The Healing Empath

Good Evening Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors ~

We've been discussing Empaths, Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and Healers.  Tonight we are going to talk about Intuitive Empaths, and in particular those Empaths that have dealt with Narcissistic individuals.

A little about Intuitive Empaths ~ a person who has an unusual capacity for sensing and understanding the feelings of others.  Could you be one?

Intuitive empaths know what others feel without needing to be told, and they have an unusually sharp sense for whether someone is being truthful or lying.

For this reason, many self-proclaimed intuitive empaths go into the healing professions.  There’s a lot of reported evidence from psychologists for the existence of empaths, and it often seems to suggest that they are unhappier than others.

Empathy is present, in general, to a greater degree in women. A study from the journal of Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews stated that there are gender differences with regard to empathic response from infancy.  It has been suggested that females are more empathic as a result of neurological adaptation to the traditional role of child-rearing, as it requires a sharper understanding of non-verbal expressions.

With the information above kept in mind, imagine an Empath dealing with a Narcissist.  It would immediately strike you as odd, as well as a toxic mix.

One Empath tells the story of being involved with a Narcissist.  The Empath came to the conclusion that Narcissists are special people.  Although Narcissists are very focused on how great they are, the Empath realized that Narcissists are actually profoundly wounded.  The Empath also came to the conclusion that something in childhood (in most cases) got to them.  Something unraveled them.  That something also damaged them.  And, because of the wounds, the Narcissists now seek validation.

Here are the words of an Empath that dealt with a Narcissist:

"But here I am.  I'm an empath.  I'm a healer.  I absorb what other people are feeling, and feel it as if it were my own.  My own pain, my own anguish, my own hurt.  Narcissists rarely know an empath's boundaries.  It makes us easy to bond with.  We eat their pain like breakfast lunch and dinner." ~ The anonymous empath

Intuitive Empath

Let us turn our attention fully to the Intuitive Empath ~ What are the traits of an Intuitive Empath?

1.  You understand where other people are coming from

When empaths are in interactions with others, they’re able to understand how the other person feels and why they feel it.  This makes them excellent listeners and great friends. However, being able to put themselves in other people’s shoes and feel as they feel can be extremely stressful.  Apart from having to deal with the stress and difficulties which arise in their own lives, they take on other people’s suffering as their own.

2.  You are oversensitive

If you are extremely sensitive or have been labelled as being too emotional, you may be an empath.  Empaths seem to have the ability to experience emotions at a greater intensity than the rest of us.  This can lead to increased joy and pleasure in life, but when they’re exposed to negative stimuli, it can cause extreme anxiety and distress.  It also means that they’re more prone to mood swings than others, as stimuli from the environment can change rapidly from positive to negative.  Empaths are often very sensitive to noise and other disturbances, too.

3. You can’t stand witnessing the suffering of others

At one extreme of the empathy spectrum (the low end), there are people with disorders which cause anti-social and often violent, criminal behaviour.  Empathic people are on the opposite end of the spectrum, not being able, in some cases, even to watch violent films.  They also find things that many people laugh at, like the misfortunes of others, unbearable to witness.

4.  You aren’t comfortable in large groups

Because of the intensity and diversity of stimuli in situations involving a large number of people, empaths tend to find being around big groups exhausting and anxiety-creating.  It is common for empaths to prefer being alone or with one or two people.  If they have to be in social situations involving large groups, it is often necessary for them to withdraw early and take time alone to recharge their batteries.

5.  You have physical symptoms after emotionally intense situations

Empaths often find that they experience physical symptoms in response to high-intensity situations.  Headaches are common as well as fatigue.  Empaths may also be more likely to respond to the anxiety they feel by abusing their own bodies with drugs and overeating.

Journal Notes

For your Journal, please make a note of anything that you have found to be helpful.  You may also want to add the following information . . .

Empathy is something that nearly all human beings have, with the exception of people who have psychological disorders that prevent them from feeling empathy.  Empathy is, therefore, something which is found in human beings on a spectrum –  from high-empathy responses to low-empathy responses.

