Do you feel tired and overwhelmed when you’re around people? If so, it might be that you’re absorbing the energy of those that you’re in contact with.
If you are someone that is constantly having ups and downs and you don’t know where the emotions are coming from, it can be hard to know if they are yours or someone else’s. Chances are you might be picking up the energies of other people.
Picking Up the Energies of Others
You can pick up the energy of other people and this can change your mood. When this happens, it can be called SPS or Sensory Processing Sensitivity. This includes:
- Processing energy at a deep level.
- Increasing the emotional reactions.
- Increasing empathy.
- Being aware of changes in the environment.
- Being overly stimulated.
People that are HSP or Highly Sensitive People are ones that can also have SPS. It is shown that there are neurons that act differently in the brains of people that have HSP versus those that don’t. These are mirror neurons, and they work in the prefrontal cortex where the brain controls planning and other things. These neurons encourage people to pick up and imitate the actions of others.
These traits can be picked up even at childhood from trauma or other experiences. Some people though have strong energy and a strong presence and when they are around you, they can cause your energy to change.
If you are someone that has a personality disorder, is dependent, as an anxious attachment style, low self-esteem, and other situations then you might be picking up the emotions of others. Also, we are adapting to learning the body language of others and can read them based on how they communicate and the tone of their voices which helps to read these emotions.
Being HSP
Dr. Elaine Aron coined the phrase HSP which means someone that has sensitivity to emotional stimuli or physical stimuli. This isn’t a mental health condition but a person with this personality trait can be measured on a scaled based on these things:
- Having deeper feelings and thoughts than others.
- Being able to know the emotions and feelings of those around them.
- Being called sensitive by people that know them.
- Feeling touched by things like art, music, nature.
- Getting overwhelmed by loud noises, lights, scents and even clothes that are itchy.
- Avoiding certain shows or movies because the violence and horror.
- Playing music by ear.
- Having to go into a quiet or dark place when things get too hectic.
- Feeling overwhelmed by small tasks in a short time.
- Changing your appearance to feel less overwhelmed.
- Not able to multitask.
Stop Picking Up the Emotions of Others
There are things that you can do to make sure that you aren’t picking up the emotions of others and here’s how:
- Make Boundaries
You have to be able to set boundaries. This doesn’t mean that you will not feel things, but you need to set boundaries so that you aren’t picking up the emotions of others and you can know when you are feeling something of your own.
Owning your emotions and letting others own theirs means that you have a healthy relationship. Here are some boundaries you can start with:
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- Learn to say no.
- Have fewer social interactions.
- Set time limits on your visits.
- Stay off certain topics that upset you.
Having HSP might mean that you visualize things easier. Imagine that a bubble is surrounding you and when you are in interactions that are upsetting you do this so that you can feel grounded.
- Know What You Feel
When you are at home alone figure out what you are feeling. Notice that the things that you’re feeling are your baseline emotions because nothing is upsetting you or getting you excited. If this baseline changes, figure out why. Did someone new come into the room? Did something happen?
If someone did come into the room, did you get upset or angry? These can be signs you’re picking up someone else’s energy.
- What Emotions Are Yours?
After you figure out your baseline then you need to figure out which emotions are yours. Figure out which emotions are yours and if they aren’t yours then let them go.
- Stay Grounded
It is important that everyone is grounded but if you are HSP then you need to do things to help you to stay calm and collected. Here are some things to try:
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- Meditating.
- Being mindful.
- Minimalize things.
- Somatic experiences.
- Do Rituals
Once you leave an interaction or a larger crowd and you feel overwhelmed. Put space between you and those feelings and emotions. Push them away form you by doing some kind of rituals such as burning sage or other cleansing techniques.
- Go Into Nature
Take time to go outside and enjoy nature. Interact with the birds and the earth and spend time being calm.
- Self-Care
Make sure that you are taking care of yourself. Do this by showering, getting enough rest, eating healthily, exercising and more. All of these things can boost your emotions.
- Talk to Someone
If you feel that you aren’t able to control your emotions and that they are out of control, try to find a therapist that you can talk to. These might be things that have come from your childhood experiences, and you can get them to help you to process things.
Empath Verses Picking Up Emotions
Having empathy is when you are able to connect with someone based on what they have been through because you understand their walk. This is someone that is caring and compassionate and we all want to surround ourselves and to be that.
But on the other hand, we need to be able to protect ourselves from negative emotions that other people leave on us. It can be hard to have boundaries that are safe and to be able to open up to people that you get close to.
When you absorb the emotions of other people this can happen:
- Your feelings are causing you to lack in your life.
- You feel overwhelmed and tired.
- You stay with people that mistreat you.
- You avoid interactions because it hurts too much.
- You have a hard time knowing if the emotions are yours or someone else’s.
Being Strong in Your Sensitivity
Whenever you feel overwhelmed by the world around you there are things that you can do. Remember, being sensitive isn’t a bad thing. It can help you to:
- Enjoy different things more.
- Understand what limits you.
- Work through situations is easier.
- Connect with people from all different parts of life.
- Pushes you to support people in need.
You can have a better life as you connect with new people. You can help those that need your support, and you can use these skills to get a job that connects you with other people.
Final Thoughts
When you pick up the emotions of other people and you are connected to those around you, it can be a great thing. You might always be picking up these emotions though and the truth is that these things aren’t always meant for you to carry.
Being highly sensitive can be hard sometimes but you can also be strong and help others with it!