An empath tends to be somewhat of a caretaker. We have such a desire to please and help others, we often do so at the expense of our own health. When an empath is feeling overwhelmed, there is a good chance that he or she is not caring for their own needs.

A person can get so used to caretaking that they feel they are supposed to do it. I believe it is a violation of another person’s rights to even try to pick up information or sense things about them unless you first ask their permission. It’s like reading their mail or rummaging through their closet! If you are an empath with the typical codependency pattern, your idea of where the line is between you and another person might be a bit blurred. Once you get to know where the line is, it will make all your relationships clearer and cleaner. It’s important to learn how to sense your own energy and listen to your inner guidance.

Empaths are kind and caring. At times, we are almost saintly because we tend to care for others more than we care for ourselves. However, you are not doing yourself or anyone else any favors by being a martyr. Co-dependency is common in our relationships because we want to please others. Doing or saying something that will make someone else angry or sad is uncomfortable for us, so we often avoid confrontation. After all, if we make someone angry or upset, we will probably pick up that feeling and make us even more uncomfortable. This is not self-care; this is self-sabotage!

Caretaking does not serve or protect another person; it keeps them from growing up and accepting responsibility for their own actions and feelings. You have to be the bad guy from time to time just to maintain your own health and sanity. People may get mad at you if you don’t do what they want you to do, but their feelings are not your feelings, and your well-being is not dependent on theirs. Part of maturing as an empath is to stop taking on responsibilities that aren’t yours. There are times when we must have the courage to say “no,” when called upon to give away our valuable time or emotional resources. It’s okay to let others take care of themselves as much as possible. It’s fine to ask others to help you! A healthy relationship is a two-way venture where receiving is equal to giving. Let your friends pamper you from time to time.

Extend patient, loving attention to yourself by setting aside time for spiritual renewal, to read, or do a craft or project you enjoy. Find some place where you can be alone in nature to refresh your own batteries. Do some type of physical exercise to keep the energy flowing in your body. Care for yourself the way you do others.

When you treat yourself with compassion, you offer yourself a supportive emotional environment that allows you to overcome past patterns and challenges to step into the positive change that you are seeking and deserve! My book can help you learn how to do this.

Yvonne Perry is the author of Whose Stuff Is This? Finding Freedom from the Thoughts, Feelings, and Energy of Those Around You–a resource for intuitive people who have been unknowingly carrying energetic burdens that belong to someone else. Visit http://whosestuffisthis.com for resources to help you manage energy overload.

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