Why Being An Empath Sucks

Being an empath is fucking hard. If you are one you’ll completely understand but if you’re not I’ll tell you what it’s like being an empath.

First, I’ll tell you that we feel everything. And I don’t mean things that are directed at us, or regular emotions I mean everything. We feel ourselves, we feel you, we feel the person next to you, the whole dam room. Being an empath means that we feel and sense whether we want to or not; emotions, moods, intentions, vibrations, energy, negativity, judgement and so much more.

For example, I can sense a person’s character almost immediately and often am thought to be judgemental by my friends. It’s hard to explain how I just know without sounding like I’m full of shit. (By the way, there are science-based theories and research about empaths (that I won’t get into detail over cuz I’d just be stealing it from other sites anyway) that includes things such as; mirror neurons, electromagnetism, sensory processing, emotion contagion and more. Additionally, neuroscientist and psychologist Abigail Marsh found evidence that there is a difference in the brains of people who are highly empathetic to others.) Just sayin.

The emotional effect of being highly sensitive is bananas. I can switch moods faster than you can flick a lightswitch. I can be terribly hurt and cry over something that seems absolutely meaningless to another person and I can find joy and peace in things that seem just as small.

When it comes to my close personal relationships, mostly dating, I find it harder to sense and feel things. Probably because I’ve somehow blocked it out, maybe fears or that my hopefulness overrides everything. I don’t know, I do know that my judgement or lack thereof has kicked my ass in this department time and time again. I attract narcissists and manipulators like flies do shit.

I’ve learned to keep a considerable amount of my observations and feelings to myself because in all honesty if you aren’t an empath you a) probably do think I’m full of shit and won’t take my word for it and b) don’t understand.

Secondly, it’s hard to function when you’re always tired, mentally and physically. My own emotions are extreme enough, imagine feeling everyone else’s? This goes both ways, good emotions and bad. We can celebrate your joys like they are our own but also your pains.

We are like sponges sopping with energy; of our own, yours, his, theirs, the dogs, the fucking tree stump over there. All of these energies are different so it’s like a chaotic mess of energy we’re dealing with which makes feeling our own personal things harder to manage and deal with.

The vibe of a room washes over us like a tsunami of molasses. Its terribly difficult to be around a lot of people although it’s just as hard to be around one who is very boisterous, loud and in your face.

Naps are a necessity.

Thirdly, being highly sensitive means every little thing affects us. I used to leave cupboard doors open because I didn’t like the slight bang it made to close them. I always had some kind of anxiety attack in any blockbuster video store because of the brightness and colours of the place. Same thing in any grocery store, which I used to work in. I’d get a huge lump in my throat, become lightheaded and hear every. little. sound.

Being highly sensitive I can also read your facial micro-expressions. You know, the ones you think you’re not making or hiding. This often indicates the truthfulness of someone which can be quite disappointing when talking to those I love. I notice your body language, the way you look at things, your level of interest, your sincerity the tone of your voice, the intent behind your words.

Although all of these things are often overwhelming I wouldn’t change it for the world. Not everything about being an empath is negative however that is the point of this post. I like who I am, my willingness to help, my sincerity in doing so, my concern for all and even the way my heart hurts intensely but also knows how to love extremely.

Being an empath, to me, is a blessing and a curse.

10 Traits of an Empath (Reasons why being an empath sucks):

1. I am constantly tired and feeling completely drained.
2. I know when something is wrong even when you say there isn’t.
3. I have a hard time saying no.
4. I’m a magnet for manipulators.
5. I fucking know when you’re lying. (I may not let on though)
6. I can tell when someone doesn’t like me and it gets annoying when someone tries to explain it away. I’m not saying that for fun, I know.
7. My emotions are like a ping pong ball but like in a pro league where it’s fucking intense.
8. I am hyper-sensitive to everything, sounds, vibes, weather, emotions, even smells.
9. Relationships are hard for me because I feel so intensely and have a bitch of a time trying to find someone who understands me.
10. I can’t change any of these things.

Are you an empath? If these things sound familiar maybe you are. Here’s an imagery test to help you find out if you’re an empath.

Stay tuned for some journal pages to help yourself release some of the weight of being an empath or highly sensitive person. Make sure to sign up to our newsletter so you don’t miss out!