In our last article, we talked about the differences between Empath, Narcissists and why the two are often attracted to each other.

Empaths are highly sensitive individuals who can easily pick up on the emotions and energy of others, which can leave them vulnerable to being hurt or overwhelmed by others' feelings. 

How can empaths (and other tender souls) protect themselves?

Here are some steps that may help empaths stop being hurt by others:

Set boundaries: Establishing healthy boundaries with others can help protect your emotional well-being. This may involve saying no to requests that feel overwhelming, limiting contact with people who drain your energy, or being clear about what you will and will not tolerate in your relationships.

Prioritize your emotional health: Taking care of your emotional health is crucial for empaths. This may involve engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as exercise, meditation, or creative pursuits, and taking time to rest and recharge.

Know thyself: Work on developing an understanding of your own emotions and energy. This can help you differentiate between your own feelings and those of others, which will help prevent you from absorbing others' negative emotions and taking them on as your own..

Stay in your bubble: Close your eyes and image a protective shield around yourself, or a bubble of light of protection.  Such visualization techniques can help you create a mental and energetic barrier between yourself and others.

It’s ok to say no:  Empaths may feel a sense of obligation to help others, but it's important to recognize that it's okay to say no and prioritize your own well-being.

Be picky: Surround yourself only with positive people. Seek out relationships with positive, supportive people who uplift and inspire you. And if you must have negative or angry people in your life, minimize your exposure to them, with time to decompress after.

Remember, as an empath, you are a gift. But being the way you are can also be challenging. Taking care of yourself and setting healthy boundaries will help you navigate the world in a way that honors your sensitivity and protects your emotional well-being.

How can an Empath heal after a relationship with a Narcissist?

Healing from a relationship with a narcissist can be a difficult and complex process. In addition to self care, here are some steps that may help:

Recognize the signs of narcissistic abuse: It's important to understand what narcissistic abuse is and recognize the signs of it. This can help you identify if you are in an abusive relationship with a narcissist and seek help if needed.

Cut off contact and/or set firm boundaries: If possible, cut off all contact with the narcissist. This can help you create a safe space and allow you to focus on your healing. And if you do have to have some contact with that person (such as co-parenting relationships), establish healthy boundaries to protect yourself from further harm.

Seek support: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members, or seek support from a therapist, coach, or support group. They can provide a safe space for you to share your feelings and experiences, and provide you with tools and coping strategies to help you heal.

Challenge negative self-talk and forgive yourself: Narcissistic abuse can leave you with feelings of low self-esteem, shame, and self-doubt. Challenge negative self-talk and remind yourself of your worth and value. It's also important to forgive yourself for any mistakes you may have made in the relationship, and to recognize that the abuse was NOT your fault. 

Accept and release: Accept that person for who they are, then lower your expectation that they will ever change. You may have certain expectations for how they “should” behave or speak or care, but your high expectations may never be met. The result is disappointment and more damage, so do what you can to prevent that from happening.. The more you accept them for who they are (and forgive them for it), the sooner you will be on the path to your own personal healing. 

Remember, healing from narcissistic abuse is a process.Be kind to yourself and seek the support you need to help you move forward and create a healthier and happier life. If you're looking to move part the pain and restore your best self, we can help. If you’re struggling to move forward after divorce, be sure to watch our free workshop: “5 Shifts to Rebound Faster After Divorce.”  We are here to help.