When I first seen the word "Empath" it t seemed like a strange term, however after looking at it's root and also comparing other similar terms such as psychopath and sociopath I was able to start connecting the dots and it is all becoming much more clear now.

are you going to share your revelation lol

I wrote a 22 page letter about it but it's too large to post here. If you subscribe to THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE maybe you can find it there🤪 If you look on WebMD none of these things would be clinically diagnosed by a Dr. They may call them similar things, but they would not use these terms, they are more social terms so defined by peoples own judgement. There is plenty of reading people can do on the subject, but being it does not have a clinical definition it is all subject to ones own interpretation.

This is a wonderful topic. Thanks for posting

hi every one, interesting thread, I have always have believed that I have this ability, I tend to gravitate towards people who need help or are feeling down, I end up giving allot of support and can end up feeling drained often feeling like I have taken away their negativity. I find after doing this I often need to take time for myself for myself away from people to reset the scales, if you know what I mean

The states of others can be sensed in many ways -but some people are not outwardly concerned.
As a genetics newb.....
I wonder if having positive regard for others makes us focus more on what we sense -or if we are more likely to have positive regard because we are more sensitive.
How much of our positive regard for others is in the DNA vs being taught it?
Can basic learned "morality" -or moral sensitivity -be passed on through genes?
Does our experience change the code to pass on personality/character traits?

People who don't give a hoot seem to get through things more easily.

Was watching a video about how the flying fish might actually achieve true flight. In a roundabout way it suggested it could be partly due to its efforts to fly "better" causing genetic changes -which would essentially equate to it willing the changes to its abilities and design into existence (though personally unaware). DNA would process those changes necessitated by will and environment using hidden data -like most are unaware how their computer works -yet do all sorts of things with it.

I wonder if DNA code goes deeper than atomic level -like if slightly different atoms of the same element could have a different effect.

Some believe natural radiation drives mutation. that would make radiation part of the overall code -and it seems to have a bias toward life forms developing increased mastery of environment.

Need more coffee.

pretty much a 20

The chemical and scratchy clothes thing surprised me.
My skin is sensitive to everything -by contact -from stress/emotions -even from the inside -from diet, etc.
...So much that I am having difficulty finding what does NOT affect me adversely.

As for maladaptive responses.... absolutely....... it was to a great degree caused over time by being overwhelmed. I may have had certain traits and tendencies, but life opened up a can o' whoopass on me so I don't like to walk down its street if I don't have to.


I was definitely more likely to interact and take opportunities before.

It gets really fun when interaction coupled with hyper-vigilance causes you to consider possible and likely futures of those others -good and bad -and feel all kinds of stuff about stuff that may or may not happen.

Hey careful where you are dropping names... good thing I jumped out of the way

Interesting that health, disease and treatment are literally by "path" and counter"path".

" What does -path mean? The combining form -path is used like a suffix to mean either “one administering a treatment” or “one suffering from such an ailment.” It is the personal noun form of words ending in -pathy, which means variously “suffering,” “disease,” and “treatment of disease.” "

Topic: Do you believe in empaths?

Not in the way many portray the term,
as enabling a "super power" of fictional proportions.

To feel more empathy than normal.
Empathy is part of balanced emotions.
So... I'm sure most of us have been there,
to feel more empathy than normal.

Every coin has two sides.
Many, very damaged people,
psychopaths, narcissists,
and basic dregs of the world,
try to disguise themselves by
creating and hiding in a cloak
of goodness. Ted Bundy (a sado-sexual serial killer)
often claimed to be a "nice guy".
I'm sure Eileen Wuornos was a real sweetheart,
right up to closing in for the kill.

Then, there are the emotional leeches.
Their strategy is usually draw in their
victims by posing as in need of sympathy.
Once they latch onto a victim, they try
to drain the victim, of emotion and energy.

I've encountered at least one person
using the cloak of "empath" get damn nasty
With people for simply having opinions that
differed from her own. Her true inner narcissist
shined brightly.

Do I believe in empaths?
Sure!
But, until there's APA or like certified
testing, and a professionally recognized
Empath certification program...
It's all just cosplay.

All Minglers, including myself, are guilty at one time or another, (or repeatedly), of being condescending, mocking, critical, aggressive, obnoxious, etc and have not been their best selves. Nobody should be pointing fingers at anyone. All have shown an ugly side at one time or another. But as Minglers, we move on and forgive. It does not mean we have to interact.

OT. Lovely to see everyone's opinions here. Life is about learning.

curious Rock ... Do you think a true empath has positive regard for everyone and tries to understand and rationalise behaviour ? ... if someone is selective .. are they still considered an empath ?

In my work, empathy and trust is integral to a therapeutic relationship . I would by no means consider myself an empath . it is important to understand boundaries and empower people to be autonomous rather than absorb dysfunction and distress .

In personal relationships .. I would feel smothered . Yes empathy is important but as you said ..balance is important especially when it comes to emotional connections .

I actually can sense pain in a room full of strangers and point out to the person that is suffering the most..it's been a blessing and a curse at the same time for me, I can feel an excruciating pain in my stomach and in my heart..I grew up apart from everyone around me because it was exhausting feeding from their energy..I have trouble watching stressing situation on TV, even if it is a movie..I am a musician, I write about feelings and emotions; it could might as well be my own release from these things imprinted in my thoughts, I don't know..I have read books on science, philosophy, psychology, humanistics,sociology and religion and I am yet to find an explanation of the origin of this..I can honestly say that it is a gift and a curse..in one hand you get to experience the pain and the elation of another human being but in the other hand this happens every single time and all the time..it's very draining and very taxing mentally, physically and spiritually..that's all I have to say about that.

Yes! I do believe in Empaths