Not sure if you are an Empath or Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
Would you like to find out?
Let’s have a look at their definitions:
The definition of an Empath is a person who is capable of feeling the emotions of those around them despite the fact they are not going through the same situation.
The definition of a HSP is a person who processes sensory data much more deeply than others. They are oversensitive to aspects of their environment. For instance, HSPs may dislike harsh bright lighting, they get irritated by loud background noise or find they cannot wear certain materials.
Although the definitions above are brief, they could be misleading, in the suggestion that a HSP has only heightened senses and an Empath feels only the emotions of others; when in fact, there is so very much more to their traits.
For example, the Empath and HSP may both:
- Sense other people’s moods
- Project their emotions, feelings and thoughts onto others
- Experience profound synchronicities
- Have heightened senses
- Feel emotions and pain very deeply
- Get hurt easily
- Become quickly over-stimulated
- Become easily drained when in social situations
- Have an awareness of subtleties around them that others don’t.
The definitions between the two are so similar that some may question as to which camp they belong.
So, to give you a better idea, we will look at some questions that will help you determine if you are an Empath or HSP.
We will first look at the Highly Sensitive Person. Saying yes to most of the following questions is a strong indication that you are a HSP:
- Are you aware of subtleties in your environment?
- Do other people’s moods affect you?
- Are you sensitive to pain?
- Do you need to withdraw, if you are having a busy day?
- Are you sensitive to the effects of caffeine?
- Are you easily overwhelmed by strong smells, bright lights or loud noises?
- Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
- Are you conscientious?
- Do you startle easily?
- Are you aware how to make others feel more comfortable?
- Do you get frustrated if you are made to do too many things at once?
- Do you avoid watching violence on TV or in films?
- Do you become uncomfortable when a lot is going on around you?
- Do you avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
Empaths Empowered 