What does it mean to be a

“Highly Sensitive Person?”

 

If you are here, you have more than likely just taken my quiz and are now wondering the above question. You may have heard the terms “highly sensitive” or “HSP” rolling around on the internet and social media. Perhaps you have looked into what it means (us HSPs are always seeking more knowledge about ourselves and the world around us). Some of the qualities of an HSP most likely resonated with you.

 

Now you are here. But what does all this mean? Isn’t being sensitive a “bad” thing?

 

I am here to tell you that being sensitive is your superpower! As any superhero will tell you, having special gifts comes with the good and bad qualities.

 

At some point in your life, you have probably asked yourself “What is wrong with me?” or “Why do I feel different from everyone else?”

 

We are different and unique in that we have a trait that allows our brains to process and feel information on a deeper level. We are deep thinkers and like to analyze every bit of information. This then activates our emotional response, which can also feel more intense due to our deep level of thinking. This trait is found in about 15-20% of the population and was originally researched in depth by Dr. Elaine Aron. You can find more information about her, her research, and related resources on her website www.hsperson.com

 

Our sensitivities allow us to notice the subtleties in our environment on what feels like a more intense level.

 

Have you ever noticed a small change in the temperature? Or how certain smells can strongly impact your mood? Has an article of clothing felt so uncomfortable that it triggered an intense emotional response?

 

As sensitive people, we feel and process things on a deeper emotional level. Our emotions drive our brains to think more about things. That processing then drives our emotional responses to become more intense. The more we think and reflect on something, the more emotion it creates. This is typically why it takes us longer to “get over” or work through a problem.

 

Our emotions are activated when we have an overly stimulated experience in our environment.

 

Some of the more common distinguishing characteristics as identified by Dr. Aron’s research are listed below. It should be noted that no sensitive person will embody every characteristic listed for sensitive people; they will typically have a broad variety of them.

 

Highly sensitive people are typically:

1. More observant of their environments and will often assess the situation before making a decision or taking action.
2. Aware of small changes and details around them.
3. Seek to know all of the information before making a decision; this causes the HSP to have difficulties making decisions quickly which can feel frustrating. Remember, we may take longer but we have a higher degree of making good decisions because they are often more thought out with weighing pros and cons.
4. More attuned to the emotions of others around us. You have probably at some point felt that you could almost read someone’s mind because you can feel their emotional energy.
5. Are easily overstimulated and overaroused which usually leads to an emotional response that can result in poor performance or response. Test anxiety anyone?
6. Experience more intense emotions. Do you often feel you cry at the drop of a hat? I know I do! I cry over everything, good and bad.
7. Have difficulties with change, big and small.
8. Recall having these experiences in childhood. You may have said to yourself now “I do remember people commenting that I was very sensitive or more emotional as a child.”
9. Feel activated by overstimulating environments. Have you ever noticed how you feel around bright lights or loud noises?
10. Feel a strong connection to a specific spiritual practice and being in nature or with animals.

These are only a few traits of an HSP. We are complex and diverse people who may experience these things in a variety of ways. It is important to note that this trait is not a mental health diagnosis or disorder. It can be very similar to many specific diagnoses. Being an HSP does not mean that you do or don’t have a certain diagnosis. Further assessment and information is needed to determine that information as it applies to you directly.

 

What do I do with this information now that I know I have this trait?

 

As an HSP, it is important to know more about yourself so that you can better understand what activates your senses and emotions, how to best regulate them in ways that work for you, and how to help others around you know how to best support you.

 

I am an HSP and have worked on discovering these things for myself. I am here on this journey with you to help you discover and claim your sensitive superpower! Together we can work on helping you put the pieces of the puzzle of your life together and create your best life!

 

We will work together to help you learn to:

• Set personal boundaries and build your self-confidence in being highly sensitive
• Feel more grounded and in control of your emotional and physical experiences
• Identify and work towards goals that feel more aligned with your personal values

 

You can claim your sensitivities as some of the best parts of you and work towards living your best life!

 

Click here to schedule an insight call and to get more information about how we can work together!

 

I look forward to our journey together!