becoming overwhelmed in crowded places...

[seo1]

I've noticed that I've become very overwhelmed in crowded places. It's not like social anxiety or anything I've noticed it since I've been able to feel energy from people.

I'm not sure if that's what it is though. Just wondering if anyone could shed some light on the issue and how I should deal with it.

[alexb5784]

When you're in these crowds of people, what are you thinking? What goes through your mind to make you feel overwhelmed.

Originally Posted by seo1

I've noticed that I've become very overwhelmed in crowded places. It's not like social anxiety or anything I've noticed it since I've been able to feel energy from people.

I'm not sure if that's what it is though. Just wondering if anyone could shed some light on the issue and how I should deal with it.

[Erin Pavlina]

How do you open and close chakras?

[seo1]

Originally Posted by alexb5784

When you're in these crowds of people, what are you thinking? What goes through your mind to make you feel overwhelmed.

nothing is one my mind. I'm just there and then it's like sensory overload or something... I don't know it's kind of hard to explain...

[StellaBlue]

I feel like this too. I enjoy people and I can handle it, but I am sensitive and get overwhelmed. When I was a kid and we had company, I would end up shutting myself in my room.

[Jarrod]

Look very closely at your chest, you will probably notice a certain sensation in there. It is an emotion you are simply not noticing. Given the intensity of it you will probably not be able to remove it fully at the time but if you separate from it and look at it (without thinking about) you will slowly be able to reduce it.

Often thoughts also race but you said this is not the case, things are different for everyone.

[seo1]

Originally Posted by Jarrod

Look very closely at your chest, you will probably notice a certain sensation in there. It is an emotion you are simply not noticing. Given the intensity of it you will probably not be able to remove it fully at the time but if you separate from it and look at it (without thinking about) you will slowly be able to reduce it.

Often thoughts also race but you said this is not the case, things are different for everyone.

I've noticed that before but that I was like when I used to get anxiety and panic attacks a few years back. It's not that same anxious feeling. I don't feel emotion connected to it but I know what you're referring to. It's like a disconnected feeling like I'm in the center of a big happening.

[muzzy]

I too have had this problem with crowds for as long as I have known. I can go within a crowd but the feelings I have are not good and I need to look for an outlet of escape. My best remedy for this is to avoid crowds as much as possible.

[Jarrod]

Originally Posted by seo1

It's like a disconnected feeling like I'm in the center of a big happening.

You feel disconnected but overwhelmed? That is not what I thought you were talking about. I don't think I know that one, unless it is 2 separate feelings.

[Cantando]

The World Health Organisation defines agoraphobia as a cluster of phobias (irrational fears) related to leaving home, entering shops, being in crowds and public places, or travelling alone on buses, trains, or planes.

Agoraphobia can often lead to a change in behaviour where you deliberately avoid placing yourself into situations which may cause you anxiety, such as only leaving the house with a friend, or partner, or ordering groceries using the Internet, rather than going to the supermarket. This change in behaviour is known as avoidance.

Agoraphobia and panic disorder

Many people with agoraphobia also have a related panic disorder and a history of panic attacks. Their agoraphobia often develops as a result of a previous panic attack. They worry about being in an environment, or situation, from which escape, or help, would be impossible, or embarrassing, if they were to have a panic attack.

Also, many people worry that if they are in a situation, or environment, that provokes a panic attack, it will be life-threatening; for example they will stop breathing, or their heart will beat too fast and they will have a heart attack.

Agoraphobia without panic disorder

It used to be believed that all cases of agoraphobia were related to panic disorders and panic attacks. However, research carried out in the last two decades has shown that almost half of people with agoraphobia have no previous history of panic disorder, or attacks.

In such circumstances, agoraphobia may be caused by different phobias, such as fear of crime, terrorism, or illness, or accident. However, those with agoraphobia without panic disorder, are often motivated by the same fears of experiencing their first panic attack if they place themselves in a situation or environment that provokes anxiety.

How common is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia related to panic disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions. It is estimated that between 4-5% of the population are affected by panic disorder and agoraphobia.

Although agoraphobia without panic disorder is less common, it is by no means rare. For example, in the UK, it is estimated that 1.7% of men, and 3.8% of women, have agoraphobia without related panic disorder.

(From an article at nhsdirect.nhs.uk. More information is given there about treating it.)

