Feeling others emotions in the room

Does anyone ever experience an unease around people sometimes in the sense that if they are on edge or stressed or maybe even going through some personal struggles this is passed onto you and makes you unsettled also. They don’t have to say anything directly to you but there’s an uncomfortable atmosphere, like it’s grating on you and polluting the environment around you and your inner calmness becomes electrified with energy you don’t want. I am not sure if this is just an autistic thing or more of a heightened state when around others due to anxiety. Is it also possible it’s a way to avoid any emotional stress yourself by picking up on these vibes and heading for the exit when possible? 

Parents
  • I have alexithymia and many of my own emotions are a bit of a mystery to me but I can "feel" the mood of the room very quickly. I don't know if it's a learnt response or whether my empathy antenna is turned way up. I find large groups or busy situations particularly difficult.

    I also pick up on the general disposition of individuals and know who to avoid if possible.

Reply
  • I have alexithymia and many of my own emotions are a bit of a mystery to me but I can "feel" the mood of the room very quickly. I don't know if it's a learnt response or whether my empathy antenna is turned way up. I find large groups or busy situations particularly difficult.

    I also pick up on the general disposition of individuals and know who to avoid if possible.

Children
  • That’s really interesting, busy environments especially closed off ones like house parties or family events I dread and they almost feel like a chore to get out of the way. Just too much small talk expected, on a good day I can last an hour before retreating to somewhere quiet or sit on my phone checking Wikipedia for random bits of information that I want to learn about. Reading the room could replace other senses, they say when people go blind their hearing can be better etc