To protect oneself from unhealthy empathy, there are three effective strategies to implement. Firstly, prioritize compassion over empathy. While empathy involves feeling another's pain, compassion allows for kindness without emotional entanglement. This distinction helps maintain mental clarity and reduces emotional fusion. For example, one can support a child in distress without fully experiencing their sorrow, leading to healthier interactions, especially in helping professions. Secondly, increase self-confidence to combat self-critical tendencies. High self-criticism paired with empathy can lead to emotional burnout, as self-doubt amplifies the emotional toll of empathizing with others. Building self-esteem allows a more balanced approach to empathy, where one can be present for others while maintaining personal well-being. Finally, recognize and resolve internal conflicts that arise when trying to help others. Highly empathic individuals often feel torn between wanting to provide support and managing their own emotional needs. By acknowledging and addressing these conflicts, individuals can prevent feeling overwhelmed and can set healthier boundaries, ultimately enhancing their ability to engage compassionately without compromising their mental health.