If you find yourself overwhelmed and distressed by the emotions of those around you, absorbing feelings such as anxiety, conflict, and pain as if they were your own, you might be experiencing what is known as empath fatigue. Being an empath means you’re blessed with a deep sense of empathy, giving you the ability to walk in another's shoes. But when the path is rocky, it also can mean taking on too many of those jagged stones yourself, creating a heavy emotional burden that taxes your well-being.

Are you experiencing any of these empath fatigue symptoms?

1. Emotionally Overwhelmed: Your innate sensitivity to feel and absorb the emotions of others as if they are your own can weigh heavily and drain your energy.

2. Deep Exhaustion: Absorbing the negative emotions and energies of others can fatigue you physically and emotionally, making it difficult to focus and cope with daily tasks.

3. Heightened Stress: When your stress responses increase, it’s harder to regulate your nervous system.

4. Isolation and Loneliness: You feel a need to withdraw and isolate yourself to avoid further emotional strain, which can lead to a sense of loneliness.

5. Self-Care Neglect: Because everyone else’s problems take priority, you neglect your own needs.

6. Burned Out: You’ve hit a threshold where you find it hard to function normally, where it’s even difficult to get out of bed. Depression is starting to sink in.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to seek help, especially if you’re on the verge or in burn out mode. It’s never too late to start to heal and turn your empath overwhelm into a unique opportunity to grow and strengthen your self-awareness.

There is power in an empath — from your intuitive sensitivity to your compassionate nature — but it’s essential to turn that empath superpower inward and cultivate a greater sense of balance in your life. When you learn how to mindfully and energetically cleanse, protect, and renew yourself, you can embrace your empathic nature without fear of losing yourself or neglecting your self-care needs. Explore holistic practices that replenish you such as activities in nature, creating a supportive community, or healing movement like somatic exercises and yoga. Manage your stress and emotions by using techniques, for example, meditation, breathwork, setting boundaries, and nervous system regulation.

The gift of empathy doesn’t demand that you sacrifice your peace and happiness. Be an empath on your terms.