From my studies, I have discovered that the word empath derives from different sources. Which, I feel, leads to much confusion and misdiagnoses in the field of mental health.
This is personal to me, as being an empath can be a real struggle until one realizes that they do indeed experience empath abilities and therefore must develop healthy boundaries and learn to discern between their own emotions, feelings and physical pain versus those coming from another source.
* Empathy ~ being in tune to other people’s feelings and life circumstances. The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
An empathetic person may be moved by a situation in a sort of heart-tugging, emotional manner that ultimately gives rise to kind, caring, and understanding words and actions.
The ability to emotionally understand what other people feel and see things from their point of view, and imagine yourself in their place. The ability to relate to and understand other people’s feelings.
* Empath ~ the ability to literally feel other people’s feelings, their emotions, and their physical pain as if they are experiencing those feelings, emotions and pain within their own body and mind.
That is where the importance of discernment comes in. Knowing yourself well enough so if an empath is experiencing say; sadness, anger, guilt, depression, etc., they are able to discern whether these feelings and emotions are theirs, or are coming from another source.
Empath articles: