Understanding the Empath

The word Empath is used quite often and has almost become trendy to identify as such. However, it is highly misunderstood. If the world understood the true definition, the “I’m an Empath” trend would most likely not exist. 

Mind, Body, and Spirit are all interconnected. When one of these systems is dysregulated, it affects all three core aspects of what makes us human. The term, Emotional dysregulation is the inability to manage and respond flexibly to emotions, resulting in intense and prolonged reactions that fall outside social norms. It can be defined as emotional expression or behavior patterns that interfere with goal-directed activities. It can manifest in various ways, ex, acting without considering consequences during high emotions.

The Science Behind it all

Multiple scientific studies have shown that the energy from trauma is held in the body. The energy from those experiences gets stored in the muscles, joints, and connective tissue. When painful events are not processed, that potential energy needs somewhere to go, so it nestles deeply into our physical body. It needs to be processed and released. 

Humans are a reservoir for incredible amounts of potential energy. When we are at capacity, this energy comes out one way or another. When unhealed, that stored traumatic energy is released and sometimes gets projected onto others in the form of anger, sadness, frustration, etc. The energy from these emotions can hurt others, be translated to the unborn fetus (natural born empath), and eventually manifest into physical illness if not addressed. Many develop autoimmune conditions, chronic pain disorders, high blood pressure, and struggle with depression, anxiety, and/or addiction. Being in a consistent state of fight or flight releases a host of stress hormones, never allowing the body to truly rest and precipitating a vicious cycle of illness, stress, difficulty with relationships, depression, and anxiety.

The Physiology of an Empath

The root cause of hypersensitivity…. an overactive central nervous system. This can be inherited energetically (mother to fetus), acquired through life experiences, or both.

The Prefrontal Cortex is the part of the brain that regulates emotions, thoughts, and actions. The Central Nervous System is made up of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for processing, receiving, and delivering information to the body. Both begin developing shortly after conception, and it does not stop until approximately the age of 25. As evidenced by studies conducted by the National Institute of Health, PTSD, whether in childhood or adulthood, causes physical damage to the brain.

During childhood, we develop these pathways in our brain (think of them as highways) that transmit chemical signals called neurotransmitters (think of these as the FedEx truck) to give our body and brain instructions on what to do and how to act. When a triggering event occurs, this road trip is interrupted (it’s like the GPS sends your delivery in every direction but where it’s supposed to go). These brain chemicals misfire, and the emotional center of the brain takes over. 

The Amygdala 

The amygdala is responsible for sensing danger and triggering that fight or flight/freeze or fawn response (both can occur at the same time). It is the fear center of the brain. If emotional, physical, or any type of neglect/abuse was consistent during childhood, the amygdala becomes permanently enlarged. When neurotransmitters travel down damaged pathways, emotional dysregulation and nervous system overload are the end result. The FedEx truck now has four flat tires and an engine on fire with a leaking gas tank. When at capacity, dorsal vagal shutdown occurs. The electrical system in the truck shuts off. You’re stuck and can not move.

What is Dorsalvagal shutdown?

The vagus nerve is responsible for controlling involuntary body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Also, it provides sensory information to the organs in the chest and abdomen. When the amygdala signals the vagus nerve that a potential threat to safety may exist, it responds by shutting down. It is a protective mechanism put in place to conserve energy and reduce “unnecessary” bodily functions such as digestion. It’s what happens when an animal “plays dead”. It’s also what happens when the nervous system is at capacity and a triggering event occurs. If you are unregulated, it can be difficult to shift yourself into a calm state.

The Spiritual Side 

Before our earthly incarnation, each one of us sat in front of our spiritual council and chose our parents, family, experiences, life path, and were given free will. Once the decision has been made and soul contracts signed, we pass through a veil of amnesia and incarnate into our earthly form. This is a chosen path. That was the hardest pill for me to swallow at the beginning of my own healing journey. I chose that pain? Really? It is not for the faint of heart. Though sensitive, we are the most resilient creatures on earth.

The Natural Born Empath – Usually a carrier of unresolved maternal trauma. Grew up in a secure, loving, and supportive environment. Very grounded and emotionally regulated. Strong connection to nature and/or animals. Easily tunes into the emotions of others. People find their presence comforting. Animals and children are drawn to them. Here to teach the collective unconditional love.

The Acquired HSP/ Empath

Phase 1 – In addition to all the above traits, the acquired HSP senses the slightest shift in energy and monitors the behaviors and emotions of others. Always on high alert. Struggles with anxiety or depression. Feels the emotions of others and makes them their own. High rate of addiction and self-sabotaging behaviors. Most AHSPs struggle with autoimmunity and/or other chronic conditions. Oftentimes, they don’t respond well or at all to most standard treatments such as SSRIs or traditional talk therapy. Disassociate or “zone out” frequently. People pleaser, the intense need to “fix” others, almost always at their own expense. Stuck in survival mode. Have occasional premonitions or very vivid dreams of past lives or the deceased. They sense danger before it arrives. Most have difficulty acknowledging their emotional wounds. AHSPs are highly drawn to spiritual studies as a way to find meaning. The spiritual world labels them as healers and warriors, the physical world as intense or unhinged. 

Many are Mediums, Psychics, or in a healing profession. In order to make their mark on the world, they need to make life-altering changes. Oftentimes, it challenges everything they’ve ever known.

Which leads me to:

The Empath

Phase 2 – They are given all of the above traits for a reason. To heal themselves so that they can heal their lineage and serve as a guide for others. They experience a true dark night of the soul. When their entire world crumbles, the soul becomes fragmented. It is at that moment that a conscious decision is made to heal from the past or stay stuck in the low-vibrating, fragmented energy. They are challenged to destroy everything they’ve been taught, face the darkest parts of themselves, and break old patterns. They’ve learned the art of self-preservation and keep their circle small. The Introverted Extrovert. Water is calming to their nerves and gives clarity and insight. They naturally repel and are often feared by the disingenuous as they read energy like a book. Their healing journey is lifelong, non-linear, and tedious. They are meant to heal generational trauma and guide others in healing so that they may lift the vibration of the collective.

You are NOT broken

The Empath has an enlarged emotional center in the brain. Which accounts for the intensity we feel love, sadness, happiness, pain, etc.. But what most forget…at the intensity we feel, that is also the intensity of the energy we put out into the world. We have the ability to heal, but also the ability to harm. We need to be mindful of our words, actions, and behaviors as they have more power than we think.

I’d once been so confused by how intensely I felt things and never understood why I was so sensitive. I’ve dedicated the past 10 years to educating myself and gathering resources that helped me along on my journey so that I can share with those like myself. I’m hoping this article can shed some light on those like me who experience the world differently. Stay tuned for my next article, “Healing the Empath”.

TAKE ACTION: Pause and notice when you’re carrying emotions that aren’t yours; release them through movement, journaling, or time in nature. Your sensitivity is not a weakness—it’s your gift. Join Tina for her live interactive Intuitive Development Masterclass.

Medically Reviewed by: 
Zachary Cohen, MD D. ABA
Board Certified Anesthesiologist
Board Certified Pain Physician