A few months back, I had a heartfelt conversation with a friend about the challenges of parenting, the rollercoaster of life, and the chaotic state of the world. After I shared my emotional struggles and compared notes on our feelings, she remarked, “I think you might experience emotions more intensely than others.”
And she couldn’t have been more accurate. I’m an emotional person, often identified as a highly sensitive person (HSP). I’m sensitive, deeply empathetic, and I tend to feel everything — and I mean everything — on a grand scale.
For those who aren’t accustomed to feeling deeply, let me provide some insight into this experience. And for those of you who resonate with this, you already know the drill.
The Struggles of High Empathy
Being a highly empathetic person means grappling with self-doubt and regret. You’re likely to overanalyze situations, especially after making impulsive decisions driven by emotion. Conversations replay in your mind endlessly, leading to questions about whether your words were right or if you misstepped. The usual conclusion? You feel like you’ve messed up.
Empathy runs deep for those of us who feel things intensely. You care about everything — from social justice issues like racism and xenophobia to the small concern of whether you seem rude for not sending holiday cards. It’s frustrating when others don’t share your level of concern, leading you to wonder if there’s something wrong with you for caring so much.
You may find yourself overwhelmed by the world’s heartbreak and even the minutiae of daily life. Your passion drives you to engage with causes that matter to you, but it can also lead to exhaustion. It’s easy to want to fix every problem, but the weight of that responsibility is often unbearable.
The Gift of Empathy
As a highly empathetic person, your feelings of compassion, sympathy, and joy are felt as if they are your own. Empathy transcends mere compassion; it allows you to vicariously experience the emotions and thoughts of others. You believe in the importance of supporting one another because we’re all interconnected in this journey.
However, feeling so intensely can lead to inner conflict. The world is rarely black and white, and the ambiguity can create confusion. Sometimes, it’s easier to adopt absolute views to avoid the emotional toll of grappling with complex perspectives. It’s not always feasible to dive deep into every emotional rabbit hole.
Though being an overly empathetic and sensitive person can sometimes feel like a burden, it is ultimately a gift. Our sensitivity allows us to absorb not only the negative aspects of the world — like distressing news about refugees or the latest political turmoil — but also the uplifting moments. I’ve shed tears of frustration over hate crimes, but I’ve also shared tears of joy during acts of kindness with a neighbor.
Your intense feelings often inspire you to take action, fostering connections and understanding among those around you.
Self-Care for the Empathetic
For individuals like us, self-care is crucial. Narrowing your focus can be beneficial, as can taking breaks from the news and the pressure to be informed about everything. Spending quality time with a close-knit group of friends can be rejuvenating, while therapy or medication might offer additional support.
Ultimately, I’ve discovered that self-acceptance is the most empowering tool. This is who I am: a highly empathetic, sensitive individual. While I sometimes envy those with thicker skin and a more carefree attitude, I embrace my softness. One quote I hold dear comes from author Iain S. Thomas: “Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness.”
Yes, we might be overly empathetic and deeply sensitive, but even when the world feels overwhelming, we choose to remain gentle. We resist the urge to become bitter and instead nurture the belief that, despite all evidence to the contrary, the world is still a beautiful place. We channel that beauty into our own lives and pass it on to our children.
Resources for Navigating Empathy
For more insights on navigating such intense emotions, consider checking out this helpful blog post. If you’re looking for resources on home insemination, this site offers reliable at-home insemination kits. And for anyone experiencing pregnancy, March of Dimes is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, being a highly empathetic person comes with its unique challenges and rewards. While it can feel burdensome at times, embracing our emotions can lead to profound connections and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
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