Why Am I Sensitive to Other People’s Pain and Fall into Tears?

Why a Sensitive Soul Feels Deeply

When you feel sad and cry over other people’s pain, it means you are a deep and sensitive soul, passionate and caring. Don’t ever change, as the world needs more individuals like you. Those who feel nothing for others, having ice water running through their veins, are rare and often difficult to understand. People with an empathetic heart will be remembered and honored in Heaven.

A Common Human Experience

Many people feel empathy towards others’ suffering. Even those who are in the public eye, such as celebrities, make people cry a few tears when they face difficulties. It is a testament to your caring nature. This is part of who you are, and it is a sign that you are a normal human being.

Just like I once was, you might have built a mental shield to protect yourself from the pain within. You keep your sorrows inside and do not share your feelings easily. If this is true, it means you have a reserved personality.

You may question yourself about the worthiness of your emotions. Your brain might believe that the pain of others is more deserving of an emotional response. This subconscious thought can lead to a pattern of managing others' emotions while neglecting your own. You may feel that your pain is not “bad enough” to cry over, or you might believe you are flawed and broken, and thus ignore your pain as a way to cope.

A Trauma Response for Coping Mechanism

Not crying has been a survival mechanism for you. In certain moments, it worked to keep you safe. However, this coping mechanism no longer serves you well. The idea that crying is a sign of emotional weakness is a misconception. Crying serves a physiological function by releasing pressure and regulating your breathing during stress. It is a natural and normal part of emotional regulation. You are not too sensitive or an "Ice Queen" for not crying; you simply learned a way to cope that no longer works for you.

Understanding and Reparenting

By exploring your childhood memories, you can gain insight into the origin of this behavior. Often, parents taught children that not crying is a form of emotional regulation. However, this is not true. Reparenting is a term that describes the process of relearning how to emotionally regulate in a healthy way. This can involve seeking help from a licensed professional or exploring your own memories and emotions.

Learn about reparenting and find a way that best fits you. Take good care of yourself, and remember that you are a caring and sensitive person, and that is something to be proud of.