Have you ever been with someone and all of a sudden you start to feel like they’re sad or happy, or experiencing some other emotion and somehow you start to feel like you share it? This may be because you are an empathetic person, as many experts say that people who have the ability to feel the emotions of others have a great sense of empathy.
Today it is said that there are two types of empathy: affective empathy, which refers to the sensations and feelings you get from other people’s responses, and cognitive empathy, which refers to identifying and understanding the emotions of others.
How to identify if you are an empathic person?
It is said that empathy is deeply rooted in your brain and body, and is part of human evolution. Basic forms of empathy have been observed in dogs, cats, and rats. Scientists have speculated that some aspects of empathy may be located in mirror neurons, which fire when we see someone act in a certain way. Likewise, genetic bases for empathy have been discovered. Although many people have this quality innately, empathy can be improved and worked on.
1. You take the emotions of others as if they were your own
This is the main trait of empathic people. It doesn’t matter how far away someone is from you, and they think you don’t notice: you will most likely feel their emotions immediately.
It’s not really known how this works, but many experts say that people high in empathy have much more active mirror neurons, so they can read the emotional cues of others and figure out how they’re feeling.
If you’re someone high in empathy, chances are you’re very good at reading body image, changes in expressions, or even tone of voice.
2. You may experience overwhelming emotions when you are with many people.
The ability to feel the emotions of others is not limited to when you are with only one person. In fact, it can happen that if you are an empathic person and you are in a crowded place, you can feel the general atmosphere.
Imagine that you are on public transport at rush hour and everyone is stressed: in this case, it is very likely that you have a feeling of anxiety or even that they transmit the same stress to you.
3. The energetic vibe of where you are is important to you
The energy of people is not the only thing that matters for empathic people. This also happens with places. For example, if you find yourself in a messy or chaotic place, it is very possible that you will feel stressed and anxious. On the contrary, if you are in a garden, the beach or some quiet place, your reaction will be very different.
4. You understand where people’s emotions come from
Much more than just absorbing what people are feeling, true empaths truly understand where their emotions are coming from and why they are there. It is not only about feeling others, but about understanding and understanding so that, then, you can use that ability that you have in the best way.
5. Others are likely to ask you for advice
Naturally, someone who is empathetic is good at listening to others, so if your friends come to you for advice or support on a topic, it is most likely because they trust you and know that you will listen without judgment.
Being empathic is good for your health
Stop worrying about your problems and just focus on others and how you can be of help is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. When you find yourself in a negative loop of everything that only happens to you, you lose perspective of things and get carried away by that black hole of worries and stress. What would happen if you focused your empathy and generosity on helping others?
Of course, it is not about minimizing your personal affairs and forgetting everything to help, but about finding a balance in what you can do for yourself and your friends, family, etc.
Different psychologists have found that practicing empathy is good for your physical and mental health, reduces stress, and also lowers your blood pressure.
Use empathy in a healthy way
There is nothing wrong with worrying about others and trying to understand them; however, this could cause you more stress when you only dedicate yourself to filling the gaps of others. For example, if you like to listen to other people’s problems and want to give them some kind of advice, keep in mind that when you have a problem you can also externalize it and feel the support of other people.
set healthy boundaries. This is very important when you are an empath. Many people may come to you for help, but one day you may not feel like it, are stressed or just want to be alone. Remember that nothing happens if one day you decide not to listen. If you’re in a romantic relationship, it’s even more crucial that you do so, because you can’t be the person in the relationship who always cares about the other’s feelings, and you don’t get listened to.
Don’t change for others. When you are very in touch with your emotions, and therefore with those of other people, many people may think that you are too sensitive. Don’t doubt your ability and capacity, or change and become cold just because of what others say.
Watch this video and learn a little more about empathy.
It may interest you: 5 tips to practice empathy