Ann always knew that she felt things deeper than most people.
It was always embarrassing to cry quickly and felt overwhelmed in crowded places. “As a child, I was called” too sensitive “, a” crybaby “and” thin -skinned “, said Ann. As a result, she often felt inappropriate and” inappropriate shame “.
Today Ann, now 63, described as a highly sensitive person (HSP), a term that was shaped in 1996 by psychologist Elaine Aron, Ph.D., the bestselling author of the highly sensitive person and dozens of scientific studies on HSPS.
As hundreds of research studies show, HSPs – which make up to 20% of the population – process things unique, especially when it comes to perception, emotions and empathy.
The licensed clinical psychologist Mary Kate Roohan, Psyd, who specializes in working with highly sensitive people, described an HSP as an person who takes the world both positively and negatively. “It is like having a brain that makes the subtleties particularly aware of in their area,” she said.
Characteristics of highly sensitive people
The diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders (DSM-5), which is used by clinics and researchers to diagnose mental disorders, does not classify as a HSP as a mental disorder or illness. Instead, experts say that highly sensitive people are high in a normal congenital personality trait, which is called sensory sensitivity to processing (PLC).
Most people are sensitive to a certain extent, but HSPs are particularly sensitive. One of many characteristics of a highly sensitive person is that they are more affected by their surroundings, especially in childhood. As Ann, they are often told that they cannot accept criticism or that they have to grow thicker skin.
In addition to sensitivity to criticism and feedback, HSPS can easily be influenced by triggers in their physical environment. For example, light lights and noises, violence on TV or a clothing label that feels like sandpaper can be overwhelming for an HSP.
An HSP has to take time to rush or multitasking can be particularly stressful. With a nervous system that works in overdrive, highly sensitive people can feel overwhelmed and exhausted and often need downtime to charge. For example, you can leave a social environment early or do a task in loneliness to concentrate better.
HSPs are also very sensitive to the dispositions of others and often decrease the mood of another person who can be emotionally exhausting. And although it looks as if all HSPs were introverted, this is not the case: According to Roohan, up to 3 to 10 extrovertes are. “This makes sense because HSPS often appreciate the connection and community,” she said.
Due to their deep sensitivity and their stronger tendency to process emotions and reactions, a highly sensitive person can be more susceptible to depression and anxiety, according to a study of 2023. Fortunately, with enough family and community support, Aron said at a young age that HSPS could work very well. But without a good start, they are slightly stressed and find it more difficult to deal with it.
Coping with a highly sensitive person
To be an HSP can be a strength, but it can also be a challenge. In order to cope with high sensitivity, Aron suggests fulfilling her past and concentrating on the positive aspects of the feature. It is also important to understand what you need and give yourself grace. For example, take as much time as possible to make a decision and oppose yourself guilty if you make a decision that does not work.
Try to say your needs without embarrassment or hesitation. Roohan said: “I tell my customers that the majority of the population are not HSPs, and people don’t understand them often. If there is enough report in the relationship, there are ways to articulate someone they love, why they say is hurtful.”
It’s not just a good idea to spend time with other HSPs. According to Aron, this connection can contribute to the fact that the characteristic is real and help you to feel and hear.
Support of a highly sensitive person
In the way you would support other friends or family members, it can be helpful to ask an HSP what you need and then try to accommodate. For example, make sure that certain things in the area can really influence you. Hence the lights or music reduce when they feel overstimulated. Also understand that HSPS need downtime, and it is not reflected in how you feel about you.
The good news is that studies show that couples with one or more partners who is an HSP receive more of advice and communication training in marriage – so it could be helpful to take part in it if they need it.
To be a highly sensitive person can be a strength
Although an HSP is associated with a higher level of stress, anxiety and depression and can affect daily activities, HSPS have a unique neurological cabling that enables them to be more perceptible and reacting to their environment.
According to Aron, highly sensitive people are often particularly creative and have rich and complex inner life. Studies, including an MRI study in which HSPS were examined during the view of facial expressions, have shown that HSPS have increased brain activity in areas that relate to empathy, action planning and sensitization.
These unique features, including improved processing perception and empathy, make it easy for them to connect with others. As a result, they often make great leaders.
HSPs are also self -employed and they are very competent, so you can have almost all success.
Ann, a mother of three children who spent part of her professional career as a teaching assistant, sees the different advantages of an HSP. “I think to be an HSP, to make myself a better mother and a better teacher. Being extremely patient and analytical, it enabled me to put children’s heads into the children and feel what they could feel.”
*The first name was only used for privacy.
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