How Does An Empath Cope?
DEAR SHERRY:
As an empath, I find it very hard to separate the hurt and sadness I feel for other people so that it doesn't affect my own life in a very big way. Sometimes I feel like other people's sadness becomes my own. If a friend is not ok, I am not ok. Do you have any strategies for helping an empath cope?
Thank you!
EMPATH
DEAR EMPATH:
I am sorry you are struggling with this. When I first became a therapist, I almost quit. All of the feelings that came up in me when I listened to people's problems were so overwhelming that I couldn't function.
I soon learned that the world is a mirror to my soul. Buried feelings were coming up in me that I couldn't deal with earlier in my life.
I believe these circumstances bring up feelings in you from the past that you have not processed yet. To help yourself not to take on other people's feelings, I would ask yourself these questions:
How is their circumstance similar to something you have experienced?
What feelings are coming up for you? Perhaps you feel helpless, lonely, discouraged?
When might you have felt this way before?
What do you think about their problem? Perhaps you think they will never feel better?
When have you thought this way before?
Sit and journal. As you connect to yourself and process your feelings, you will stay more centered and grounded. Then their problems won't become yours, and the light inside you will help light up the world!
I am sending light your way!
Love,
SHERRY
