lol.)

Me thinks I just let my emotions run away with me sometimes. :lol:

me thinks so too:hahugh: but thats okay, creativity is a gift:hahugh:

[Pesha]

Thank goodness the holiday season is over. May be I can relax a bit and not feel so dang much.