I consider myself an empath, there is a lot of information out there and some is based within certain spiritual and religious beliefs, the term was coined when new-age beliefs started emerging in the 1960/70's but empaths and people of similar ilk are well documented within ancient esoteric beliefs.

It is my understanding that as an empath you are open and will often take on the energy of people, places and sometimes things you come into contact with - good, bad and all other shades of energy . This can be a gift! but you really need learn to protect your own energy and psyche for your own well being. Unfortunately the most common down side to being an empath is that often we encounter people who are known as "psychic vampires" highly dramatic name for what can often be a persons unintentional or unaware ability to latch on and drain your own good energy as being in your company can often make themselves feel better. I think you have probably encountered some people in you life who after spending any time with them have just left you tired or feeling off, sometimes the feeling can linger for days after. Sadly we sometimes end up being very close with these people and it becomes hard to recognise where your feelings end and theirs begins.

I suggest looking up empath protection meditations to begin with, often these pages/video clips can lead you down a rabbit hole of information

Take care