[{"id":"e854393","elType":"section","settings":{"stretch_section":"section-stretched","background_background":"classic","background_image":{"url":"https:\/\/www.lissyabrahams.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/shutterstock_1185179290-768x512-1.jpg","id":5006,"alt":"","source":"library"},"background_position":"initial","background_repeat":"no-repeat","background_size":"cover","background_overlay_background":"classic","background_overlay_color":"#000000","background_overlay_opacity":{"unit":"px","size":0.409999999999999975575093458246556110680103302001953125,"sizes":[]},"background_ypos":{"unit":"px","size":-257,"sizes":[]},"background_xpos":{"unit":"px","size":7,"sizes":[]}},"elements":[{"id":"82bf9b1","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"d95d219","elType":"widget","settings":{"space":{"unit":"px","size":112,"sizes":[]}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"spacer"},{"id":"ade2076","elType":"widget","settings":{"subheading_text":"","heading_text":"MamaM!a","description_text":"","heading_tag":"h1","text_align":"center","heading_color":"#FFFFFF","heading_typography_typography":"custom","heading_typography_font_size":{"unit":"px","size":60,"sizes":[]},"heading_typography_font_size_mobile":{"unit":"px","size":40,"sizes":[]},"heading_typography_letter_spacing":{"unit":"px","size":1.8000000000000000444089209850062616169452667236328125,"sizes":[]}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"cms_heading"},{"id":"a72ff32","elType":"widget","settings":{"space":{"unit":"px","size":125,"sizes":[]}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"spacer"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"22aae0e","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"91","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"b31baff","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"f7c748c","elType":"widget","settings":{"subheading_text":"Article - source: Mamamia","heading_text":"7 Signs You\u2019re An Empath And What This Means, According To An Expert","description_text":"22 March 2022"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"cms_heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"dab5d10","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"1fb5858","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"3c137ff","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>We all have those people in our life who just\u00a0*get*\u00a0you. You know the ones. The friends that can instantly read your feelings and know what\u2019s going on. Then there are those people you\u2019ve known who are a little\u2026 disconnected from the feelings of those around them.<\/p><p>That\u2019s because there are some people in society who are more prone to empathy than others. In fact, more so than most \u2018normal\u2019 people.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>According to Dr Judith Orloff, psychiatrist and author of\u00a0The Empath\u2019s Survival Guide, each of us sit at different levels of an empathy scale.<\/p><p>Dr Orloff describes it as a spectrum, where there\u2019s people with no empathy (narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths), regular people who have empathy,\u00a0highly sensitive people,\u00a0and at the other end of the spectrum are empaths.<\/p><p>Interesting!<\/p><p>And no, before you even ask \u2013 it doesn\u2019t mean anything is wrong with you.<\/p><p>\u201cResearchers have found that empaths have more active mirror neurons \u2013 this means they can tap into the micro-changes in others,\u201d said psychotherapist\u00a0Lissy Abrahams.<\/p><p>\u201cWhilst this ability is helpful at times,\u00a0it can be problematic for empaths as they\u2019re overworking in the emotional domain, often soaking up too much. Sometimes they can be filled up with feelings yet have no idea where they originated,\u201d she adds.<\/p><p>Sound familiar?<\/p><p>Here\u2019s absolutely\u00a0everything you need to know about empaths \u2013 including what it means and how to tell if you are one.<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"05d67e9","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"dddd653","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"b97ba78","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"What is an empath?","header_size":"h3","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"8","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"52c9ccf","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"1f71192","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"b6411ec","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>Being an empath means a little more than just being a sensitive person or being really empathetic to others \u2013 it\u2019s a whole other level.<\/p><p>\u201cEmpaths are acutely aware of other people\u2019s emotions and can often feel these emotions within themselves,\u201d explains Abrahams.<\/p><p>\u201cEmpaths connect with people emotionally and can easily understand them. It\u2019s not a mental exercise but an intuitive ability. It\u2019s their gut instinct.\u201d<\/p><p>And while it\u2019s something that can be seen as a beneficial trait, there are some occasional disadvantages of feeling too much, too deeply.<\/p><p>Because not only do empaths feel intuitively connected within themselves, but they often internalise the feelings and pain of others, too.<\/p><p>\u201cEmpaths are emotionally porous, like a sponge absorbing other people\u2019s emotional information. They can see where people suffer and often like to ease it,\u201d said Abrahams.<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"9736d49","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"722747a","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"a008783","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"How do you know if you\u2019re an empath?","header_size":"h3","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"57ad8b5","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"2ff06d0","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"9c7f9fc","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>Are you the kind of\u00a0person who always avoids cringe-y or violent TV shows? Do you have a fear you\u2019re going to disappoint people? Tend to overthink someone else\u2019s feelings for days on end?<\/p><p>You might be an empath.