Being an empath can be both a blessing and a curse. The ability to deeply feel and understand the emotions of others can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming and draining if not handled properly.
For an depressed empath, who also tends to overthink, this emotional burden can feel even heavier because they are not only dealing with their internal battles, but they also constantly absorb the pain and negativity of those around them.
The constant bombardment of intense emotions can leave them feeling depleted and hopeless, making them a ‘Depressed Empath.’
Who is an Empath?
An empath is an individual characterized by an extraordinary capacity to perceive and internalize the emotions, energies, and experiences of those around them.
Unlike a mere observer, an empath tends to absorb and mirror the emotional states of others, experiencing them as if they were their own.
An empath’s heightened sensitivity is not confined to the verbal expressions of emotion. They often pick up on non-verbal cues, subtle shifts in energy, and unspoken vibes, allowing them to grasp the unarticulated nuances of a person’s emotional state.
Depressed and Depression:
This article about ‘Depressed Empath,” it is referring to the low feelings which comes in waves, coming and going. The reader should not “Self-Diagnose” themselves and think they have this disease, Depression, that they cannot overcome and must take medication for it. Feeling depressed is very real, and everyone has felt low at some point in their life, even the most accomplished men on earth.
Empaths and Depression
Empaths, due to their heightened sensitivity and deep emotional connection to others, are prone to experiencing low feelings. Here are three reasons why empaths might be particularly susceptible to feelings of depression:
- Absorption of Others’ Emotions: Empaths can absorb and internalize the emotions of others as their own.
While this empathic connection can be a strength, it also exposes them to the emotional struggles and negativity of others. A small negative shift in someone’s mood can cause the same change in an empath.
Constantly absorbing and carrying the emotional burdens of friends, family, or even strangers can lead to emotional exhaustion.
- Difficulty Establishing Emotional Boundaries: Empaths often struggle with setting clear emotional boundaries, making it challenging to distinguish between their own emotions and those of others.
This lack of emotional separation can lead to a blurring of personal and external emotional experiences. Consequently, empaths may find it difficult to protect themselves from the negative emotions of others.
- Intense Empathic Grief and Compassion Fatigue: Empaths deeply feel the pain and suffering of others.
This intense emotional connection, coupled with a strong desire to alleviate the suffering of those around them, can lead to compassion fatigue.
Signs of Depressed Empath:
- Empathic Fatigue:
- Emotional fatigue may manifest as profound tiredness not only from personal struggles but also from absorbing the emotional burdens of others.
- Intuitive Overwhelm:
- Empaths often possess a heightened intuition, but this intuitive sense might be clouded by a flood of negative perceptions and emotions, complicating the empath’s ability to navigate their feelings.
- Isolation and Withdrawal:
- Empaths may withdraw not only due to personal struggles but also as a coping mechanism to manage the intense emotions they absorb from their surroundings. This withdrawal serves as a protective measure against emotional overload.
- Intense Empathic Grief:
- A Depressed empath might mourn not only their challenges but also the collective pain and suffering they absorb from others. This deep connection to the emotional landscape may contribute to pervasive feelings of sadness.
- Physical Manifestations:
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues might accompany the emotional struggles, reflecting the interconnectedness of mental and physical stability.
The Causes of Depressed Empath
- Unresolved Childhood Traumas:
- Contributing Factors: Early experiences of neglect, abuse, or other forms of trauma may leave lasting emotional imprints. Empaths, due to their heightened sensitivity, may absorb and internalize these traumas more intensely, making them more susceptible to the lingering effects of being a depressed empath.
- Development of Coping Mechanisms: In response to challenging emotional environments, empaths may develop coping mechanisms, such as overextending themselves to meet the emotional needs of others. While this may serve as a survival strategy in childhood, it can become a source of emotional exhaustion and contribute to depressive tendencies in adulthood.
- Overly Sensitive and Deceptive Emotions:
- Taking Every Emotion as Truth: Empaths often navigate the world by intuitively interpreting emotions, sometimes taking every emotion they encounter as an absolute truth. This approach, while rooted in a desire for authentic connection, can lead to an overreliance on emotions as a source of information.
- Reality of Deceptive Emotions: In reality, emotions can be complex and deceptive. Empaths, in their quest for emotional authenticity, may find it challenging to discern between their own emotions and those they absorb from others. This lack of emotional boundaries can contribute to confusion, making it difficult to differentiate between genuine emotional states and those influenced by external sources.
What is the Empath Supernova?
They can pick on subtle energy changes of others but are so unfamiliar with their energy being usurped that it, due to overthinking, often results in an overwhelmed state of mind.
It makes them sensitive to the thoughts and energy of others, which can often lead to taking on the heavy burden of emotions on themselves.
Carrying emotional burdens constantly results in the activation of ‘Survival Mode.’ It is almost similar to cornering an animal: It is when he’s most dangerous (most likely to show aggression to survive).
Although Supernova Empaths are special emotion-handling humans and they can get better, they are still prone to leaving the empathetic self behind and adopting narcissistic traits.
Creative Expression for Depressed Empaths
Artistic expression can serve as a powerful outlet for depressed empaths to better their situation. Engaging in creative activities can provide a healthy way to process emotions and express inner thoughts.
Example Practices for depressed empaths:
- Journaling: Write down your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a journal. It can not only release your suppressed emotions but reflective exercise, helping you gain insights into your feelings.
- Art Therapy: Experiment with different art forms, such as painting, drawing, or doing anything that you’re good at. The creative process itself can be therapeutic, allowing you to externalize and explore your emotions.
- Creative Writing: Express your thoughts through creative writing. It can provide a structured yet emotionally expressive outlet.
Community Support and Connection for Depressed Empaths
Building a supportive community is crucial for depressed empaths to alleviate feelings of isolation.
Example Strategies:
- Open Communication: Talk openly with friends or family members about yourself. Share your needs and feelings to gain personal understanding in your relationship.
- Empathic Boundaries in Relationships: Surround yourself with individuals who respect your boundaries and give you positive energy.
- Social Isolation: Try not to socially isolate yourself. Force yourself to get up and just be in the company of a positive influence in your life.
- Lending a helping hand: Start trying to help people. When you help people, you’d form more deeper relationships with them, thus attracting more positivity in your life.
- Positive Influence: Get a journal and write the names of people who positively influence you. You know the rest: start spending more time with them.
Conclusion:
Being a depressed empath can be an overwhelming experience.
The journey from empath to a ‘Depressed Empath’ is a complex one, marked by absorbing the joys and sorrows of others while grappling with internal battles.
Empaths, prone to absorbing others’ emotions, may find themselves overwhelmed, leading to emotional exhaustion. The struggle to establish emotional boundaries and the weight of empathic grief contributes to a sense of hopelessness and despair.
Delving into the causes of depression in empaths unveils the impact of unresolved childhood traumas and the development of coping mechanisms.
The paradox of being overly sensitive, taking every emotion as truth, and the deceptive nature of emotions add layers to the complex emotional nature of a depressed empath.
Mental Health Help:
National Helplines:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Online Resources:
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): https://www.nami.org
- MentalHealth.gov: https://www.mentalhealth.gov
Local Resources
When looking for mental health support, it’s often best to start locally. Many communities have mental health clinics, hospitals, and community centres that offer counselling and therapy services. You can find these services by searching online directories, like Psychology Today’s Therapist Finder, which allows you to filter results by location, specialty, and insurance coverage. Additionally, your primary care doctor can be a valuable resource, as they can refer you to local mental health professionals or services that meet your needs.
How to Find Help
Finding the right mental health help can be overwhelming, but there are several ways to simplify the process:
- Online Directories: Websites like Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and Therapist Finder offer comprehensive directories of mental health professionals. These platforms let you search by location, issues treated, and insurance acceptance.
- Health Insurance Providers: Your health insurance provider can give you a list of covered mental health services and providers, ensuring you receive care within your network.
- Healthcare Providers: Don’t hesitate to speak with your primary care physician or a general practitioner. They can provide referrals to trusted mental health professionals or guide you on how to access the services you need.
