The Blessing and Curse of Being an Empath
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Why Feeling Everything So Deeply Is Both A Blessing And A Curse

What it's like being an empath in today's emotionally disconnected world.

364
Why Feeling Everything So Deeply Is Both A Blessing And A Curse
Sebastian Voortman

As I sat outside a sun-soaked café overlooking the French Riviera this past summer, I couldn't help but tune into the sounds of two young Americans sitting behind me, engaged in a heated argument. "Your mood swings are unbearable!" the man said through clenched teeth. "I'm sorry you can't handle how deeply I feel things!" huffed the woman in reply. As their seemingly circular, accusatory exchange continued, I slowly earmarked the page of the book I had been reading and allowed this woman's statement to sink in. Being known as a sensitive individual is something that has been relentlessly mocked in our culture, whether in entertainment media or as a part of cultural norms. Exclamations like "Don't be such a cry-baby!" and "You're a drama queen!", I have found, are statements whose sole purposes are to force others to bury feelings of discomfort, pain, hurt, offense, or even joy from being expressed.

If I fell and scraped my knee growing up or felt like I was about to crack under the pressures of school, my mom would always wrap me in a big hug and say, "The only way out of this feeling is through it". A sometimes nearly-impossible pill to swallow, this piece of advice carried me through every joyful and difficult time I endured as I grew up, yet it wasn't until I was a sophomore in high school that I came to find that my mood, and, in turn, my physical well-being, were being affected by the petty dramas of others. Although I myself was not directly involved in any of the situations, I could not understand why when my friends or acquaintances were sad or suffering, I, too, would find myself getting easily upset, frustrated, or saddened by things that usually would not bother me.

Why was I like this? Did I have something wrong with me? A mood disorder?

The tornado of thoughts and questions inside my head evolved into extensive, nightly Google searches, and after a few days, I came to find that I am what is called an empath. More simply defined as "emotional sponges", empaths are beings with the ability to somewhat absorb the energies or emotions of others. Men and women, alike, online that also identify as empaths stated that this gift is both one of the greatest blessings and curses an individual can bear in this modern age.

Since coming to realize this, I have felt the heaviness of my own heart when my best friends have gone through break-ups; I have carried my mom's stress when she's had a bad day at work; I have mourned for both myself and others at the loss of a family member; and I have passed bitter-looking strangers on the street and felt their frustrations wholeheartedly. Pulling myself away from the grasp of such immense heaviness is something I've had to teach myself and practice over time, but as I sat listening to that American couple in France, I realized that these beautiful and deep experiences were not singular to me and that it is something a specific community of individuals alone can actually understand.

So why try and be happy if feeling the suffering of others is imminent and out of an empath's control? For one reason: the immeasurable and insurmountable joy that is also available in every place where there is pain. The smile of a stranger on the street allows beams of light and love to course through my veins; the small, everyday accomplishments of a sibling bring tears of joy to my eyes; and overwhelming displays of unity, kindness, acceptance, and peace enable a euphoric feeling to warm my heart and soul.

In today's world, we can no longer be afraid or ashamed of feeling/owning our feelings. As much as things like technology or social media may connect us, hiding behind a screen or an image only impedes us from really connecting with others and creating the safe space for them to outwardly express any positive or negative emotions they may be feeling. Like with most everything in life, it comes down to perspective. I could ruminate on all of the things wrong with the world that I feel too helpless to change or accept, or instead I could wake up each day, take a deep breath, and remind myself that light can be always be found, even in the darkest of places, and that feeling is, in fact, man's greatest strength.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51448
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33025
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956026
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180977
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments