Q: Does anyone have a problem with 'taking on' the feelings or situations of other people or have a problem becoming depressed when they are around someone who is depressed or sad?
Yes!
Absolutely. I think that some of us have this highly sensitive radar for other people's emotions and feelings because at an early age we learned that this was key for our survival. I grew up with a mom having schizophrenia and it was imperative for me to read her moods so that I could survive her times of great paranoia and even violence.
You might want to read my posts on the highly sensitive person:
The Highly Sensitive Person and Depression
Ten Coping Strategies for People who are Highly Sensitive
Hope this helps some. Remember that this can be a gift if used appropriately. Being this way helps you to be more empathic and compassionate. You just have to figure out how to not let this ability cause you emotional turmoil. It is difficult but can be done.
Thank you so much for your question.
Hi there!
Oh I am so glad to hear that I could be of any help. I know from my first hand experience how difficult it can be to be a super sensitive person living in a rather...abrasive world. But take heart that there are many of us out here and we do understand.
Your empathy and compassion will carry you far. The key is to find a healthy balance so that the emotions do not disable you. I still struggle with finding this balance and I am 47 years old. Maybe when I am 80 I will have it all together. :>) Until then we muddle along and find our way the best we can.
Thanks so much for writing back. I am really looking forward to hearing how things evolve for you.
MM
Yes I totally understand what you are describing, because I myself have that same "intuition / sensitivity." When anyone around me is happy, sad, depressed, angry, or "ho hum," I take on those feelings myself, almost as if it is contagious. Just like they say "smiles are contagious," or "yawning is contagious." My mother in law is the same way, if not even more sensitive to peoples' pain and anguish. So just know this: you are not alone, you are not crazy. I think it is a gift, even though sometimes it feels like a curse.
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MM,
I can't tell you how much I appreciate you replying to my question. I immediately went to the two links you suggested (The Highly Sensitive Person and Depression & Ten Coping Strategies for People who are Highly Sensitive), and read every page. As I was reading the questions, I was saying "Yes," "Yep, thats me," to probably 75% of them. The other 25% wasn't a straight out "yes" but I have varying degrees of it. I don't normally self-diagnose, but I've never come acrossed anything that explained how I feel so closely before. I printed both posts off and I am going to bring it up to my new therapist that I'm meeting on Thursday. I will keep you posted about how it goes:) In the next couple days, as situations and/or conversations arise I will keep the ten coping strategies in mind. I believe it will help me try not to take things so personally, like it's an attack on who I am-the core of 'me.' Thanks again, Serenity