If you're someone who tends to deeply feel and react strongly to your surroundings, you might be classified as a high sensitivity person. Recognizing this trait and understanding its benefits can be valuable.
In the vast and diverse world we live in, there exists a segment of the population who perceive and process sensory information more intensely than others. These individuals, known as Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), make up approximately 15 to 30 percent of the global population.
HSPs are unique in their heightened sensitivity, which results in deeper emotional responses, heightened empathy, and greater awareness of subtle stimuli. They experience the world with greater emotional intensity and perceptiveness, a trait that can be both a gift and a challenge.
Key characteristics of HSPs include sensitivity to subtleties in their environment, strong emotional reactions, and a tendency toward empathy. They are prone to overstimulation and sensory overload, especially in crowded or noisy places, often needing to withdraw for relief. Difficulty handling change or competing under pressure, sometimes resulting in anxiety or performance issues, is also common among HSPs.
Moreover, HSPs tend to overthink, ruminate on past events, and manage others’ emotional reactions, which can be mentally exhausting. They are sensitive to violent or distressing content and have an inclination to avoid upsetting situations to protect their emotional well-being. The need for periods of solitude to recharge due to their heightened processing and emotional intensity is another characteristic of HSPs.
Catherine Asta, an author, psychotherapist, and founder and host of The Late Discovered Club, is an autistic woman who shares these characteristics. Growing up, she was repeatedly told she was oversensitive or overdramatic. However, Asta's work focuses on giving voice to autistic women and helping people understand why they feel differently wired.
The individuals Asta works with may have experienced a period of repeated burnout and may not have previously identified as autistic. Some of these individuals are in their seventies and eighties, having felt differently wired their entire lives without knowing why.
Asta's story is not uncommon among people who have felt differently wired. Being regularly accused of being too sensitive could indicate that one is a highly sensitive person. It is essential to recognise that being sensitive is not necessarily a negative trait, as it can be a characteristic of HSPs.
The term "Highly Sensitive Person" (HSP) refers to individuals who are more sensitive than average. It is important to note that this heightened sensitivity is a normal, genetically-influenced trait involving unique brain processing patterns rather than a disorder.
In conclusion, understanding and acknowledging the traits of HSPs can help individuals navigate their unique sensitivities more effectively. Catherine Asta's work, through her podcast, The Late Discovered Club, is a significant step towards giving voice to autistic women and promoting awareness and understanding of HSPs.
- The heightened sensitivity of Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) can extend to various aspects of their lives, including their mental health, health-and-wellness, and lifestyle.
- HSPs' deep emotional responses and empathy towards others can positively impact relationships, contributing to a stronger bond and understanding between individuals.
- The unique characteristics of HSPs, such as heightened sensitivity to subtle stimuli and a tendency towards emotional exhaustion, can be managed through practices that promote self-care and a focus on mental health and well-being.
