Verified answer

I think i understand.

It can be seen as manipulative, in way, to be able to not only perceive a person's reaction, but ensure that you act in a way to ensure that the person responds in a reaction beneficial to them.

Your friend is experiencing guilt at having read people's innermost thoughts, and regardless of whether he did that for a good or bad reason, he will continue to suffer while he remains negative.

It's his negativity which stops him from turning it back on.

Help him to see the light.

Empathy is more complex than many people realise.

If you could really find anything hidden in any room you could quit work and hire yourself out as a lost car key and engagement ring finder. But first you should test yourself to see if you really have that ability, get someone to hide something and then see if you can go to it straight away (finding something by looking in all the drawers and under the couch isn't paranormal), make sure the person observing you doesn't know where the object is hidden either or they may inadvertently give you subconscious clues. Then you should prove your abilities to the world by winning one of the many skeptic challenges.

Okay... no one just turns off their feelings. Repress yes... turn off no. maybe your friend needs to see a professional counselor especially if he is experiencing new things in a very intense way. I'm not sure what signs of depression he is showing but for his safety he might need more help than you'll find here. A good way to get a referral to a counselor is to ask people who you know have used one. One last word. Be sure to maintain good boundaries with your friends. You can be there for your friends, but you are not your friends.