"I someitmes feel myself emotionally exhaugsted because of it. I've always been an empathetic person but lately it's like I've become more and more sensitive. It's actually starting to scare me and wear me out sometimes so if someone could explain what it's all about it would be greatly appreciated."
Sounds to me like you are not protecting yourself. Do you do any psychic protection for yourself? Also, you may want to "protect" your friend at the same time (I imagine white, loving, protecting light around as many people as I can and my dwelling before going to sleep)... It seems to help me sleep better and it sure can't hurt the other people! In some ways it's like asking a Higher Power to bless everyone you know.
You also may want to look into wearing or carrying a crystal or stone; it can't hurt...
Gemstone meaning