You have excessive empathy most likely.

Now, when I say ’empathy’, I do not refer to psychics and crystals and the like, I mean the human capacity to intuitively and cognitively perceive the emotional state of others. Inside the human brain, there are a special group of brain cells called ‘mirror neurons’, these are the source of human empathic ability. They literally cannot tell the difference between your emotional state, and the emotional state of others.

This is where many people become confused about psychopathy and the exact opposite of empathy. ‘Antisocial’ in everyday usage has come to mean being a homebody, shy, not wanting to go out. In fact, ‘Antisocial’ behavior in psychiatric terms means behaviors that don’t contribute to a social group in a positive sense. A person who lies, cheats, and steals has ‘antisocial behavior’. Perhaps ironically, antisocial people will be some of the most superficially charming people you will meet. A used car salesman might be a good example in this case.

What this has to do with you, is that us empathic folk naturally pick up the moods and emotions of others without realizing it. Oftentimes, addicts, wallflowers and those that pull themselves away from social settings because they can’t handle more of others emotions are the most empathic. Most don’t know this about themselves, and it is easy for them to get overloaded with the energies of others.

Have you read the gag advice often posted on Facebook that goes along the lines of “Before you diagnose yourself as depressed, first make sure that you are in fact not surrounded by jerks’? It’s something like that, be aware of your own self and feelings, and learn to filter out the input of others and you may see a drastic reduction in this agoraphobia. Keep in mind that having this empathic trait, when learned to use properly, can give you a distinct advantage in life and with people.

People are constantly advertising what their emotional state is, through micro expressions, body language, tone of voice, eye contact, et cetera, and we pick up on these cues subconsciously, and are also affected by them subconsciously. Being mindful can make all the difference.

Good luck with this, and I hope for the best outcome for you.