Macy, what you are doing is incredible and I hope anyone in a similar situation reads these threads and feels inspired.
For empaths, I also recommend Pia Mellody’s book “Facing Codependence.” She talks a lot about something called ‘carried emotions’ where you are absorbing the emotions of those around you, but your mind/body perceives them as if they are you own, which is of course a confusing and overwhelming sensation. These emotions feel foreign and illogical (since they aren’t actually your own emotional reaction to a situation) but also so real. Parts of that book were so helpful for me.