Introverted Empaths

[BorgQueen]

Recently, I've come to realise that I'm an empath. And it's kinda weird thinking that most of the things I'm feeling are actually other people's feeling coming onto me. Now, for your average extrovert, this would be a major blessing. Think; you'll be able to comfort someone and know exactly how they're feeling. But, for your average introvert, it's a burden. I actually think that this empathy thing might be the cause to quite a few of my mental illnesses.

Is anyone else here an empath? Do you know of ways to stop the empathy?

[MrCawfle]

I really detest these new terms. Heck, I'm cool with "Before Christ" and "After Death".

Anyway, without thinking of terms, I used to think that I could read peoples' minds. It turns out that I'm just an automatic pro at reading facial expressions and body language. Add that to introversion and *ouch!* the possibilities. Well, that explains the long, long bout with headaches.

[nala]

I have recently been called an empath. I did some research and a lot of what I read applies to me. Unfortunately, I don't think you can shut it off.

I'm sorry you didn't get a more empathic response!

[Pathfinder]

But, for your average introvert, it's a burden...

Why is knowing how other people feel a burden?

[leavemealone]

Same here, I am also empathic. I hate it honestly, I shop at Walmart late at night when its empty! It isnt a way to turn it off though. But you shouldn't want to. I honestly just realized I was introverted, I spent my early 20's drinking heavily to deal with people lol. But I learned who I am and just learned to deal. I hate most people, don't look friendly because I didn't want to attract people...
Anyway, I would use to to determine what kind of energy people are putting off around me and if at all possible I would avoid the shit out of them. Its like youre hyper sensitive to peoples feelings around you... I'd explore it some more it might be something about it that could work in your favor.

hope that helps

[Solitary]

I think because we don't interact much we tend to be more sensitive to other peoples feelings.

For me sometimes watching a violent video makes me very emotional. Like I can feel the victims fear and pain, and I become nauseated or cry with them. The same when someone tells me about a bad experience. I can also easily 'pick up' on how people around me feel, making me able to be very tactful where someone else may be insensitive. The opposite sex find this attractive and think you are a good person....lol
Meanwhile it may be more of a defensive mechanism to help one avoid uncomfortable conflict.