Dealing with other people's emotions?

Question

I can sense other people's emotions very well but I don't know how to respond to them. Please don't say "do whatever comes natural to you"! When I am sad, angry, worried, crying, etc. I want people to leave me alone and I'll figure stuff out by myself. But when other people are sad, angry, worried or worse crying around me I just feel helpless and I don't know what to do with that!

Answer 1

Don't be too hard on yourself. Your asking this question tells me that you're considerate of others, so you don't need to force yourself to be caring or to do the caring thing. Just admit to yourself that sometimes you can't do anything to help. You are just as human as anyone else. Some people may be offended at what you do or don't do, but you must realize that you're just as vulnerable as they are. Sometimes you can't help others, sometimes others can't help you. The worst are those who don't care about others and always expect to have their needs met. You need to realize that you have limits, and you shouldn't be ashamed of staying within those limits. Also, some people need more alone time than others do in order to cope.

Answer 2

I have this problem too. It really bothers me, I help as much as I can but it gets to the point where they have to figure things out on their own (if you get the feeling you can't help anymore, then stop trying, they'll come to you when they feel they can use your help). It's heartbreaking to watch people you care for slip into depths of sadness and depression knowing there's nothing you can do. Not only do I sense their emotions, I often mirror them, but then again I'm kind of special because I don't mind being sad, it is just an emotion after all. And ofcourse I'm often happy and hope that my emotions will rub off on them. So far I'm better at receiving then sending though.

Answer 3

When you sense that someone is sad or lonely or angry or worried, tell them that you understand how they feel and if they want to talk you're always there. Make yourself available to people who need help, because your ability to tune in people's feelings is a talent. If people want to talk right away, great, but follow their lead, don't try to get them talking if they don't want to. Just put yourself out there. If you don't know the people very well, or at all, give them your phone number or a way to reach you if they want to talk to someone who is completely uninvolved. If it is someone you know well, tell them that you are there to talk if they want someone who loves them and really wants to help. That way, you don't have to get too involved but you are still helping with people's feelings.

Answer 4

If someone is hurting why don't you reach out and help to heal? Ask what you can do, hug them, talk to them, listen.

If someone is angry, most often, hurt is behind anger.

Don't feel helpless, put yourself to good use.

Answer 5

It's probably a good idea if you ask them if they want to talk about it or would they rather be left alone. Ask them if you can get them a cup of tea.

Answer 6

There are times a soft touch on the hand, shoulder, etc that will do the trick. At times words just aren't enough.

Answer 7

It's normal to feel usless when someone else is hurting. Honestly all you can do is remind them that you are there. Then either give them their space, or offer a sholder, ok?

Answer 8

ALL YOU CAN DO WHEN YOU THINK PEOPLE ARE HAVING BAD FEELINGS IS LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE THERE FOR THEM , YOU CAN ASK IF THEY NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO , BUT IF THEY SAY I WILL BE OK THEN THEY KNOW AND YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE THERE TO TALK TO AND LISTEN .

Answer 9

It anit really nothing you can do just be there for them when they are ready to talk just be a friend to them and listen