Understanding Empath Triggers: What Sets Off Emotional Sensitivity?

Empath triggers are situations, circumstances, or basically a stimuli, that strongly trigger the empathetic capabilities of an empath.

In this article, we’re going to explore what Empath Triggers are, how they affect empaths, and what can be done to manage these intense feelings!

Empath Triggers?

Imagine you have a button labeled “Sadness” or “Joy,” and when someone says or does something related to that emotion, you unconsciously activate the button.

Empath triggers are exactly like those emotional buttons that gets pushed from a stimuli, causing an emotional reaction. 

Role of Mirror Neurons:

Empaths have super-sensitive mirror neurons. These neurons fire when they observe someone’s emotions, mirroring them, almost as if they’re experiencing it themselves. 

Common Triggers:

Although, it can vary from person to person, following are some common empath triggers:

Absorbing Emotions from Those Around Them:

Empaths have an uncanny ability to pick up on the emotions of people nearby, sometimes without even putting conscious effort. It’s as if their emotional radar is always on, tuned in to the feelings of others.

Shared Emotional Experiences:

Empaths often find resemblance and connections to people’s struggles that they have experienced themselves. As a result, their empathetic abilities could be triggered, or maybe not.

Sensory Input Overload:

Crowded places, loud noises, and excessive stimuli can overwhelm empaths. They might feel drained or anxious in busy environments. Their heightened sensitivity amplifies everything, making it challenging to filter out unnecessary sensory input.

The Effect of Media Consumption:

Empaths react strongly to media content, especially negative news or violent scenes. 

Navigating Interpersonal Conflict as an Empath:

Empaths dislike conflict because they feel the emotional tension intensely. They might avoid confrontations or try to mediate disputes to restore harmony.

Excessive time with People:

Empaths often struggle with too much closeness. When they feel emotionally suffocated, their “escape” button activates, and they go for some alone time.

Overthinking:

Empaths tend to overanalyze situations that involves the factor of “people.” If they’re constantly worrying about something, their “Anxiety” button gets pressed.

How to deal with Empath Triggers?

1. Self-Awareness through 3rd Perspective:

• Imagine you’re watching a movie where the main character faces a tough decision. You can see their options clearly because you’re not emotionally invested in their situation.
• As an empath, try to step back and observe your feelings from a similar third-person perspective. Ask yourself, “What would I advise someone else in this situation?”
• This helps you make more objective decisions and avoid getting overwhelmed by, sometimes, subjective emotions.

2. Journaling to Uncover Hidden Roots:

• Think of your mind as a garden. Sometimes, weeds (negative thoughts or past traumas) grow without us realizing it.
• Write down your feelings, experiences, and memories. Over time, patterns might emerge.
• For example, if you notice that crowded places trigger anxiety, explore why. Maybe a past event left you feeling unsafe in crowds?
• By journaling, you’re like a detective digging into the soil looking for unwanted roots to be cut down.

3. Breathing Exercises for Staying Present:

• When emotions surge, focus on your breath. Breathe in slowly for a count of four, hold for three, and exhale for three.
• This simple practice grounds you in the present moment. It’s like hitting the “pause” button on racing thoughts.

4. The Role of Mindfulness in Emotional Regulation:

• Mindfulness means paying attention to the present without judgment. It’s like watching clouds drift by without getting caught up in your thoughts in the background.
• Start observing your surroundings. Notice the colors, sounds, and sensations. Be fully present.
• For instance, while sipping a cup of tea, focus on its warmth, aroma, and taste. It will help you stay centered, enjoy life to the fullest, and lessen emotional battles.

Remember, these coping mechanisms are like tools in your emotional toolbox. Use them when needed, and adapt them to fit your unique experiences as an empath. 

Conclusion:

Empath triggers vary from person to person. Through introspection and questioning your self-doubt, you can gain insights into where these triggers originated from, or how they trigger your empathetic nature.

Sometimes, these triggers overwhelm us, and such is the point in life when you need to sit down with yourself and work it through.

References:

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-freedom/201602/10-traits-empathic-people-share
• https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-an-empath
• https://microsoftstart.msn.com/en-us/health/ask-professionals/in-expert-answers-on-sensitivity/in-sensitivity?questionid=4y1hzzpg&type=condition&source=bingmainline_conditionqna
• https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-are-the-emotional-triggers-for-empaths
• https://themindsjournal.com/coping-with-triggers-for-empaths/
• https://www.wikihow.com/Triggers-for-Empaths
• https://www.calmsage.com/triggers-for-empaths/
• American Psychological Association. Coping Mechanisms for Emotional Triggers.
• Journal of Empathetic Studies. (Year). Understanding and Managing Empath Triggers: A Comprehensive Guide.
• Smith, J. (Year). The Power of Empathy: Exploring Triggers and Coping Strategies.