<\/p><p>To find out what\u00a0kind of\u00a0characteristics are associated with empaths, we asked Abrahams to share some of the most common signs to look out for. Below are seven of them:<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"bdc5e28","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"6b183a9","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"574f290","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"1. You are affected by other people\u2019s emotions and can take them on","header_size":"h3","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"b134af8","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"713418c","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"240539c","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>\u201cYou have an incredibly highly attuned emotional radar that\u2019s always on and can detect slight alterations in the emotional experience of others,\u201d said Abrahams.<\/p><p>This could be from micro changes in facial expressions, gestures, a tone of voice, volume of voice, body language, or mood shifts, she adds.<\/p><p>\u201cYou can feel someone else\u2019s feelings that they themselves may have no awareness of.\u201d<\/p><p>Just to quickly reiterate that point \u2013 you can literally feel someone else\u2019s feelings BEFORE they feel them.<\/p><p>Sounds\u2026 exhausting.<\/p><p>\u201cSome empaths choose to live alone and have a haven from being swamped by other people\u2019s emotional states. Empaths can find it difficult to live with a partner as their partner\u2019s mood and energy will impact them,\u201d said Abrahams.<\/p><p>\u201cIf they live with their partner or a flatmate, they will need a space that\u2019s their own to decompress and recalibrate.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"0bdbffa","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"899caaa","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"1f325b3","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"2. You can understand other people\u2019s perspective easily.\n","header_size":"h3","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"4533b16","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"4974a32","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"5dd624a","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>According to Abrahams, empaths possess the ability to see life through a unique perspective which has been shaped by our own experiences, as well as through conscious and unconscious messages they\u2019ve absorbed throughout life.<\/p><p>\u201cYou can see other\u2019s perspectives and stand in their shoes. This ability is a bonus, as many people can\u2019t move away from their own viewpoint, causing them to be harsh or judgemental of others,\u201d adds Abrahams.<\/p><p>Due to these qualities, empaths have high emotional intelligence. \u201cThey can be great leaders, and also valuable team members.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cThey also are able to tell when someone is lying to them\u00a0\u2013\u00a0their gut will feel that something is off kilter. They\u2019ll detect the small cues of a lie and feel the residue inside them.\u201d<\/p><p>Note to self:\u00a0Never try to fool an empath.<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"27b462b","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"26a40d2","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"508c44a","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"3. You are receptive to the environment around you","header_size":"h3","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"0dc47aa","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"1e7ea79","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"8e3ee73","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>Empaths are more attuned to their environment than the average person, meaning their\u00a0mental health can be affected by subtle energies in their environment \u2013 including light, sounds and other sources of stimulation.<\/p><p>\u201cAs an empath you will be more able to feel the energy of different physical environments. You\u2019ll be sensitive too, as your finely attuned radar picks up information in that particular\u00a0environment.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cSome empaths feel completely drained by an environment that feels un-alive and uplifted by the energy in other spaces.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"db985b2","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"5a3808b","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"25c6594","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"4. You\u2019ve been a therapist to your peers since school","header_size":"h3","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"0c21997","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"3393cb0","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"ed8aada","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>\u201cIf you\u2019re an empath, you\u2019ve been helping people with their emotions since school days,\u201d said Abrahams.<\/p><p>\u201cYou were the person your peers turned to for advice and they viewed you as wise counsel. This is because you knew how to see other perspectives and could connect with their emotional experiences.\u201d<\/p><p>Because empaths have the ability\u00a0to deeply feel another person\u2019s problems and needs, they often know how to support others and what kind of comfort or encouragement they need. Their personalities are often healing and calming in times of crisis.<\/p><p>Abrahams said, \u201cMany therapists are empaths\u00a0\u2013\u00a0they too have been training since they were young. They intuitively understand about the ego and how defensively humans react when they are startled, hurt or why certain feelings arise.\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cAs adults, they train in this field to further understand the human mind and motivations, and then want to help people decrease their suffering and distress.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"f0b153b","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"8b70a54","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"8a00b5e","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"5. You can\u2019t relax while watching TV","header_size":"h3","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"9a306d6","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"d78bd42","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"c983090","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>\u201cDo you find sitting down to watch a thriller from beginning to end too hard? Many empaths can\u2019t watch shows with too much tension.