[djmassk]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!! Without a doubt!

I am sorry your friend is having a hard time. You do have to be careful not to let other's negativity rub off on you. Give yourself some space, and try not to let her situation effect you. I am not saying that you have to quit being friends with her, but try not to take her emotions and energy on.

If you can remain cheery and upbeat about your own life, at some point she will probably ask how you manage to stay so positive. at that point you can tell her it is a choice, and offer several books for her to read

I am sure that others will have some great insight for you as well. Good luck.

[Avoireeideree]

Yes it is! In this incident you have been acting like a sponge absorbing all the energy she feel, in this case negative/hardships. You are an Empath. You need to shield yourself before you open up to others. I read in Echo Bodine's book "The Key" that one should place a sponge (any regular one) near the computer, front door, bedside etc so that the sponge will absorb all the negative energy. The sponges have to be rinsed once a while... in cool tap water ... I would rinse it with sea salt water.

Try this I'm sure it will help.... If your an Empath you won't be able to shut yourself out from others...

[Drysnyaty]

Im sorry to hear you have been affected so. I agree with starlight and polgara. Space and shielding. It's strange how we can become so personally affected by others emotions that they almost become our emotions.

How do we shield without being apathetic? I almost feel like if we shield ourselves then we brake that connection with them. I don't know much about being an empath, only that I am one haha. I do wish to have more knowledge so I can approach more situations correctly. I feel like if I shield myself from some one I can't feel their pain, in turn, can't help them with their feelings. Almost as if I turn myself off from their inner pain. Seems quite the paradox. Trying to stay connected and help them yet at the same time, shielding, keeping personal space and emotions in mind.

Very confusing all this is at times. It's good to have others out there who feel the same things.

I've read in one of Doreen Virtue's book where she says to protect oneself with PINK energy shield... pink give out love and comfort and helps the other person to open up... it also protects the receiver...

I'll try to find the book ...

[luspikals]

She is even aware that she is a major 'downer' in her own words. She is even talking of adopting her kids out and I just couldn't keep talking to her. Her kids are older and she is pregnant, but it was really upsetting to hear her talk like that.

I am not used to dealing with such utter depression and despair. I do my best and am there for her, but it is really hard lately. If I lived closer I could help her out, take her kids for the day and give her a break. I know from experience that no break from kids can make you go right on over the edge if it is long enough without a break. But I'm not and I can only do so much this far away.

I have decided to take a break from talking to her as much for a while. Just so I can sort of reset myself.