Even as a young child, I was always the *Counselor Within.* Throughout school people would be drawn to me because I never judged, I listened and I always held out a helping hand. I was quiet and shy, passive, and laid back. I was the target for Energy Vampires.
But the question still remained as to why. I started to think I was pathetic, weak, and a pee on. It got to the point where all the Negative Energy I absorbed from others made me look like the *Drama Queen.* When in reality I was being drained to the point of no return.
It wasn't until about a month or so ago that I came to the realization that I was an Empath and a HSP. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder about 6 years ago and deep down believed that I was misdiagnosed as I was still battling with my Identity and Struggles, still battling with the fact that I was SO sensitive and caring to the point it took over my life.
Recently I had an encounter with a *Friend* of three years. Towards the end of this Friendship I realized (but knew it deep down all along) that they were an Energy Vampire. It was always about them; the Me Syndrome on their part. Many times when we got together it was when they needed a friend, when they wanted to do something, when they had time. Every time I needed to talk or needed a friend they were too busy. It turned into an ugly mess due to them having absolutely no respect for anyone but themselves. In fact, they were, in my opinion a Narcissist with alcoholic traits. This friend made me an angry person for a long time. It was like their traits were absorbed in me. I was not myself for a long time because of my *association* with this person. It was bad.
This journey is what brought me where I am at this very moment. I truly believe that people come into our lives for a reason. Some notice the signs and finds the answers and some don't, but I did. The ending of this friendship was so deep, so sad, so hurtful that the answers and signs and reasons for this journey with this person is how I found out about me being an Empath. I have reached a point in my life, at my age, (in my 40's) that I am tired of it all. At my age, I just don't have the patience anymore and to be honest, I don't need a lot of friends to fulfill my life.
I have been on a spiritual journey for nearly six years, and I think that finally I am reaching a point of peace and contentment with who I am. I am proud to be a kind, caring, and giving person, but I have to learn boundaries. I have to come to the realization that it is ok to be nice, caring and sensitive, but it doesn't mean that we have to be *sucked the life out of* by these Energy Vampires that walk around us. I always knew I was a human sponge, I always knew that the negative energy (even positive) drains me but I never knew that there was actually a name for it: Empath.
8 comments:
OMG I could have written the same article.
I am glad you can relate! I think it is so important to share our stories to help other and ourselves..plus it allows people to know that you are not alone.
Being an empath makes it doubly dangerous when encountering these types of people, but of course, one does not have to be an empath to get devoured by them. I am like you, always being there for someone, and lending an attentive ear. When I was younger, there were energy vamps who really played on that. These days I associate with a choice few people that know the meaning of give and take.
I enjoy being part of your journey via this blog, Tery.
Thank you Barbara. Yes, you don't have to be an empath to encounter these people. For me, though I am truly an empath as there is so much I haven't shared about the energy I absorb from others. I am finally making boundaries and limiting myself to certain people in my life. For once, I am shielding myself.
Being an Empath myself, I can certainly relate. I never knew there was a name for the things I felt, always being accused of being too sensitive and being told to just grow a thicker skin, etc..I love my Empathetic abilities but have learned to ground and center myself and I too, have to constantly keep my boundaries in check!
I always called these people *Psychic Vampires* :)
Talk about timing! I have known for many years that I am an empath...and I went through that same process of 'WTH is wrong with me?!?! Do I attract drama? Why do people come to me for help and then bail (angrily) when I actually do so?' etc etc...
I know about - have taught about - energy and psychic vampires...and yet I got sucked in (pun only partially intended)
Currently going through it again with a client actually....I hold on feeling I can help, I should help.....and all they want is the drama, to be someone in crisis....
Thank you for sharing your experience...I won't stop being me and doing what I do...but you have reminded me to be more aware of who I am really helping versus being clung onto.
~ Nadia~
Nadia - I never knew what an Empath was until recently, but it all makes sense to me now..It explains a lot of things that I have gone through.
very well said!! My childhood was much the same!
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