[Mags]

If you're able to feel people's energy, then you're likely an empath / highly sensitive person. Unless your own energy is strong, or you're shielding in some way, it is easy to get overwhelmed by others' energy. I tend to avoid crowds if I can, although I am stronger now in myself to not allow others' energy into my own field when I do find myself in such situations.

I see Erin posted a link to her article. I'd recommend reading that for one strategy to deal with this. Also Google empaths and highly sensitive people for more information.

[lysetskilde]

It is good that you can feel the loveing energy from others, infact there are people who pay a lot to learn to have that ability.

As the others have written, it is agood idea to be able to shut off from the energy if it is too much.

But enjoy it an dont be affraid.

[StellaBlue]

Originally Posted by Jarrod

You feel disconnected but overwhelmed? That is not what I thought you were talking about. I don't think I know that one, unless it is 2 separate feelings.

I know the exact feeling. I haven't ever met anyone who was able to relate though. It isn't like an anxiety or panic attack which I have also had. It isn't agoraphobia either. It is just like a sensitivity to others that can be uncomfortable. It is almost like invasive. Like I said, I had this so bad as a child. I would go sit in my room alone, and I would still be able to feel people moving around outside of my room, but I felt calm in my nice little bubble of space.

I'm not really sure what advice to give though. It seems to have gotten a little bit better for me, or I have gotten better at dealing with it. I can't handle going to places like bars, and I think it really does have to do with the energy although this is the first time I thought of it that way. I don't think there is anything I can/should do about it except learn from it and deal with it. I don't really want to close off the part of me that is sensitive to others. I think that is a great gift to have a lot of the time. Sorry if I was no help

[coLLege kid07]

Originally Posted by StellaBlue

I know the exact feeling. I haven't ever met anyone who was able to relate though. It isn't like an anxiety or panic attack which I have also had. It isn't agoraphobia either. It is just like a sensitivity to others that can be uncomfortable. It is almost like invasive. Like I said, I had this so bad as a child. I would go sit in my room alone, and I would still be able to feel people moving around outside of my room, but I felt calm in my nice little bubble of space.

I'm not really sure what advice to give though. It seems to have gotten a little bit better for me, or I have gotten better at dealing with it. I can't handle going to places like bars, and I think it really does have to do with the energy although this is the first time I thought of it that way. I don't think there is anything I can/should do about it except learn from it and deal with it. I don't really want to close off the part of me that is sensitive to others. I think that is a great gift to have a lot of the time. Sorry if I was no help

Yea I'd say your just getting overwhelmed from a collective of people's energies. I'd try either raising yours or just realising that it's their energy not yours.

[Jarrod]

Originally Posted by StellaBlue

I know the exact feeling. I haven't ever met anyone who was able to relate though. It isn't like an anxiety or panic attack which I have also had. It isn't agoraphobia either. It is just like a sensitivity to others that can be uncomfortable. It is almost like invasive. Like I said, I had this so bad as a child. I would go sit in my room alone, and I would still be able to feel people moving around outside of my room, but I felt calm in my nice little bubble of space.

I'm not really sure what advice to give though. It seems to have gotten a little bit better for me, or I have gotten better at dealing with it. I can't handle going to places like bars, and I think it really does have to do with the energy although this is the first time I thought of it that way. I don't think there is anything I can/should do about it except learn from it and deal with it. I don't really want to close off the part of me that is sensitive to others. I think that is a great gift to have a lot of the time. Sorry if I was no help

Do you know who/what you are? (not intellectually, but empirically)

The thoughts and emotions that people in a room are having are radiated and this does two things. It can trigger thoughts and emotions in yourself and it also creates a certain feel in the atmosphere.

While obviously nobody but yourself can really identify the problem(see the issue in the experience) I would still expect that it is an underlying element of fear, possible not easily observed on the surface. If you don't realise that you are not your thoughts and feelings then you won't be able to see this.

But there is no way for me to know so good luck discovering the issue inside you .

[StellaBlue]

Originally Posted by Jarrod

Do you know who/what you are? (not intellectually, but empirically)

The thoughts and emotions that people in a room are having are radiated and this does two things. It can trigger thoughts and emotions in yourself and it also creates a certain feel in the atmosphere.

While obviously nobody but yourself can really identify the problem(see the issue in the experience) I would still expect that it is an underlying element of fear, possible not easily observed on the surface. If you don't realise that you are not your thoughts and feelings then you won't be able to see this.

But there is no way for me to know so good luck discovering the issue inside you .

