My nerves are shot.
This is why our minds are such complex things:
If you really want to know who I am, this post is me.
I have written about my chronic depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD. Now another big part of my story is that I am an Empath. A literal emotional human sponge.
An Empath feels other people’s emotions more intensely than the average person. Empath is empathy for another person’s feelings and situations. An Empath feels other people’s reactions to a situation. On the other end of the scale, psychopaths feel no emotion. They could care less about the feelings of someone else. Emotional sponges. We can take other people’s emotions and sometimes have to deal with those emotions as our own. Some times if just know when my friends are down or upset. Even in another state. People with negative or “bad” vibes can make me backup and say whoa! I don’t have to even know them.
Maybe you are dealing with being an Empath along with other issues like deep depression. Everyone tells you “it’s just depression! Snap out of it!!”. DON’T YOU BELIEVE IT!!! Think of your mind as a maze- surprising things at every turn. If, say a kitchen is too crowded, I’m out. Others may think I am just lazy. To me it is self preservation. If I walk away, I need to.
- Here are some things about Empaths.
- 1. Crowds are too hard for an Empath. Too much emotional input at one time. I stay on the edges so I can turn around and see space.
- 2. Loud chaotic noise is too much for us to take in.
- 3. We have a rich inner life. I have a running story, like reading a book, in my head at all times. It relaxes me and helps in tense situations. It is my overload go to place. I have gotten much better at the stories over time.
- 4. We seek high -sensation activities. I love to fly, anywhere, anytime. I’ve been soaring in a no engine plane. Loved it!!! I love roller coasters. I’ve been whitewater rafting. I have flown a plane. I still intend to skydive one day!
- 5. We NEED alone time. Have to have it. You might not be an introvert, you just have to have your time and space. It is not about avoiding anyone else, it is a necessity.
- 6. Most of us are single. Touching and cuddling sound fine, but I feel like I am being held down. Let go of me! Mates don’t like or understand that.
- 7. We are overly giving. It can be with time or gift giving. Nothing seems good enough or maybe stupid, ever after you give it.
- 8. We are naturally giving. We want to help. We are intuitive, caring and good listeners. Even total stranger tell me things they have never told anyone else.
- 9. We want to help you or the world with anything that is needed.
- 10. Strong scents can be really awful to us.
- 11. We often feel like we don’t fit in. I have never felt like I fit anywhere.
- 12. We can spot a liar from a mile away. I once had a man tell me that he was the head of the Democratic part in his area. I said, “are you a democrat?” He said, NO. no one has ever asked me that before!
- 13. I have trouble sleeping. This is where the book in my head comes in handy.
- 14. We love nature!!! Animals are our best buddies.
- 15. We would rather read than watch TV. Quiet is also our friend.
- 16. We do not like conflict.
There is help for an Empath.
Quiet time is a must, but, not for days on end. People don’t understand your need, so show your face daily.
Online thereby is the in thing right now. Talkspace….Better help….Regain….On-linetherapy.com….Just to name a few.
An Emotional Support Animal could help a lot. I have their connection on my Market page at the end of this post.
One good thing is that we see the world in unique ways. We don’t always understand all the drama people have. Life is not as hard as people make it.
Did this post give you any aha moments?
Get to know your own mind. It is not all dark in there. You may be an Empath. It just might not be all bad like you think it is.
P.S. Even now I feel like I might not be helping. Insecurity is a big emotion.