The Empath Highly Sensitive Test will help you discover why you feel the way you feel. I “suffered” from not realizing a was an Empath Highly Sensitive person for many years.
My Empath Highly Sensitive Story
My ex-husband kept wanting me to do things that drained my energy.
For example, I hated being around one of his friends who I sensed was an abusive controller.
Every time his friend would leave the room, the wife of his friend would complain to me about being “victimized” by her husband
All in all I would feel drained around them, because my energy would entangle with theirs. I would feel their pain and see their point of view.
My ex-husband would deny all of this was happening, leaving me to wonder if I had made it all up. He would criticize me for being different or causing a problem.
What I would “know” and “feel” was very real to me, but he would deny it and look at this as a needless resistance on my part.
This would result in a lot of conflict.
I was different, but not deficient.
I learned I was not lacking or deficient in any by reading the following book. What I learned from it helped me support myself superbly and find ways to thrive in the world.
It began the journey to the current path I now follow.
Check it out here.
This week I had two clients come to me that were highly sensitive empathic personalities.
This is what prompted this article. Many of you are empathic types. You are drawn to creative, intuitive and sensitive subjects like psychic perception.
Learn who you are with the quiz below, then how to flourish in this world in the section that follows.
Empath Highly Sensitive Test
Instructions: Answer the following questions to assess your level of empathic sensitivity. Choose the response that best describes your typical reactions and feelings. Be honest with yourself for accurate results.
- How do you feel in crowded or noisy environments?
- a) Energized and comfortable
- b) Overwhelmed and drained
- When someone close to you is upset, how do you react?
- a) I empathize and share their emotions
- b) I feel deeply affected and sometimes absorb their emotions
- How do you handle conflict or tension in relationships?
- a) I can stay calm and objective
- b) I find it challenging, and it affects me emotionally
- In a group, do you often sense the unspoken emotions of others?
- a) Rarely
- b) Frequently
- How do you react to violence or cruelty in movies or real life?
- a) I can detach and view it objectively
- b) I feel disturbed and may even avoid such content
- Do you find it draining to be around certain individuals, even if they’re not directly interacting with you?
- a) Not usually
- b) Yes, I can pick up on their energy
- When making decisions, do you rely more on logic or intuition and gut feelings?
- a) Logic
- b) Intuition and gut feelings
- How do you handle the emotions of others impacting your mood?
- a) I can separate their emotions from my own
- b) I often feel a shift in my own mood based on theirs
- Do you often need alone time to recharge after social interactions?
- a) Not necessarily
- b) Yes, I need time alone to recharge
- How would you describe your sensitivity to sensory stimuli (e.g., lights, sounds, smells)?
- a) Average sensitivity
- b) High sensitivity; certain stimuli can be overwhelming
Scoring:
- For each “a” response, give yourself 1 point.
- For each “b” response, give yourself 2 points.
Interpretation:
- 10-12 points: You exhibit some empathic sensitivity traits.
- 13-15 points: Your empathic sensitivity is moderate.
- 16-20 points: You are highly empathic and sensitive.
Remember, this self-assessment is not a diagnostic tool, but it can provide insights into your empathic sensitivity. If you have concerns or questions, consider consulting with a mental health professional.
How to Thrive as an Empath Highly Sensitive Person
Flourishing as a highly sensitive empathic person in the contemporary world can pose challenges, yet there exist numerous strategies to navigate and improve overall well-being. Here are some original tips:
- Foster Self-awareness:
- Embrace your sensitivity as a natural trait, refraining from viewing it as a weakness.
- Recognize and comprehend your triggers while remaining attuned to your emotional responses.
- Establish Clear Boundaries:
- Develop the ability to assertively decline when necessary, free from guilt about prioritizing your well-being.
- Clearly delineate boundaries in terms of both time and emotional energy during interactions with others.
- Prioritize Personal Well-being:
- Emphasize self-care activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or immersing yourself in nature to rejuvenate and recharge.
- Ensure sufficient rest and sleep to effectively manage emotional fatigue.
- Engage in Mindfulness Practices:
- Integrate mindfulness and meditation into your routine for centering and managing overwhelming emotions.
- Utilize grounding techniques to stay connected to the present moment.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity:
- Choose relationships and environments that foster your well-being.
- Limit exposure to negativity and distance yourself from toxic influences.
- Express Creativity and Find Outlets:
- Channel and release emotions through creative outlets such as art, writing, or music.
- Participate in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
- Seek Support:
- Connect with like-minded individuals who can understand and appreciate your sensitivity.
- Consider professional therapy or counseling for expert guidance in exploring and managing your emotions.
- Master Emotional Detachment:
- Develop the ability to detach emotionally when necessary to preserve your energy.
- Practice observing without absorbing the emotions of others.
- Educate and Share:
- Share insights about being an empath with friends and family to enhance their understanding of your needs and sensitivities.
- Manage Sensory Overload:
- Control exposure to loud or crowded environments.
- Take breaks as needed to prevent becoming overwhelmed by external stimuli.
- Embrace Holistic Practices:
- Explore holistic approaches such as yoga, acupuncture, or aromatherapy to maintain balance in both mind and body.
- Cultivate Gratitude:
- Foster a gratitude mindset by focusing on positive aspects of life.
- Regularly reflect on things that bring joy and fulfillment.
Individual uniqueness should be recognized, and the effectiveness of these strategies may vary. Experiment with different approaches, tailor them to your specific needs, and if your sensitivity significantly impacts your daily life, seeking guidance from a mental health professional can be beneficial.
Hey Ruth! So happy to hear your cat gave birth without any casualties. Yes, you are more sensitive than you give yourself credit for!
Hi Laura- It’s Ruth Bonomo. I hope you are well. My pregger cat gave birth last Tuesday, we have 3 kittens.
I’m more sensitive than I give myself credit for. Take care- Happy Holidays.
I hope you are doing well with your knew investment gig,
R