Do I know who and what I am? Well, probably not, but I am discovering every day.

As far as my thoughts and emotions. I do not feel like these are thoughts and emotions of my own. I think that the OP said that he feels the same way. I agree that I can feel the thoughts and emotions of others. I am really hypersensitive to other people, and I realize that, but I think this is being sensitive to the energy of others in general, not just their thoughts and emotions. This happens even if I am in a room of happy people!

When the OP says: It's like a disconnected feeling like I'm in the center of a big happening.

I know exactly what he means. Well, maybe I don't know exactly because I am not him, but I could use that to describe my own experiences. It is almost like I am disconnected from everyone in my own bubble, observing what is happening around me, but I can feel everyone so concretely that it overwhelms my senses. It is a feeling of being distinctly separate from everyone, but connected to everyone at the same time. I can handle this feeling now, where as I couldn't as a child. I view it differently now.

I'm sorry for sort of taking over your post seo! Correct me if I am talking about something completely different than you were!

[coLLege kid07]

I think I know what your saying. I do it too. Like one of the above posters said, I try to avoid some of those situations from time to time. I'll try and converse with people but if I stay there too long it'll just drain me alot. So just take the time to balance between things that empower you and drain you.

[Kaspian]

It is possible to learn to adjust your empathy level. I can choose to tune into someone during a one-on-one conversation, read the overall tone of an orchestra while sitting in a rehearsal or concert, be aware during a dinner party of close friends & family, etc. I can also choose to shield myself when out in large crowds, protect myself in the presence of someone whose energy is unsafe for me, and close the connection anytime I feel like I'm getting more information than I want.

To protect yourself, you can imagine your team of guides and angels surrounding you, providing a buffer between you and the crowd; visualize yourself in a large bubble of bright light that reflects anything that does not work for your highest good; come up with a phrase that means protection for you (IE: I allow only that which works toward my highest good into my energy sphere.); or invent your own protective ritual.

It's also a good idea to clear your energy more than once a day. (One guy I know clears his every time he washes his hands.) If you absorb other people's energy and it stays with you, you can experience their emotional and physical issues. You don't want their energy to make you sick!! You can do Erin's chakra clearing exercise, "wash off" other people's energy in the shower or when you wash your hands, or state with confidence and intent that you are clearing your energy field of all foreign energies. Follow up with protection.

[StellaBlue]

Originally Posted by Kaspian

It is possible to learn to adjust your empathy level. I can choose to tune into someone during a one-on-one conversation, read the overall tone of an orchestra while sitting in a rehearsal or concert, be aware during a dinner party of close friends & family, etc. I can also choose to shield myself when out in large crowds, protect myself in the presence of someone whose energy is unsafe for me, and close the connection anytime I feel like I'm getting more information than I want.

To protect yourself, you can imagine your team of guides and angels surrounding you, providing a buffer between you and the crowd; visualize yourself in a large bubble of bright light that reflects anything that does not work for your highest good; come up with a phrase that means protection for you (IE: I allow only that which works toward my highest good into my energy sphere.); or invent your own protective ritual.

It's also a good idea to clear your energy more than once a day. (One guy I know clears his every time he washes his hands.) If you absorb other people's energy and it stays with you, you can experience their emotional and physical issues. You don't want their energy to make you sick!! You can do Erin's chakra clearing exercise, "wash off" other people's energy in the shower or when you wash your hands, or state with confidence and intent that you are clearing your energy field of all foreign energies. Follow up with protection.

Good advice Kaspian. I am going to look into clearing my energy daily. This is probably something I should do.

[seo1]

yep stellablue that was exactly what I was talking about.

[wachusettgirl]

Yes, but I wouldn't expect to get sick from other's energies or else that will become your reality. I can definately relate to the idea of being sensitive to the energies of others, to the point of actually hiding in my closet when my parents had company, and in my adult life avoiding many social situations. I love Erin's piece about opening and closing the chakras, it has helped me alot, and I think that it is great to incorporate positive things such as that into your daily routine when needed. However I would not "expect" anything to make me sick energetically, just as I would not expect anything to make me sick in the conventional medical way (i.e. my mother has breast cancer therefore so shall I, I got bit by a tick while hiking so I will get Lyme disease, etc...). We all know people that think about illness all the time, and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy to the extent that they, their children, their pets, or whoever are always at the doctor's, having symptoms, tests, procedures... I don't imagine that getting sick energetically is all that different, if that is what you expect to happen then guess what?
Definately do what you need to do to shield and protect yourself, then use other strategies to stay healthy and in the present.

