Empath vs. Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

Does it ever feel like other people in your life just have more capacity than you? They float through busy social calendars, difficult family situations, work stress and world events while you feel overwhelmed, bogged down and exhausted. You wonder what’s wrong with you and if they’re right: you really are too sensitive.

If that sounds like you, there is NOTHING wrong with you; you just might be an empath or highly sensitive person (HSP) – someone who takes in more emotions, energy and input from the world around you.

Being an empath or highly sensitive person is something that many people live with, but many don’t know it (or even know that it’s a thing!). And while being an empath can be an amazing gift, it can also create challenges in life when we’re unaware.

Because we feel others’ emotions so deeply, it can be very emotionally overwhelming and even lead to depression, anxiety and numbing behaviors if we don’t have self-care strategies in our toolbox. This was the story of my life for years until I learned to honor this part of myself, set good boundaries and recharge!

In this episode, I’m helping you understand the difference between an empath and a HSP, the signs you might be an empath and steps to take care of yourself if these traits resonate with you.

Listen to discover:

- The definition of an empath and a HSP
- The difference between empathy and being an empath
- 13 traits of empaths
- How to raise awareness to these traits in yourself
- Survival and self-care strategies for empaths and HSPs

Empaths and HSPs don’t have any less capacity or ability to handle life than anyone else. They don’t need to “toughen up” or get thicker skin, and there’s no such thing as being too sensitive. In reality, empaths and HSPs are very strong people who are just taking in more of the world than the average person.

Through self-care, we can learn to manage all the “inputs” coming in and create time to recharge, so we can balance our wonderful sensitivity with our needs. I hope the strategies in this episode help you survive and thrive in an overwhelming world without numbing out or squashing your beautiful empathetic gifts.

“There’s a big difference between just someone who’s sensitive with a lot of empathy and an empath.” - Michelle Chalfant

“An empath is highly attuned to the energy of others.” - Michelle Chalfant

“We’re picking up on other people's emotions and we think they’re ours.” - Michelle Chalfant

“If you are moody, if you feel low a lot, even if you’re depressed, it could be that you’re taking on too many people’s emotions.” - Michelle Chalfant

“I learned not to open myself up to everybody’s problems.” - Michelle Chalfant

“No matter what you are – HSP or empath – please practice excellent self-care.” - Michelle Chalfant

LINKS & RESOURCES

Empath Meditation for Cleansing and Clearing Your Energy

A Guided Meditation for Cleansing Relationships and Cutting Cords

The Adult Chair® Membership

MORE ADULT CHAIR

The Adult Chair® Website

The Adult Chair® Membership

The Adult Chair® Workshop

The Adult Chair® Coaching Certification

STAY CONNECTED

[RobSonic]

Thank you for this video. Im not sure im an empath. But when ppl tell me things, im picture/imagine what ppl say in my mind/heart. Id be at work, just fine and suddenly feel a rush of emotion i can't account for. The way that i practice staying in my vibe is, id check my energy before entering a place and if i feel a shift AFTER entering, im aware it might not be mine. It's hard out here. I learned the boundaries but the guilt is what i struggled with. Ppl don't come to me with problems but ppl (typically strangers) share things with me, they've admitted to never or rarely speak about. I'm a bit too blunt for my own good. I feel like being introverted is my coping mechanism. I'm so easy to talk to, ppl go 😳 when i say I'm an introvert with social anxiety. 😅 I'm a mess.

[GtWoKe]

Ive learned more about who i am so much in this past year its almost scaring me lol. Ive had this inate ability since I was a child. I dont read minds necessarily but i have the ability to emotionally mirror peoples emotions so that they will open up to me so i can read them better. I find myself constantly wanting tobknow how people tick. I mirror emotions so others can relax while they speak. I know how to emphasize in such a matter that causes others to tell me their faults and weaknesses. Even from complete strangers and they always say to me...why am so open with you? Im also a human lie detector by default. This is my most dominate empathic trait ive come to realize.

[darrenleahy]

Some of these made me giggle. Most of them actually.
Thank you. Really nice to hear

[limaryrojas]

Thank you for share, I feel exactly like that, self care is key. Thank you 😊

[lv]

The hardest thing is when meeting a new person with a group of friends and being able to know their intentions, when I express to my partner they think I’m being negative…. Two weeks later I was right. I love my unwind after customer facing job all i want to do is stay home for the night

[GtWoKe]

I've had this as long as I can remember. I love it but it sure is taxing to the mind and body

[maciejnassius]

Excellent podcast, sooo informative and practical that I feel it's already working. Thank you.

[MA-unqo]

OMG I can't even listen to this hammering!

[EricaS-]

Still not clear on distinguishing between emotions and others.

[andreabohannon]

Just listen to the podcast tonight. I believe in everything you say you’re amazing I would like to add maybe for flavor… Or experience I think I have a feeling that empaths are born from narcissistic parents what are your thoughts on that Michelle?