Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Paulinaakk1 10/02/2015

I have realized in the last couple months how much I pick up on the moods of others. I have been leaving my house to get away from my youngest son. He suffers from untreated depression and has a lot of anger and when I am around him too long I get unbearably sad. I have always not had a good time if the people around me weren't or have had a good time if they are. I often feel emotions coming off people in "waves" even when they don't say anything, I can just feel their discontent.

I went looking and found something called an emotional Empath. They are sponges that soak up the emotions of others. I thought wow this is me. There was a list of criteria and I fit all but one. I was just wondering if anyone has found an effective treatment for this?

Autumnal 10/03/2015

I'm the same as you. Its a hard world for us! I dont know of any particular treatments. It'd just be anti-depressants or natural / homeopathic type treatments....you'd just have to trial and error until you found the right one...

looney1 12/30/2015

Mindfulness meditation, acceptance and CBT helped me a lot with this. You must learn to just view it like a tv show that doesn't have a strong effect on your life. You don't have to take it on board. You can have compassion without drowning in it. Good luck.

sweatingbullets 02/11/2016

I think almost everyone has a bit if this...except maybe lawyers and politicians but still, I think it's about being sensitive and it's not a bad thing. I try to not watch the news ever since it's almost aways bad and I know someone that has mentioned this empathy thing before and it really just seems like a newfound word people throw around like an excuse. I'm not saying you are at all but I think the correct term is sensitive, empath seems more of a catchphrase for the former.

The only reason I'm skeptical about the term is, being around positive maybe even manic people hasn't rubbed off much for my depression so that's where I draw the line on the empathy industry. I think it is really being sensitive and some have it more than others...if everyone had the same level this world wouldn't be as bad on a whole.
I guess being around your son while being sensitive doesn't help much but maybe try throwing in some light suggestions of gratitude in there and see if things can change.
You do have a point though and I hope things improve being around your son. I've met people that claimed empath and they are nice but they also steered clear of helping others when the person was trying but couldn't get overly positive...I guess that's why I find the term more of an excuse. Again, not saying that's your case one bit!

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