Do you feel yourself affected by strong emotions of other people around you? I have read up on this as it's something that affects me and believe it is possibly to do with weak boundaries, that it is something associated with high levels of empathy and also to the highly sensitive person .

For example, this week I have had three people needing emotional support (2 in my personal life, 1 in my professional), who have been distraught, my instinct is to calm, to soothe, whilst validating their sadness. I want to do this, I care very much about others sadness - and at the time I can do this effectively.

However, in the following days it's almost as if I feel their pain, as if a cloud follows me. I realise my sphere of influence (anyone's for that matter) is limited, but I still feel sad I can't help other that to hug and comfort.

I must add it can and does work in the opposite way; when someone is happy and has good news I feel wonderful for them.

I recognise this is probably a boundary issue, have heard that I need to draw a mental line and detach from others distress, however I have been unable to do this despite being aware of the theory.

Anyone else feel this? Have you found an effective way to keep those emotional boundaries?

Thanks.