In lay terms, being Empathic means being able to feel what another person is feeling, either emotionally, physically, or both (receiving emotional or sensory information through non-physical or "extra-sensory" means).
A true Empath can sense or experience the emotions and/or physical sensations of others, both in close proximity, and/or at a distance.
Advanced Empaths also sometimes have the ability to ‘draw out’ physical or emotional pain from another person and take it into their own body, with the intention of then releasing or expelling that pain and providing temporary or permanent relief for the subject.
An Empath is often highly aware of the health and state of mind of their loved ones, no mater how physically near or far away the individuals may be. It is not uncommon for an Empath to ‘freak out’ for no reason, only to discover later that a friend or family member went through some sort of trauma at that exact moment. This is particularly noticeable in twins or other Empaths who spend a great deal of time together, as they will often physically experience the same traumas as their loved ones.
A true Empath can sense or experience the emotions and/or physical sensations of others, both in close proximity, and/or at a distance.
Advanced Empaths also sometimes have the ability to ‘draw out’ physical or emotional pain from another person and take it into their own body, with the intention of then releasing or expelling that pain and providing temporary or permanent relief for the subject.
An Empath is often highly aware of the health and state of mind of their loved ones, no mater how physically near or far away the individuals may be. It is not uncommon for an Empath to ‘freak out’ for no reason, only to discover later that a friend or family member went through some sort of trauma at that exact moment. This is particularly noticeable in twins or other Empaths who spend a great deal of time together, as they will often physically experience the same traumas as their loved ones.
For example, one girl suddenly experienced a severe asthma attack and nearly died in the middle of a supermarket, only to find out later that her twin sister had accidentally inhaled battery acid and was being treated at a nearby hospital. The accident and the asthma attack happened almost simultaneously, in different parts of the city.
Similarly, many Empaths experience a constant barrage of unexplainable aches, pains, and mood swings, not realizing that they are experiencing the physical and emotional states of their friends and loved ones.
Sadly, many are misdiagnosed as suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, bi-polar or other mood/personality disorders, schizophrenia, or even hypochondria.
For a detailed treatise on this subject, please read the article "Feeling a Little Empathic - A Survival guide for the Extraordinarily Sensitive" by David M. Burgess, available for free online, or for purchase in booklet form through CafePress.
Similarly, many Empaths experience a constant barrage of unexplainable aches, pains, and mood swings, not realizing that they are experiencing the physical and emotional states of their friends and loved ones.
Sadly, many are misdiagnosed as suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, bi-polar or other mood/personality disorders, schizophrenia, or even hypochondria.
For a detailed treatise on this subject, please read the article "Feeling a Little Empathic - A Survival guide for the Extraordinarily Sensitive" by David M. Burgess, available for free online, or for purchase in booklet form through CafePress.
by Catalyst1122 July 27, 2011
Empathy: Normal experience of understanding and to some extent feeling the emotions of others, might be something to do with mirror neurons.
Empath: Probable narcissist who mistakes hypervigilance and projection resulting from early childhood trauma for a Trekkie superpower. Will spend more time telling you how they think you feel than actually listening to your problems, yet believes themselves to be a healer of sorts. Can be co-morbid with a messiah complex. Some develop enough self-awareness to overcome this phase and become genuinely useful to other people.
Empath: Probable narcissist who mistakes hypervigilance and projection resulting from early childhood trauma for a Trekkie superpower. Will spend more time telling you how they think you feel than actually listening to your problems, yet believes themselves to be a healer of sorts. Can be co-morbid with a messiah complex. Some develop enough self-awareness to overcome this phase and become genuinely useful to other people.
by FnordPrefect January 30, 2020
This is the official definition of the American Empath Association: An Empath is someone who understands the mental or emotional states of others in a way that defies conventional science and psychology. Empaths have the ability to sense the feelings, thoughts, and energies of people, plants, animals, places, or objects. In addition to sensing, Empaths absorb the energy of those around them. Empaths often experience stress or illness if they are bombarded by too many negative emotions. Empaths can also use their abilities to help others by imagining themselves in someone else’s situation and connecting with them on a deep level.
There are 17 types of Empaths recognized by the American Empath Association: For instance, an Emotional Empath is someone who is known for sensing and feeling the emotions of others.
by American Empath Association March 27, 2019
one who empathizes.
Person 1: Man, I'm feelin them. I know what they're talkin about.
Person 2: Damn, you must be an empathizer!
Person 2: Damn, you must be an empathizer!
by JOE323214 February 28, 2011
Someone with schizophrenia who thinks sensing basic emotions is a superpower. Some claim they can also talk to energy forces.
Person: My dad just beat my ass and I got hit by a car on the way to school
Crazy Person (Empath): yo your vibe is lowkey off fr
Crazy Person (Empath): yo your vibe is lowkey off fr
by PodDod January 13, 2022
Empath: A person who is capable of feeling the emotions of others despite the fact that they themselves are not going through the same situation.
Empath: The root of the word comes from Empathy. Jane has empathy for Joe as he mourns the loss of his father. Jane may have lost her father in the past but not recently. She is capable of feeling what Joe is feeling. She is Empathetic. Jane is an Empath.
by HanulDeath November 22, 2009
An individual with a keen, supernatural ability to sense the psychic energy field or aura that surround other beings.
by Shougo March 3, 2022