Scientists do not currently accept the use of terms such as intuitive empath just as they don’t accept terms like ‘psychic’ or ESP (Extra-Sensory Perception).  Scientific research currently divides empathy into the categories of ‘emotional empathy’ and ‘cognitive empathy’. Emotional empathy is the ability to respond emotionally to what another person is going through, and cognitive empathy is the ability to comprehend another person’s perspective or mental state.

Until next Blog Session

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - JUNE 2017 - All Rights Reserved

Want to be able to identify a Sociopath?

JUNE 2017

Good Morning Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors ~

This month we will be talking about many issues that you've probably always wondered about, or had on your mind at one point in time or another.

Last month was Mental Health Awareness Month.  During the month of May, we discussed many mental health issues.  One of those issues was the mental health concern relating to the "Sociopath".

Today, we are going to use our Journals to take some important notes regarding the Sociopath so that you will have them to refer to when needed.  So here is the time to Bookmark the Blog, sign up to follow along by Email so that you won't miss a thing during the month of June.  You'll find the place to sign up to follow by Email in the right-hand column where it says, "Follow by Email".  Just add your email in the appropriate space, and click "Submit".

Now, for your Journal, please grab a nice new Journal for the month of June, because you will be using it for yourself and for your notes when you come to the Blog.  Make this an experience to remember by getting a Journal that you are attracted to.  You'll have to love it, because you'll need to use it and write in it, preferably daily.  Here is a good example of a beautiful Journal . . .

Journal for June

We're going to start the first page of our Journals for June with one very important topic - How are we feeling today?

Make sure that you are honest about how you are feeling.  The reason for this will be for you to do a check on your feelings this month as we discuss various topics here on the Blog.  Some of the topics that we will be discussing with make you think -- either about yourself, a friend, a co-worker, a family member, a neighbor, an associate, or some new person that just sort of pops up into your life out of nowhere.

With that being said, on to our first topic for the month of June . . .

Want to be able to identify a Sociopath?

Do you think you can easily spot a sociopath?  Think again. Sociopaths aren’t always the stereotypical "serial killer type" you might be thinking of.  These individuals come in all shapes and sizes.  In fact, there may be some sociopaths scattered around in your life somewhere.  Since sociopaths are experts at presenting themselves as everyday people, they can be very difficult to identify.  That is, unless you know the signs.

First, let's talk about the definition of a Sociopath: Sociopathy is also known as antisocial personality disorder, a type of chronic mental condition defined by dysfunctional and destructive ways that an individual thinks, perceives situations, and relates to others.  An individual with this personality disorder will typically have no understanding or regard for the distinction between right or wrong.  Their treatment of others can best be characterized by a callous indifference; they will antagonize or manipulate others without guilt or remorse.

Please make a note in your Journal that the causes of personality disorders are not fully understood.  They are thought to be the result of genetic and environmental influences.  Some may have the genes that make them predisposed to developing the disorder, while certain scenarios might trigger its development.  There is no effective form of treatment once the disorder has been diagnosed, as those affected have zero desire to change.  The only treatment is to completely prevent the disorder from developing.  This involves working with children who begin to show early signs of personality or conduct disorder.  If children reach their teenage years without receiving any form of preventative treatment, it’s almost guaranteed that the disorder will be permanent.  Now that is a scary thought!

Let's get into SCARY . . .

Ted Bundy

Portrait of An American Sociopath (Ted Bundy)

The most publicized case of a dangerous sociopath is the American serial killer, Ted Bundy.  Born under the name of Theodore Robert Cowell in a Vermont home for unwed mothers, he was raised by his grandparents.  As was common for illegitimate births in the 1940s, Teddy grew up thinking his grandparents were his parents, and that his mother was just his older sister.  His mother married Johnnie Bundy when he was five years old; but despite his stepfather's attempts to include him into the family, the young Teddy remained aloof from his parents and four other siblings.  He was good-looking, charismatic, and a bright student.  Despite an agonizing breakup in his college years, and thereafter discovering his true parentage, Bundy threw himself into his studies–his chosen field being, not surprisingly, psychology. Fostering a shrewd interest in politics, he became a very financially successful and charismatic Republican campaigner.

