Mental illness is real and very misunderstood. I have learned over time that I am an empath. An empath is someone who often feels the emotion and energy of another individual. For example, if someone is sad or upset an empath can sense it. We can sense your emotion before you express it. We can read your body language and use your energy to determine healthy and unhealthy emotion and response.
This used to freak me out. Being so in tune with other human beings. I would hear sad news and instantly my emotion changed to fit the situation. For example, hearing that someone lost their parent or grandparent brought me sadness. Not only does my mind hold on to the future loss of my loved ones, but my heart hurts, breaks for those experiencing such sadness, such darkness.
I remember flipping through channels on my parents television as a young girl. Sprawled across their giant bed while everyone did their own thing. I loved laying in there to watch movies and I came across a movie that became one of my favorites. I remember my mom walking in to see my balling on the bed. I was watching "My Girl," and incase you haven't seen it I will not ruin it for you, but know there was great sadness in this movie. This sadness hit me like a ton of bricks. I was so upset with what had happened and my mom reminded me that it was a movie. But my mind wouldn't stop. My body felt weak, sweaty and empty. I imagined this situation occuring in real life and it made my heart hurt more knowing that it did happen. This does happen. It wasn't fair. It's still not fair. But that's life as an empath.
You nearly justify all the bad energy, all the pain and darkness because you know there is greater darkness out there. There are more people in more pain. More people struggling worse than you.
I want you to know, and I forget some days too, but boundaries are important. Self care is important. Regulating emotions is important. Empathy is important. Empathy is okay, but never cross your boundaries and remember you cannot save everyone. Always FLY (first, love yourself)
If you can impact just one person then you are doing amazing, but remember to have the most impact on yourself. Remember you are important. Your mental health and well-being is important.
"Things could always be worse, but they could have been better." #endthementalhealthstigma
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