Highly Sensitive People: An Introduction
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The Highly Sensitive Person, or 'HSP'
Highly sensitive people are more common than you think. It may seem to you that you're the 'odd one out', but according to American psychologist Elaine Aron, 15 - 20% of the population have this unique personality type.
You've probably been told at some point in your life by a well-meaning friend or family member to 'stop being so sensitive'. In a world where tough and outgoing is seen as the ideal or acceptable personality, you may feel even more overwhelmed! HSPs are often wrongly labelled as 'too shy', but research has shown that 30% of HSPs are in fact extroverts. Remember, being highly sensitive is an inherited personality trait - unlike introversion or fearfulness.
As I was growing up, I couldn't understand why I reacted so differently to others - the most noticeable trait was my love of the solitary life. Even in playgroup I withdrew from the other children, and took it upon myself to go for country walks when my parents were too slow!
Now that more is known about Highly Sensitive People, we can begin to understand why we do what we do, but most of all, concentrate on the wonderful positive aspects of this personality trait.
You've probably been told at some point in your life by a well-meaning friend or family member to 'stop being so sensitive'. In a world where tough and outgoing is seen as the ideal or acceptable personality, you may feel even more overwhelmed! HSPs are often wrongly labelled as 'too shy', but research has shown that 30% of HSPs are in fact extroverts. Remember, being highly sensitive is an inherited personality trait - unlike introversion or fearfulness.
As I was growing up, I couldn't understand why I reacted so differently to others - the most noticeable trait was my love of the solitary life. Even in playgroup I withdrew from the other children, and took it upon myself to go for country walks when my parents were too slow!
Now that more is known about Highly Sensitive People, we can begin to understand why we do what we do, but most of all, concentrate on the wonderful positive aspects of this personality trait.
Being a Highly Sensitive Person: What does it mean?
Physiologically, the nervous system of a HSP is more finely tuned than most, making them process information and reflect on it much more deeply.
Because of the extra sensitive nerves, HSPs often find that they are more aware of subtleties in the environment. Some or all of the senses may be keener when it comes to noise, bright lights or smells.
All this heightened sensory information means that they become overstimulated, leaving them feeling stressed and overwhelmed. This is the point where the HSP will attempt to retreat or avoid situations altogether where they know their nerves will be jangled. Although this may be a good idea in some cases, it will not benefit them in the long run.
Because of the extra sensitive nerves, HSPs often find that they are more aware of subtleties in the environment. Some or all of the senses may be keener when it comes to noise, bright lights or smells.
All this heightened sensory information means that they become overstimulated, leaving them feeling stressed and overwhelmed. This is the point where the HSP will attempt to retreat or avoid situations altogether where they know their nerves will be jangled. Although this may be a good idea in some cases, it will not benefit them in the long run.
Overwhelm: Tips for Coping
If you find yourself in a situation that's overwhelming you, take a break if circumstances permit.
Some physical strategies are:
- Go outside for five minutes, or take a walk
- Count to 100
- Write in a journal
- Drink plenty of water
- Focus on slowing your breathing
Try and rethink the situation if it involves conflict with another. Put yourself in their shoes - they may not intentionally be trying to hurt you.
Don't dwell on being over-sensitive in a situation, as this negative self-talk will only reinforce it. Notice and acknowledge feelings and emotions as they come up, but keep in mind the mantra 'just because I feel it, doesn't mean it's true'.
Aron recommends 'witnessing'; "Imagine standing to one side, watching yourself, perhaps talking about yourself with a comforting imaginary figure."
If you can identify situations in your life where you always over-react, then 'witnessing' them will help you to detach from the drama and put the situation into perspective.
Some physical strategies are:
- Go outside for five minutes, or take a walk
- Count to 100
- Write in a journal
- Drink plenty of water
- Focus on slowing your breathing
Try and rethink the situation if it involves conflict with another. Put yourself in their shoes - they may not intentionally be trying to hurt you.
Don't dwell on being over-sensitive in a situation, as this negative self-talk will only reinforce it. Notice and acknowledge feelings and emotions as they come up, but keep in mind the mantra 'just because I feel it, doesn't mean it's true'.
Aron recommends 'witnessing'; "Imagine standing to one side, watching yourself, perhaps talking about yourself with a comforting imaginary figure."
If you can identify situations in your life where you always over-react, then 'witnessing' them will help you to detach from the drama and put the situation into perspective.
Strengths of the Highly Sensitive Person
- Often gifted with a keen imagination
- Highly intuitive
- Very intelligent - thinking about our own thinking and good at concentrating
- Good at spotting errors and producing accurate work
- More use of the right-hand side of the brain, so generally more creative
- Very conscientious
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homecarediva
Jun 1, 2009 @ 6:34 am | delete
- Very interesting, create more, it is nice to read.
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by Sass84
Sass84
Hello world. This is my bio. I can edit it later!
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