When he met up again with his former college love, Stephanie Brooks, he rekindled their romance.  But that came to an abrupt end when Bundy cut off all contact with her, as Brooks had done to him six years earlier.  His rage from their initial breakup manifested into Bundy's subsequent brutal attacks on women, all of whom shared similar physical characteristics to his ex.

Through the 70's, Bundy preyed on college-age women, committing various acts of sexual abuse, homicide, butchery, and necrophilia.  His victim count totals between 26 and 40, though some believe it may be even higher.  After two prison escapes, three trials, and almost two two decades of terrorizing young women, Bundy was executed the morning of June 24, 1989.

Don't be blind ~ Know The Signs

What we can learn from Ted Bundy's case is that sociopaths aren't easily identified because they know how to create an inconspicuous persona.  At least some of us know an actual sociopath, though we may not even be aware of it.  So what indicators can we look for?

Well, we’ve put together a list of tell-tale signs that sociopaths exhibit.  Sociopaths are manipulative, and they’ll suck the life out of you for their own benefit.  In some cases, like that of Ted Bundy, sociopaths can be extremely dangerous; they won’t hesitate to commit a crime to get what they want.  If you know someone that fits the following profile, it would definitely be in your best interest to stay far, far away from them!

Here are 11 Overt Signs Of A Sneaky Sociopath

1.  Superficial Charm

Sociopaths often appear to be very charming on the surface in order to create a facade.  They are very aware of the effect their charm or wit may have on others, as their pretense of likability allows them easily gain people’s trust.

2.  Narcissistic

Sociopaths are extremely egocentric, believing that they’re always right and that everyone should agree with their actions and opinions.

3.  Pathological Lying

Sociopaths will lie, and lie, and lie in order to create a false persona.  Lying comes naturally to them, because they aim to hide their true motives.

4.  Manipulative And Cunning

Sociopaths are extremely manipulative, attempting to find and exploit other people’s weaknesses in order to get what they want.

5.  Shallow Emotions

Sociopaths do not genuinely feel emotions.  All emotions that they exhibit are intended to fulfill an ulterior motive. Although sociopaths don’t feel emotions, many can fake their emotions, fooling the people around them.

6.  Lack Of Remorse, Shame, Or Guilt

Sociopaths are infamous for being devoid of these three emotions.  They do not feel bad about their actions, even if these actions hurt others.

7.  Incapable Of Human Attachment

Sociopaths are unable to form genuine relationships with others.  They will struggle to make friends or establish romantic relationships.  They may form relationships in order to appear normal, but they never experience the feelings that are present in functional, intimate relationships.

8.  Constant Need For Stimulation

Sociopaths get bored very easily, and they need constant stimulation in their lives.  This desire is related to their inherent need for self-gratification.  Their need for stimulation can cause them to take extreme and unnecessary risks that put themselves and others in dangerous situations.

9.  Lack Of Empathy

They are unable to empathize with others.  They are unable to relate to the perspectives or problems of others because they don't understand how the other person feels.  For example, if someone told you a sad story about a family member dying, you would feel empathic to their grief and pain, too.  A sociopath, on the other hand, would feel nothing.  In fact, lack of empathy exhibited by children could be an indicator of their later onset of antisocial personality disorder.

10.  Poor Behavioral Controls / Impulsive Nature

Sociopaths will exhibit very short tempers, as well as hostility, irritability, and aggression.  They’ll act on their impulses without thinking or caring about any potential consequences.  They may behave violently or impulsively, and also may have problems with drug and alcohol use.  These characteristics typically make people with antisocial personality disorder unable to fulfill responsibilities related to family, work or school.

11.  Promiscuous Sexual Behavior / Infidelity

Sociopaths are likely to be unfaithful and promiscuous, which is connected to their tendency to get bored easily.  Like we said earlier, they need constant stimulation.

