webmistress

What a relief......I have been following this thread for a while.....staying on the sidelines (but praying nonetheless) because I am so new to this forum....isn't it wonderful to have such a diverse and interesting world family? Just wanted you to know I am pulling for you too....strength in numbers and all that.....

"Webmistress.....I don't like the word "Telepath" because it brings in all kinds of quack ideas. I can't send any messages like they do on television." Neither can they! As I said before it is unfortunate where the so called "psychic realm" has gone. I begin to wonder if you battle depression to some extent and the empathy triggers an episode. I don't know, just trying to help.

It is really unfortunate that "psychic" abilities have been comercialized and twisted by people just trying to make a buck. I'm not talking about palm readers and their ilk. Perhaps you just need to get a bit older in order to be able to understand that there is a lot of life that won't fit into your pigeonholes. It is dangerous to hang onto preconceived notions without keeping an open mind.

Is there some reason you are unwilling to "buy" empathy as a type of extra sensory perception?

I never would have thought of being an empath as having a psychological problem, I always thought of it as a type of extra-sensory perception. Something we all have to varying degrees. I agree that you would be wise to seek some type of help if it is causing you to be physically ill. I wonder, since you don't seem to have any episodes when you are at school if it is because you are focused on so many other things. Friends, noises, teachers etc. Perhaps you could immerse yourself in some type of activity that would take your mind off an episode if one occurs that is particularly disturbing. Focus externally instead of internally. Whatever would work, calling a friend, listening to music, reading a book or magazine. Anything that would require your attention somewhere else. I hadn't thought of how I learned to "shut off" when I find myself receiving input I would rather not have. I am still susceptible to being overwhelmed, but the episodes are rare. Hope this helps

Bettina, Correct me if I am wrong, but I think they are missing the point. There is a difference between being an empath and having normal empathy. Being an empath means that you feel what another person, usually in close proximity, feels. That means physically and emotionally. I am an empath and it is a pain in the whatsis. It doesn't occur with everyone I see or meet, and it isn't always powerful, but when it is, look out! Is this what you mean?