MX..I understand...I am empathic also and it has taken me years to understand this aspect of my spirit/mind/body and how to protect myself...this is a gift, but the downside is until we learn not to, we take in and overload ourselves with other peoples pain and suffering..
One of the things you need to be doing is chakra work, especially the third chakra...pm me if you like...btw I am bipolar 2, hugs, Grateful