IMPORTANT JOURNAL NOTATION:

Avoid Sociopaths At All Costs

Nothing good can come from having a sociopath in your life, especially in regards to a romantic relationship.  The best solution is to simply avoid these people at all costs.  Don’t let them con you into thinking that they’re nice and sweet, because they are only embodying a persona.  Whoever they are trying to portray does not actually exist.  If you suspect someone of being a sociopath, run your own sociopath test and look to see if they have any of the 11 traits listed.

Deep down, these people are extremely cold-hearted, and they completely lack the full spectrum of human emotion. The only person they care about is themselves.  No one else is important to them, and they see all other people as potential targets for their own selfish, deviant actions.

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Article Info Credit:  Ed Smith

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See you back here on the Blog for more exciting conversation!

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - JUNE 2017 - All Rights Reserved

May 2017 - Mental Health Awareness Month

Good Morning everyone ~ It is time to awaken to what is going on inside of you.  We have been discussing mental health, and in particular Clinical Depression and other forms of depression.

If you have been following along with us, then you have been writing in your Journal or Diary, and taking notes about what you are learning here on the Blog.

The main thing that needs to be focused on today is the value of being aware of what is going on inside of you.  Your mental health is important.  In addition, your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being are key factors that affect your happiness and those areas of your life should be looked into today.

Please grab your Journal or Diary for this next exercise.  If you do not have one handy, a Notebook will do just fine.

Remember:  YOU are IMPORTANT.

Take a moment to ask yourself the following questions . . .

1)  Did I awake today feeling refreshed?

2)  Did I awake today ready to tackle whatever comes before

       me?

3)  Did I awake feeling tired?

4)  Did I awake with yesterday's issues looming over my

       head?

5)  Did anything agitate or disturb me upon waking?

Now, take your pen, and in your Journal, Diary or Notebook, place your answers to the five questions listed above.

Journal your Thoughts

Here on the pages before you is where you'll meet your "self".  We often forget that we are our own best friend.  We know more about our "self" than we acknowledge.  We often overlook our own feelings, wants, needs and desires.  We rush along through life doing and going and talking and working, and buzzing about concerning ourselves with everything but the right thing.  We let other people tell us who we are and what we're about, and we know good and well that they do not have a clue -- although they think they do.

Now, let us keep moving forward in the pages before us...

Ask yourself the following...

1)  What was the first thing that I did today?

2)  Who was the first person I came in contact with?

3)  Where was the first place that I went to outside of my

       home?

4)  Did I take any medication, or vitamins?

5)  Did I exercise, meditate, listen to music or pray?

6)  Did I get on the telephone, computer, or any other

       technical device?

Now simply jot your answers down in your Journal, Diary or Notebook.  The questions are all diverse, and what is now happening is you are taking the time to hone in on you.

What you have written are answers to eleven questions that we will come back to in another Blog Session.  For now, just keep them in your personal Journal, Diary or Notebook for safe-keeping.

Now take a deep breath.  Relax your body.  Clear your mind.

 Get Comfortable     

Say to your "self" . . .

"This day shall be peaceful and calm.  No matter what may happen on this day, I will remain peaceful and calm."

See you in the next Blog Session for more on Mental Health.

NAMASTE

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - MAY 2017 - All Rights Reserved

This is the month of MAY 2017

 ~ Mental Health Awareness Month ~

Greetings everyone ~ Now that we have entered into the month of May, we should all be aware that this is Mental Health Awareness Month.  This is a good time to take notice of your mental health and the mental health of those in your family, those you may work with, and those who are around you.  Now is a good time to become involved in discussions about mental health.  You never know who may be around you that is crying out for help silently.

Do you recognize any of the following symptoms in yourself or others? . . .

1.  Changes in energy levels or sleep patterns?

2.  Frequent thoughts of death or suicide?

3.  Loss of interest or pleasure in activities?

4.  Noticeable restlessness or irritability?

5.  Difficulties with concentration or decision making?

6.  Changes in appetite, eating habits or weight?

7.  Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, worthless, or guilty?

