Do you feel emotions more deeply than others, or pick up on vibes that no one else seems to notice?
If so, you might be a high-level empath.
This means your intuition doesn’t just help you understand people better — it works in a unique and powerful way.
Being a high-level empath is like having an extra sense. And you know what?
While this can be overwhelming at times, it’s also a special gift.
In this article, we’re going to look at 9 signs that show you’re a high-level empath. Understanding these signs can help you use your empathic abilities more effectively and navigate your emotions better.
1) You can easily read people
What’s the first thing you notice when you meet someone?
If you’re a high-level empath, it’s likely not just their words or appearance, but the emotions and energies they’re carrying.
Yes, empaths have this innate ability to read people, often understanding their feelings and motives without them saying a word.
And you know what’s even more fascinating?
This skill goes beyond basic empathy.
It’s an intuitive understanding of people’s emotional states, even if they’re trying to hide them.
You might pick up on subtle cues like body language, tone of voice, or even just the energy they give off.
This can make you a great friend and confidant, as people might feel like you ‘get’ them more deeply than others do.
On the other hand, this ability can also be quite taxing.
Being so attuned to others’ emotions means you often carry the weight of their feelings.
And this can indeed be overwhelming.
2) You feel deeply, but not just your own emotions
People who are high-level empaths don’t just experience their own emotions—they feel the emotions of others too.
This doesn’t mean they are overly sensitive or dramatic.
It’s simply a different way their intuition works.
The truth is that high-level empaths can pick up on the subtle emotional undercurrents around them. They can sense when someone is upset or happy, even if that person is trying to hide it.
This ability to feel deeply isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. Why?
Simply because it allows them to connect with others on a profound level and to provide comfort and understanding when it’s needed most.
Feeling deeply also means they need time to decompress and process these emotions. That’s why it’s not uncommon for high-level empaths to need time alone after social interactions.
This isn’t because they don’t enjoy being around others—it’s because they need time to sift through and understand the myriad of emotions they’ve picked up.
If you’re a highly sensitive person or empath (like me!), the Ybtyu program could be transformative for you.
This breathwork program, designed by world-renowned shaman Rudá Iandê, offers powerful techniques to help you manage your energy, set boundaries, and protect yourself from emotional overload.
By incorporating breathwork into your daily routine, you can cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional resilience, allowing you to embrace your sensitivity as a gift, not a burden.
Feeling deeply is a beautiful and powerful trait, don’t get me wrong.
Nonetheless, it’s still important to have the tools and support to navigate its complexities and be able to self-regulate and decompress naturally. I personally know that I would feel far more untethered and afloat, had I not invested in learning the right self-soothing methods like breathwork to help me navigate life as a high-level empath.
And the Ybtyu program provides the perfect safe and supportive space for you to explore your sensitivity, learn to manage your energy, and ultimately thrive as an empath in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
3) You’re an unintentional truth detector
Now, this might surprise you, but if you’re a high-level empath, chances are that you can easily detect the truth without even wanting to.
You see, it’s like your innate ability to sense emotions and intentions reveals when someone’s words don’t quite match up with what they’re truly feeling or thinking.
Sounds familiar?
Then you need to know that it’s more than just being good at reading people. Instead, it’s about instinctively sensing the disconnect between someone’s outward expressions and their internal state.
Interestingly, I’ve witnessed that high-level empaths are exceptionally skilled at picking up on subtle non-verbal cues.
That’s exactly what makes them more effective at detecting dishonesty, even when it’s well-disguised.
How do I know this?
The thing is that it’s easy to notice small inconsistencies in facial expressions, shifts in tone, or certain body language cues that others might overlook.
With this unique skill, you bring a level of depth and understanding to your relationships that others might not possess.
This intuitive ability can help build trust and foster genuine connections, as you navigate interactions with a keen awareness of the underlying truths.
4) You feel an instant connection with animals
As a high-level empath, do you often find that animals seem naturally drawn to you?
This is no coincidence.
Believe it or not, this is because of your empathic nature — it allows you to feel an instant connection with animals, often forming deep bonds without the need for words.
Take, for example, a situation where you walk into a room, and a pet, maybe a dog or a cat, immediately comes to you, bypassing others.
They seem to sense your empathetic energy and feel comfortable and safe in your presence, right?
This connection goes both ways: you likely find great comfort and peace in the company of animals.
They offer a kind of silent companionship that resonates deeply with your empathic nature.
And guess what?
This bond with animals is a beautiful aspect of being a high-level empath.
