306 – Empath vs. Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

Does it ever feel like other people in your life just have more capacity than you? They float through busy social calendars, difficult family situations, work stress and world events while you feel overwhelmed, bogged down and exhausted. You wonder what’s wrong with you and if they’re right: you really are too sensitive. 

If that sounds like you, there is NOTHING wrong with you; you just might be an empath or highly sensitive person (HSP) – someone who takes in more emotions, energy and input from the world around you.

Being an empath or highly sensitive person is something that many people live with, but many don’t know it (or even know that it’s a thing!). And while being an empath can be an amazing gift, it can also create challenges in life when we’re unaware. 

Because we feel others’ emotions so deeply, it can be very emotionally overwhelming and even lead to depression, anxiety and numbing behaviors if we don’t have self-care strategies in our toolbox. This was the story of my life for years until I learned to honor this part of myself, set good boundaries and recharge!

In this episode, I’m helping you understand the difference between an empath and a HSP, the signs you might be an empath and steps to take care of yourself if these traits resonate with you.

Listen to discover:

• The definition of an empath and a HSP
• The difference between empathy and being an empath 
• 13 traits of empaths
• How to raise awareness to these traits in yourself
• Survival and self-care strategies for empaths and HSPs

Empaths and HSPs don’t have any less capacity or ability to handle life than anyone else. They don’t need to “toughen up” or get thicker skin, and there’s no such thing as being too sensitive. In reality, empaths and HSPs are very strong people who are just taking in more of the world than the average person.

Through self-care, we can learn to manage all the “inputs” coming in and create time to recharge, so we can balance our wonderful sensitivity with our needs. I hope the strategies in this episode help you survive and thrive in an overwhelming world without numbing out or squashing your beautiful empathetic gifts. 

“There’s a big difference between just someone who’s sensitive with a lot of empathy and an empath.” – Michelle Chalfant

“An empath is highly attuned to the energy of others.” – Michelle Chalfant

“We’re picking up on other people’s emotions and we think they’re ours.” – Michelle Chalfant

“If you are moody, if you feel low a lot, even if you’re depressed, it could be that you’re taking on too many people’s emotions.” – Michelle Chalfant

“I learned not to open myself up to everybody’s problems.” – Michelle Chalfant

“No matter what you are – HSP or empath – please practice excellent self-care.” – Michelle Chalfant 

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