If so, then you may want to utilize Mental Health Screening Tools.

Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And, remember recovery is possible.

There are guidelines for use of the Mental Health Screening Tool, and if you are unsure of which Screen to take, you can follow the guidelines to determine which Screening Tool would work best for you . . .

DEPRESSION ~ is for individuals who are feeling overwhelming sadness.

ANXIETY ~ will help if you feel that worry and fear affect your day to day life.

Bipolar ~ is for individuals who have mood swings - or unusual or extreme shifts in mood and energy.

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) ~ is for those who are bothered by a traumatic life event.

Alcohol or Substance Use ~ will help determine if your use of alcohol or drugs is an area to address.

Psychosis ~ is for young people (age 12-35) who feel like their brain is playing tricks on them (seeing, hearing or believing things that don't seem real or quite right)

Eating Disorder ~ can help explore eating related concerns that have an impact on your physical health and overall well-being.

There are also the following areas that can be explored . . .

The Youth Screen ~ is for young people (age 11-17) who are concerned that their emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.

The Parent Screen ~ is for parents of young people to determine if their child’s emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.

Work Health Survey ~ is a screen to explore how healthy or unhealthy your work environment is.  (NOTE:  This Screen is in testing phase and every screen taken helps Mental Health American "MHA" to better understand mental health in the workplace).

You can visit the Mental Health America Website to find out how to take a Screen.

If you have any comments, thoughts, questions, suggestions, or would like to leave further information about Mental Health, feel free to leave your comments here on the Blog.

As always, I'm looking forward to having you back here in our next Blog Session for further topics of discussion and more about mental health.  In the meantime, be kind to one another.

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - MAY 2017 - All Rights Reserved

     It is a new day, and a new month!

MAY ~ 2017

The month of MAY is Mental Health Awareness Month.  One in four people have a mental health illness.  This is a topic that deserves more focus than it gets.

This year for May is Mental Health Month, MHA (Mental Health America) is talking about "Risky Business".  MHA believes it's important to educate people about habits and behaviors that increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental illnesses, or could be signs of mental health problems themselves. These include risk factors such as risky sex, prescription drug misuse, internet addiction, excessive spending, marijuana use, and troublesome exercise patterns.

There are tools and resources that have been put together to help individuals and communities to raise awareness of the risks that these types of behaviors present—especially to young people—and help people who may be struggling to detect early warning signs and seek help early, before Stage 4.

You can find out more by visiting the Mental Health America Website.  Here is some of what you will find inside . . .

FOR ORGANIZATIONS:

There is a complete 2017 MHM Toolkit available.  By using the toolkit materials, you will help members of your community:

• Understand how certain seemingly common behaviors are risk factors for, or indicators of mental health or substance use disorders;
• Start talking about mental health Before Stage 4;
• Assess their own mental health through use of MHA's screening tools; and 
• Share their perceptions of when a behavior becomes risky, learn about the perceptions of others, and learn about accepted guidelines for when a behavior becomes indicative of a mental health or substance use disorder by taking the "What's Too Far"" quiz.

There are Media materials available, as well as Social Media and Web components.  You'll also be able to find Fact Sheets and other handouts.

The Fact Sheets cover Risky Business areas such as Marijuana use, Prescription Drug Misuse, Exercise extremes, Sex, Compulsive Buying, and Internet Addiction.

Find our more by visiting the MHA Website.

You can also discover what people say mental illness feels like. . .

From Twitter:

"People with mental health issues reveal how their invisible illnesses can make them seem rude"

"Some days just feel heavy. Like I'm absorbing all the world's sadness.  I'll be ok at some point but atm im just not #mentalillnessfeelslike"

Visit this link:  http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/feelslike

Don't keep mental illness to yourself.  There is power in sharing...

#mentalillnessfeelslike

Please keep the topic of mental illness in the forefront this month as you go about your daily travels.  It is a topic worth discussing and writing about.

Dear friends,

Thank you for following this Blog ~ Be blessed!

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - MAY 2017 - All Rights Reserved