[sognorealta]

Originally Posted by muzzy

I too have had this problem with crowds for as long as I have known. I can go within a crowd but the feelings I have are not good and I need to look for an outlet of escape. My best remedy for this is to avoid crowds as much as possible.

I also get strange of better still different feelings when I'm in crawded place; however, I feel the exiciment of people, life, strengh, joy... I used to feel people's anger, resentment and even their inner violence when I was youger. It used to frighten me and I thought I was simply just weird. It was difficult to tell friends as I did not know how they would react. It felt so real, as real as it feels now (i feel stuff all over, buses, shops, etc). I got used to it now and hardly notice it anymore, although I am now exercising clensing my Chakras, every night...I'll see what happens! What I have learn however, over the years, is that I absorb what ever feeling I have within, i.e. when I was younger I was frightened, a bit lost, not really knowing who I was. Now, I am much oder and happier, good job, travelled a bit, more confident. Buses and trains are the worse for me, I feel people anxiety .

[RubberDuck]

Originally Posted by sognorealta

I also get strange of better still different feelings when I'm in crawded place; however, I feel the exiciment of people, life, strengh, joy... I used to feel people's anger, resentment and even their inner violence when I was youger. It used to frighten me and I thought I was simply just weird. It was difficult to tell friends as I did not know how they would react. It felt so real, as real as it feels now (i feel stuff all over, buses, shops, etc). I got used to it now and hardly notice it anymore, although I am now exercising clensing my Chakras, every night...I'll see what happens! What I have learn however, over the years, is that I absorb what ever feeling I have within, i.e. when I was younger I was frightened, a bit lost, not really knowing who I was. Now, I am much oder and happier, good job, travelled a bit, more confident. Buses and trains are the worse for me, I feel people anxiety .

I have it the same way. It seems like I'm an intuitive empath, from what I learned today... It has been a big problem for me to deal with in the past, but I guess working with it can change things to the better...
I have even directly copied physical symptoms from people before I knew they had them...

RD

[SimonaRich]

You should try to protect yourself from negative energies of others by imagining that you are surrounded by white light.

You feel this way because you are drained by others' negativity. You became sensitive to it by being more involved spiritually.

[RubberDuck]

Originally Posted by SimonaRich

You should try to protect yourself from negative energies of others by imagining that you are surrounded by white light.

You feel this way because you are drained by others' negativity. You became sensitive to it by being more involved spiritually.

Thanks Simona,

I have had it since I was kid, in fact, until I discovered that not everyone has this ability, I felt totally transparent and was convinced that all people could see my feelings and emotions, which made me a total emotional control freak...

RD

[Anna Conlan]

If you get overwhelmed in crowds, it's usually because you're empathic & picking up on the energies of those around you. Closing your chakras sometimes helps, but if it doesn't always do the trick, you may want to go further than that and learn some empath skills.

Rose Rosetree has written a book on this, called 'Empowered by Empathy'.

It's a really helpful book for anyone who is sensitive or empathic.

[RubberDuck]

Originally Posted by Anna Conlan

Rose Rosetree has written a book on this, called 'Empowered by Empathy'.

It's a really helpful book for anyone who is sensitive or empathic.

Anna, funny you should say this, because I ordered that book yesterday

RD

[Anna Conlan]

Ooh that is funny. Hope you enjoy it.

[RubberDuck]

Anna, I'm reading 'Empowered by Empathy' now, that is a really good and helpful book.
No wonder I had problems dealing with my sensitivity, it seems like I fit into most every catagory... I'm looking forward to be able to deal with these skills that has been feeling more like curse than blessing up till now.

RD

[Susanna77]

I get this too.

I decided to make a big issue out of it anymore; I just avoid crowds. I did try the chakra thing. Recently someone suggested imagining a mirror on my solar plexus. It seemed to help. But unless your lifestyle forces you one way or another to be in crowds, then don't.

Funnily enough I do go to the odd concert and I am fine. Yet saying that I always seek spots where there is breathing space and I've suceeded using IM. Last concert (when I love a band I have to go if they're in town) I stood by the barriers so the trick was not to look back. I did feel panic building up a few times though but managed to control it.

And it's not so much panic. It's as if my head is going to burst, then begin to feel light headed and by the time I get home I need a nap to recover.