Mirror The Mystery
Empaths can be misunderstood simply because, without intending to, they can energetically mirror back the entire inner angst and lack of personal integrity of another, exposing an unwillingness to face their own dishonesty, greed, hatred, and desire to hide from the truth as well as from themselves.
This can happen completely outside the empath's conscious awareness as they tend to keep sending out light which can irritate another's demons while being perplexed at the reactions.
It can literally drive those who thrive on inauthenticity out of their minds.