\u201d<\/p><p>According to Abrahams, empaths have heightened startle responses which often prevents them being able to tolerate certain TV shows, movies, or certain styles or volume of music.<\/p><p>\u201cSitting with an empath watching TV is confusing for some people. They only need to hear tension music and they can be off their seat and walking away from the screen. Any violence\u00a0\u2013\u00a0even implied violence\u00a0\u2013\u00a0can be too much to bear.\u201d<\/p><p>While empaths obviously understand what they\u2019re watching is not real, Abrahams said their intense ability to connect with a character still creates enormous discomfort. They never know when the tension or suspense will increase \u2013 so often it becomes too much to handle.<\/p><p>\u201cTheir hearts will race and with their mirror neurons observing the character on the screen\u00a0\u2013\u00a0they experience the fearful sensations too. They often need to physically remove themselves to calm down. It\u2019s just too much for their mind and body and becomes unenjoyable tension.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"b5185dd","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"4a63f49","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"4f0e096","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"6. You may also connect with people\u2019s physical injuries or illnesses","header_size":"h3","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"8f44e8c","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"3cf88d4","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"c802aef","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>\u201cAre you able to feel physical sensations when you\u2019re around someone with physical injuries or an illness? Empaths feel these sensations in areas of their body similar to the location of the other\u00a0person\u2019s injury or illness. This is the level of their attunement.\u201d<\/p><p>Empaths are able to feel physical sensations to other people\u2019s emotional states, Abrahams said. They tap into their anxiety or sadness and then feel this as physical sensations in their system too.<\/p><p>Pretty crazy, huh?<\/p><p>\u201cThese could be heart rate increases, shaking hands, a migraine, or tightness in the chest. Physical mirroring occurs, like emotional mirroring,\u201d said Abrahams.<\/p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s emotional impacts our physical experience, and what\u2019s physical affects our emotional experience. Our mind and body are joined in us as we are one organism.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"91cce1a","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"13b3046","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"70164de","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"7. You have a strong need to help ease suffering","header_size":"h3","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"77f86d4","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"d3054b7","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"45b83dc","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>One of the biggest traits of an empath is how much they care \u2013 which can often come off as caring \u201ctoo much\u201d or being \u201ctoo emotional\u201d.<\/p><p>Take Abrahams, for example. \u201cI saw a young boy running in the park yesterday, crying as he was running. I had to check in. \u201cAre you ok?\u201d I asked him. He replied \u201cyes\u201d, gasping for breath. I kept questioning\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\u201care you sure?\u201d To which he smiled and reassured me he was fine. I then saw his dad running a fair distance ahead, and I realised that\u00a0the boy was probably just hating the run!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cEmpaths see themselves as a resource to ease suffering. Quite simply\u00a0\u2013\u00a0they are kind and care about people (and often animals too and cannot tolerate their suffering). They know that by connecting\u00a0and understanding people, they can help people to heal.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"85bf2a0","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"c36caae","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"e135894","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"How to thrive as an empath","header_size":"h3","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"d8c0609","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"74bce76","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"459051d","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>So, is being an empath good or bad?<\/p><p>In a 2014\u00a0study, clinical research psychologist Elaine Aron developed an evolutionary theory, proposing that sensory processing sensitivity is a trait that has evolved in order to enhance the survival of the human species.<\/p><p>The study showed that a highly sensitive brain increased awareness and responsiveness to potential dangers, threats and opportunities in the environment, benefitting the whole group.<\/p><p>However, the study also showed the pitfalls of being highly sensitive \u2013 where it placed greater increased cognitive and metabolic demand upon individuals.<\/p><p>So, how do you best navigate life as a highly sensitive empath? Is it possible to decrease the impact of this stimulation on your mental health?<\/p><p>According to Abrahams, the biggest tip is learning how to set clear boundaries.<\/p><p>\u201cWithout boundaries that protect the empath, they will find themselves overwhelmed and run ragged,\u201d she said.<\/p><p>These boundaries include -\u00a0<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"cf87d13","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"13e1377","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"c825649","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"1. Protecting your time","header_size":"h4","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"a50854c","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"b9b3638","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"e70a35f","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>First off, be cautious who you surround yourself with. \u201cEmpaths need to consider how much time they spend helping others with their emotional states,\u201d said Abrahams.