Empathy for mental health

By Ratika Mishra

Empathy for Mental Health: Signs That Prove You are An Empath!

Empathy is the quality of mentally healthy people, a trait of understanding what the other person is experiencing; the capacity to place oneself in another’s position is known as- Empathy. The word is used a lot lately; everyone either knows one, or is one, or aspires to be one. Empaths tend to see the world differently and are keenly aware of others- their pains, their desires, etc. They are emotionally mature, and according to the author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, Dr. Judith Orloff, they can feel physical pain too.

They can also sense someone’s intentions and understand where they are coming from. Empaths are keepers, great friends, guides, mentors if you have an empath, or are one kudos to you!

Wondering how to recognize an empath? These are the characteristics or signs of an empath:

1) They have a deep Inner Strength

They understand that life moves on, no matter what happens. They may appear as fragile or weak, but that’s because they are emotional. Their inner strength keeps them moving forward and learning each lesson as it comes their way.

2) Honesty is the Best Policy

Truly a quote devised by an empath. They believe in being honest with their work, relationships, selves, etc. They believe in being 100% honest and expect the same from others.

3) Others Emotions as Own

Empaths have the quality of feeling others' emotions as their own. No matter how someone near you is feeling, whether they talk about it or don’t, empaths are quick to pick up their emotions. The science behind this is attributed to the fact that people with a high level of empathy have active mirror neurons. Mirror neurons are the part of the brain which find emotional cues from people and figures out what they are thinking or feeling. Thus, empaths tend to immediately understand and feel what the other person is feeling.

4) Selfishness Drains Them

Empaths cannot stand the people who only think about themselves and are selfish. They become anxious and upset around people who are selfish and think only about themselves. The tendency to understand and think about others is what empaths value. Negativity or selfishness is draining for them.

5) Overwhelming Emotions in Public

Empaths don’t feel others emotions while interacting one on one. They can also experience the emotions of a crowd in public places. They can feel emotions out of nowhere when surrounded by people. They can sense the energy and mirror the emotions around, which become overwhelming.

6) The “vibe” Matters

Empaths are extremely sensitive to feel the atmosphere of not just people, but also of their surroundings. The vibe or energy of the place also affects their mood and productivity. When surrounded by peace and calm, they flourish in whatever they do. Chaotic or depressive environments can hamper their productivity.

7) Great Advisors

Empaths have learned from experience, and they never judge people for who they are. With such insightful knowledge, their friends often seek them for advice, support, and encouragement. They are great listeners and non-judgmental. Thus, they become great advisors for their friends, family, acquaintances, etc.

8) Physical Pain/Illness

Empaths can also feel other people’s physical illnesses and not just an emotional one. Their ability to feel somebody else’s pain isn’t restricted to emotional energies. It means that when someone is sick or injured, empaths might feel their ailment and pain. It does not mean having sympathy, but having actual physical pain, tightness, soreness, etc.

9) Lie Detectors

Empaths have, like many others being deceived by others, but their ability to recognize a lie and see through a person is impeccable. Their gut instinct never lies to them, and they can process the tiniest of cues. No one can hide their true intentions from an empath.

10) Natural healers

Empaths are not just great at giving advice, but other people also tend to feel more at peace in the presence of an empath. People most often seek out to their empathetic friends in times of need. Empaths can, if they want, develop this trait to actually heal people. They can help those in need to overcome their emotional baggage and unhealthy patterns.

Empaths are a valuable part of the human race. They are the ones who still believe and see the good in people. They make this world a better place to live in.

By Ratika Mishra