Empathic Recharge
This topic doesn't seem to be talked about enough. As an empath and an INFJ personality type who also chose therapy as a career, there are times when I have drained my system so far down that I need a reboot and full recharge. It is hard not to help others, but I have to remember to take time for myself and slow down before I burn out. Sometimes I get home at night with no mental energy to do anything except eat, shower, and go to bed. I have to remember to make time for self-care.
I went to a social event on Friday night because I was feeling down about receiving a message from a parent (if you didn't read my post before this, you should go do that for some insight). I didn't want to go home and let my mind wander too much. While at the event, I was talking to someone who is also more introverted, and he made a good point that because I give so much energy when I am working, I don't always have as much energy in social situations, and that is why I am so quiet and wait for other people to come talk to me. That made a lot of sense, though some of it is just that I am a very introverted person in general. Even though I talk to children most days, I tend to get overstimulated by certain situations. For example, when I go shopping, I usually listen to music to block out the other people around me. Like I said, some people actually add to my energy instead of taking my energy.
This weekend, I had to recharge before I became too drained to do anything. I slept a lot and relaxed. I studied a little, but I focused on things that I wanted to do.
If any of this resonates with you, I hope you know you aren't alone and it is okay to ask for help. I need to remember that too.
