You may have heard someone describe themselves as an empath in your personal life or on social media. But what does an empath mean, anyway?
“Empathy” is defined as “understanding, being aware, being sensitive to, and experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of others without having them fully conveyed in an objectively explicit manner.”
It might even feel like you can sense the emotions of those around you, but is this empathy? Here are the traits of empaths.
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Empaths: What Are They?
As a clinical psychologist and author, Ramani Durvasula explains empaths as individuals who are deeply aware of other people’s emotional states.
Durvasula said empaths might feel as if they are “absorbing other people’s energy,” taking on another person’s emotional state. An empath is more likely to dwell on a story of suffering, react emotionally, and possibly assist someone going through difficulty.
What Are The Signs Of Empaths?
“Empath” is not a clinical term, Durvasula said. ” I believe it has become one of those pop psychology terms that encapsulates how people see people.”
Empaths have the following traits:
- Belief in consensus
- Emotionally aware of others
- Emotionally aware and sensitive to others’ emotions
People may experience empathic characteristics differently due to the continuum of their being.
Are There Any Misconceptions About Empaths?
Durvasula said social media apps like TikTok spread much information (and misinformation) about empaths. A common mistake is to confuse empathy with sympathy, which is the awareness and offering of comfort during times of suffering. Compassion involves observing the emotional state of another, whether it is good or bad.
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Despite calling themselves empaths, people fail to recognize how their actions affect others. Durvasula said, “I’ve seen people on social media say, ‘I’m so empathic I feel,’ but then lash out at someone rather cruelly, adding that they will claim their lashing out is because they care deeply.”
What Empaths Should Know
Durvasula shared that empaths should slow down and care for themselves just as much as anyone else. She said, “For empaths, I suggest slowing down, reading the situation, watching the person’s behavior.” Doing so can ensure you do not get taken advantage of or put at risk. Be empathetic to those around you, especially those who aren’t.