24/05/2026
Growing up I was labelled 'shy' as I struggled to make small talk with people, and I didn't like to put myself out there. I hated loud noise, strong smells, overly bright lights and I often felt overwhelmed. Whilst I enjoyed being out with my friends, sometimes, I preferred being at home in my bedroom alone with my books and my music. I knew that I thought and felt differently to my family and friends.
When I was growing up there was no language used like introvert, highly sensitive or empath. I just thought I was weird and there was something wrong with me.
As I got older I remember coming across the term introvert and that resonated with me - it was such a relief to know that I wasn't alone and that other people were like me too.
Then about 6 years ago, I came across the term empath in an online group I joined during lockdown. That was a game changer for me. I then knew exactly why I felt the way I did and that, again, there were others like me. I remember seeing the graphic attached to this post and thinking it was like my CV.
When I started working at 17 it was in a huge open plan office, on a campus that had around 2000 employees. I would come home from work everyday feeling absolutely drained, would often experience headaches, migraines, and other weird ailments and emotions that made no sense to my lifestyle or health. I now know I was taking on other people's energy, ailments etc as I had no idea I was an empath and that I needed to protect myself.
Being an empath has pros and cons. Our compassion and empathy can be a comfort to others, and in fact, people are often drawn to us without knowing why (ever get lots of people in shops, etc, drawn to you and telling you their life story?). But on the flip side we can also take on others energy and emotions, leading us to feel overwhelmed, drained and even ill.
If you're an empath then self-care is absolutely crucial. We need to be able to recognise what is our energy/emotions and what belongs to others. We need to ground and protect ourselves, have and stick to boundaries, and know when we need to pull back and recharge.
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