8 Signs of a Highly Sensitive Person; Are You One?
Have you ever been told “you are too sensitive”, “stop overthinking”, “why do you cry so much” or “toughen up”? You could be one in the 15-20% of the population who identify as highly sensitive people/person (HSP).
Sensitivity also has a cultural aspect to it. In cultures where sensitivity is mocked, these negative messages can make HSPs have low self-esteem and made to feel like there is something wrong with them.
A highly sensitive person is someone who has an increased or deeper central system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli. Being highly sensitive is not a disorder or a diagnosis. It is a personality trait and an innate temperament of a person like being an extrovert. The term highly sensitive person was first coined by Elaine and Arthur Aron in the mid 1990’s.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE AN HSP?
This trait can look different in everyone but if you have these common characteristics, you could be an HSP:
You avoid violent movies or TV shows because you feel them to be too intense and they leave you feeling unsettled
You are deeply moved by beauty, be it classical music, art, nature or even a kind action
You are easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli like loud noises, bright lights, strong scents, or even uncomfortable clothing
You often have a need for downtime after hectic or overstimulated busy days
You feel an abundance of joy and excitement but can also be overcome by extreme sadness or disappointment
You are attuned to the atmosphere in the room and are quick to notice minute changes in the mood of your family, friends, and coworkers.
You tend to beat yourself up when you fall short of self-imposed expectations.
WHAT CAUSES HIGH SENSITIVITY
Evolution has shown that this trait has its purpose in the survival of the human species. Having people in a group or community who are sensitive and observant to subtle changes whether it be weather related or in the moods of the people around them can help resolve problems early on. Having an HSP in a business or an organization can be incredibly beneficial for the same reasons because they are on the lookout for potential risks or threats.
High sensitivity is also hereditary. Research suggests that a high presence of a certain kind of dopamine receptors (involved in arousal and anxiety modulation) affects personality, making those individuals more prone to high sensitivity.
Additionally, a person’s genes may evolve in response to negative childhood experiences like neglect and trauma making them more susceptible to becoming an HSP.
HSPs CAN BE MISTAKEN FOR
Highly sensitive people can be confused for other personality traits and mental conditions, of which the most common include:
Introvertism - HSPs and introverts are easily overwhelmed by social stimuli, but HSPs are also affected by other sensory factors like lights and sounds
ADHD – though HSPs and people with ADHD have an over responsiveness to stimuli, HSPs do not show any cognitive impairment such as trouble focusing
Autism – because of their response to sensory information, HSPs can be mistaken for people with autism. A key difference between the two is that individuals with autism can be hyposensitive or hypersensitive.
THE SUPERPOWERS A HSP POSSESS And ADVANTAGES OF BEING AN HSP
The characteristics of HSPs can create feelings of being overwhelmed and anxious about the world but they can also add a lot of richness and complexity to their inner lives too. HSPs have a greater ability to listen and affirm, a greater empathy and intuitiveness, and a better understanding of wants and needs of others. Being an HSP can offer strengths in relationships and in-depth processing of information.
HOW CAN THERAPY HELP
If you are tired of being overwhelmed and frustrated with yourself because of these characteristics, therapy can help greatly. For many highly sensitive people emotional immunity and sensory immunity strategies to calm and alleviate overstimulation can be key. Another key superpower of being an HSP is they are better able to benefit from psychological interventions, such as counseling. They are better attuned to their feelings. So, therapy can support you in understanding who you are with compassion and caring and also challenge you to explore your inner strengths. You can add tools to your back pocket that can help you such as:
Help you set up a soothing and calm space
Help you find work-life balance
Believe in yourself and your trait
Reframe your childhood
Heal from past and present experiences
Enjoy life more
Be more relaxed
Help you focus on your goals
Add focused positivity to your life
Help you have better relationships
Develop boundaries so you can avoid stressors
Consider Counseling for Highly Sensitive People in CHICAGO, IL
Self-care and mental health are connected: being a highly sensitive person may become too overwhelming that it may be hard to overcome on your own. In this case, it may be helpful to seek counseling. That’s why the Aparna Bhaskaran and our other online therapists at our therapy practice based in Chicago, IL, offer therapy directed at increasing your mindfulness and stress busting strategies in Illinois via online therapy. We want to help you connect with yourself and begin healing from the comfort of your own home. Take the steps below to get started.
Fill out a consult form here.
Meet with a therapist to see if online therapy is a good fit.
Start connecting with yourself and experience the healing you deserve!
OTHER SERVICES AT OBSIDIAN COUNSELING AND WELLNESS
When you work with a therapist at our counseling practice in the Chicago, IL area, you will be met with compassion and authenticity. The team at our therapy practice feels honored to help guide folks along their healing process. Specifically, we help people address anxiety, trauma, and work stress. One of our more unique services is yoga therapy, which can also be done using online sessions. We also specialize in supporting LGBTQIA+ folks for a variety of issues. We hope that you take the leap to begin counseling with us. You deserve it.