I can definitely relate, I don't think I have as serious a reaction as you, but as far back as I can remember violence has always disturbed me. I can not stand to watch someone get beaten in a movie it makes me ill. I never realized it but an exception to that is martial arts films, for what ever reason they don't seem to bother me. I also don't deal well with people getting injured either. Videos with people getting hurt are not humorous to me, they stress me out. It is very hard for me when people treat each other badly, school was very difficult for me because of this. Hardly anyone was ever mean to me or made fun of me or treated me badly, but I couldn't stand how people treated each other. I am extremely empathetic, and how others around me are feeling affects me.
I have never heard of Daniel Tosh or Sara Silverman, which is part of how I have reduced the stress and pain of others grief. I do not have a tv, and I don't look up news online. I rely on a few people around me to tell me any news that I have a need to know because it affects me. That has helped out a lot. In my opinion you are not overly sensitive or weak, many others are under sensitive and numb.
For all things I find upsetting that find their way though my filters, I try to stay focused, if it is something fake, I simply reassure myself it was not real, and I acknowledge while whatever it was may happen in real life this particular did not. And that works well for the fake stuff. When I come across real stuff it is considerably more challenging, I stay focused and first ask myself if there is anything I can do to help the situation? If yes I find a way to help, if no I remind myself if I let this cripple me and take away my energy, I won't have anything for the next situation that I can help in.
It may not seem like it but it really is a blessing of sorts, I just wish it were contagious, can you imagine what the world would be like if every one felt the kind of empathy you do?
MTrip said:
Apparently, you have several pounds of empathy ready for the next person you see & are a rather sensitive creature to boot. That's what I gathered from your post, anyway. Empathy is indispensable to have, for being human, but this world is a rough place for sensitive souls. I was that way when I was a kid. Then life happened!... Try not to watch Daniel Tosh & shows similar to his, for starters. This world can be a nice place but it's also full of suffering & of those who enjoy it. Try to limit your exposure, & when you feel the need to help someone, be sure to pick someone 1) for whom your efforts can make a difference & 2) who will probably be grateful for your assistance.
Thats seems like a good assessment to me, and some good advice.