But there is a difference between genuinely feeling for them, and feeling because you think you have to or are supposed to. A lot of people would say they feel for the unfortunate, but when asked to describe that feeling, they would be at a loss because they've only taken a moment to think "that's too bad" before just moving on, because that much is 'expected'.
What you described is so much more personal. You tried to put yourself in their position, it affected you physically and mentally, made you uncomfortable. Most people wouldn't go that far.