<\/p><p>\u201cAs they see themselves as a resource, they often go the extra mile to help people understand their struggles and to ease their distress.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"7351f1e","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"d6e780b","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"a3d9ce0","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"2. Protecting your energy levels","header_size":"h4","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"2eaa995","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"068c75f","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"ba27732","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>It\u2019s also really important to know when to carve out time for yourself in order to decrease the excess energy and stimulation you\u2019re getting from others and the surrounding environment.<\/p><p>\u201cWithout protecting their energy levels, empaths can become immersed in the overwhelmed and emotional lives of others, which may leave the empath feeling depleted and exhausted.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"032d329","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"ebd5e10","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"eaf12a0","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"3. Looking after self-care routines and rituals","header_size":"h4","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"8a6fe2d","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"0176c74","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"d5c6ceb","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>\u201cWhen empaths absorb the emotional information from others, they may expose themselves to hardcore emotional states. This may happen often\u00a0\u2013\u00a0at work, with colleagues, with friends, with family,\u201d said Abrahams.<\/p><p>\u201cSuch levels of emotional exposure can be experienced as stress in the empath\u2019s mental and physical system. For this reason, empaths need to take care that their system can actually manage repeated exposures without being compromised.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"56eca57","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"163e5d3","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"42ba220","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"4. Understanding what\u2019s your stuff and what isn\u2019t","header_size":"h4","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"aa37d01","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"ed4550c","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"dd2cc13","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>This is a tricky one, and it can end up being really detrimental to your mental health if you can\u2019t work out what\u2019s yours to care about.<\/p><p>\u201cJust because empaths can absorb emotional information doesn\u2019t mean they always know where the emotional experience originated,\u201d said Abrahams.<\/p><p>\u201cSometimes the information will hit up on their own emotional stuff. Therapy is a great way for empaths to learn to distinguish what\u2019s their own stuff and what\u2019s someone else\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"97586f5","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"baeac1a","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"8ea7d94","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"5. Don\u2019t provide solutions constantly","header_size":"h4","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"e9a508f","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"9e20cf8","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"51d2a24","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>Another important rule? Don\u2019t feel like\u00a0you have to \u2018fix\u2019 everything. Set some clear boundaries and know when you should remove yourself from a conversation.<\/p><p>Often empaths will take on other people\u2019s energy so as not to offend them (read: the person at the party who mentally unloads everything on you) \u2013 which only leaves you feeling overwhelmed and anxious.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s important that empaths don\u2019t provide all the solutions\u00a0for other people\u2019s struggles. They should point them in the direction of help so that they can grow and have the opportunity to\u00a0join the dots of their own experience,\u201d suggests Abrahams.<\/p><p>\u201cThis facilitates a developmental journey without the empath needing to fully immerse themselves in their development.\u201d<\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"f6cc322","elType":"section","settings":[],"elements":[{"id":"e20cf0d","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"4bebb8b","elType":"widget","settings":{"title":"6. Speak out about poor behaviour towards you.\n","header_size":"h4","_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"08","right":"0","bottom":"0","left":"0","isLinked":false}},"elements":[],"widgetType":"heading"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false},{"id":"39963c1","elType":"section","settings":{"margin":{"unit":"px","top":"0","right":0,"bottom":"0","left":0,"isLinked":false}},"elements":[{"id":"e121a86","elType":"column","settings":{"_column_size":100,"_inline_size":null},"elements":[{"id":"5746731","elType":"widget","settings":{"editor":"<p>Lastly, Abrahams urges empaths to learn how to speak up. Just because you have the ability to understand other people\u2019s motivations and behaviour, doesn\u2019t mean you should use this as a way of excusing their behaviour.<\/p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s great to understand people, however the empath needs to ensure they call out crappy behaviour towards them and don\u2019t suffer for their understanding.\u201d<\/p><p>If you would like to hear more advice from Lissy Abrahams, check out her e-book on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lissyabrahams.com\/service\/how-our-ego-harms-couple-relationships\/\"><strong>how our ego can harm our relationships<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><p>Are you an empath? Do you relate to any of these characteristics?<\/p><p><em>Image source: Shutterstock (1185179290)<\/em><\/p>"},"elements":[],"widgetType":"text-editor"}],"isInner":false}],"isInner":false}]