What Does it Mean to be Highly Sensitive?
Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) is a personality trait characterized by heightened sensitivity to various stimuli, both external and internal.
HSPs process sensory information more deeply and intensely than the average person, which can impact their emotional, mental, and physical experiences.
This trait was first identified by Dr. Elaine Aron, who coined the term
"highly sensitive person" in the early 1990s.
What Does HSP Stand For?
Highly sensitive individuals, like you and me, tend to process information more deeply and intensely, which can lead to both strengths and challenges in our everyday lives.
Here are some common aspects of being highly sensitive:
We Experience Our Emotions Intensely
Highly sensitive individuals tend to have strong emotions (both positive and negative). We feel the highs higher and the lows lower than a non-highly sensitive person.
We can be deeply affected by the emotions of others and may have strong reactions to them.
Sensory Sensitivity
People who are highly sensitive can be more attuned to sensory input such as loud or annoying sounds, lights, textures, and smells.
We can be easily overwhelmed by hectic or chaotic environments and need more time to recover after exposure to overstimulation, especially if we are introverted.
We Are Deep Processers
Highly sensitive individuals tend to process information more deeply and thoroughly.
We notice subtle details that others might overlook and (over)think deeply about our experiences and interactions.
We Have a Strong Intuition
Many highly sensitive people have a strong sense of intuition.
We often rely on our gut feelings to make decisions, however we can be known to doubt our intuition despite years of being right.......every time.
We Are Easily Overstimulation
Due to our heightened sensitivity, HSPs can become easily overwhelmed by too much sensory input or emotional stimulation.
This can lead us to easily feel of tired, stressed, and the need for alone time to recharge. Too much overstimulation without enough down time can cause burnout for highly sensitive people.
We Have Empathy and Compassion
Highly sensitive individuals often have a high level of empathy and compassion which can be difficult when dealing with toxic personalities..
We can easily understand what other people might be feeling or experiencing, but need to be careful that those traits are not taken advantage of. These traits lend themselves well to the heart-based and healing professions.
We Appreciate Aesthetics
Many highly sensitive individuals have a deep appreciation for art, music, nature, and other forms of beauty.
Some of us, myself included, are profoundly moved by artistic expressions. We can stare at the sunrise or sunset and get lost. We can appreciate the beauty of a flower arrangement or sculpture for much longer than a non-HSP.
We are In-depth Thinkers
HSPs tend to think deeply and thoroughly about their experiences and the world around them. We can get lost in our thoughts and go deep into conversation with others easily.
This can make us great problem-solvers and critical thinkers, but can also get us caught up in rumination which can lead to anxiety and depression if not kept in check.