It’s a reminder of the unspoken understanding and unconditional love that exists beyond human interactions.
Yes, your ability to connect with animals on such a profound level is not just a unique gift, but also a source of joy and emotional fulfillment.
5) You’re naturally drawn to healing professions
Let me take a wild guess – do you find yourself drawn to careers that involve helping others?
Maybe you’re in healthcare, counseling, or social work.
Well, this natural inclination towards healing professions is a common trait among high-level empaths.
That’s right — your deep empathy and intuitive understanding of emotions make you uniquely suited for these roles.
It’s more than just a job for you — I bet it feels like a calling for you, isn’t it?
Being able to connect with and help others isn’t just fulfilling, it’s an extension of who you are.
Think about the satisfaction and sense of purpose you derive from these roles.
Isn’t it a direct reflection of your empathetic nature?
This alignment of your empathic abilities with your professional life is not coincidental.
It’s a clear sign of a high-level empath at work, using their innate gifts to make a real difference in the world.
6) You are sensitive to sensory stimuli
As a high-level empath, you might find that you’re incredibly sensitive to sensory stimuli.
This means loud noises, bright lights, or even certain textures can feel overwhelming or intensely stimulating.
Psychologically, this heightened sensitivity is linked to your empathic nature.
In fact, it’s your brain processes sensory information more deeply, making you more responsive and sometimes more vulnerable to environmental factors.
Sounds impressive, right?
This sensitivity is not just about physical discomfort — it reflects the depth with which you experience the world around you.
Your empathic nature extends to your physical senses. The result?
It makes you acutely aware of the subtleties in your environment.
I know this can be challenging, especially in overwhelming or chaotic settings. But it’s also a part of your unique empathic makeup.
The best part is that this trait can help you manage your environment to suit your sensory needs better.
7) You often feel overwhelmed by negative news and events
I remember the day I had to switch off the TV and step away from social media for one simple reason:
The constant stream of negative news was just too much for me to bear.
If you’re a high-level empath, you might relate to this feeling.
Because high-level empaths like me and you aren’t just casually observing these events — they’re absorbing the emotions and energies that come with them.
This overwhelming sensation is common among high-level empaths.
You feel deeply for the world’s pain and suffering, often experiencing it as if it were your own.
While it’s indeed a compassionate response, it can also be emotionally draining.
Luckily, recognizing this trait has taught me the importance of setting boundaries with how much negative information I consume.
Now I know that it’s okay to stay informed, but it’s also crucial to protect your emotional well-being.
Finding a balance is key to ensuring that your empathy remains a gift, not a burden.
8) You need regular periods of solitude
Let’s say after a long day filled with interactions, both positive and challenging, you finally find yourself alone in a quiet space.
Suddenly, there’s a sense of relief, as if you’re able to breathe freely again.
If this scenario resonates with you, once again, I’m sure you’re a high-level empath like myself.
And this means regular periods of solitude aren’t just a preference for you — they’re a necessity.
As someone who feels emotions deeply and absorbs the energies around you, having time alone is crucial for your mental and emotional health.
It’s during these quiet moments that you can process your feelings, decompress from the sensory overload, and recharge your emotional batteries.
Solitude offers a sanctuary where you can reconnect with yourself, away from the external noise and demands.
It allows you to maintain your emotional equilibrium and ensures that your empathic abilities don’t become overwhelming.
If you are looking for guidance and support in creating and protecting a sanctuary for solitude and cultivating a deeper understanding of your empathic nature, the Free Your Mind Masterclass can be a great resource.
In this free online class, world-renowned shaman Rudá Iandê shares valuable insights and practices to help you navigate the challenges and embrace the gifts of being a highly sensitive person.
This includes how the pressure of comparison and feeling the need to ‘fit in’ can actually hinder your ability to reach your full potential.
By participating in the Free Your Mind Masterclass, you can learn to harness the power of solitude as a tool for self-care, self-discovery, and spiritual growth.
You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of your empathic abilities and learn how to use them to create positive change in the world.
Final words: embrace your empathic nature
As we reach the end of our exploration of the signs of being a high-level empath, the question now becomes:
How ready are you to fully embrace this part of yourself?
Recognizing and understanding these traits is the first step in harnessing your empathic abilities effectively.
Your sensitivity, intuition, and emotional depth are not just characteristics — they’re powerful tools that can guide you in creating meaningful connections and navigating the world with compassion and insight.
Nevertheless, while your empathic nature can sometimes feel overwhelming, it’s also a profound gift that allows you to experience life on a deeply rich and emotional level.
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