I�d like to echo the sentiments of previous posters. Your son is fortunate to have you as a sympathetic/understanding sounding board (Go mom!). I had similar feelings/thoughts as your son when I was younger. I also remember being scared of the intensity of my feelings as a child (particularly rage). As an adult I still have trouble compartmentalizing my �empathy.� While I understand the difference between real/imaginary, I have trouble not letting my feelings (when I imagine myself as someone else � as your son has described) impact the rest of my day. I also have trouble turning sad thoughts off (again when I�m imagining how someone else may be feeling). I attempt to filter �bad thing� that I read or hear about. I�m also very sensitive to smell. I�m not sure if this helps at all. Your story made me reflective.
