Understanding HSP
A highly sensitive person (HSP) is an individual who perceives and processes sensory information intensely, exhibits profound emotional responses, demonstrates heightened empathy, requires periods of seclusion for relief, and typically avoids distressing situations.
The information shared is based on personal experience and for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. The services offered are for guidance and support and are not a substitute for professional psychological or medical care. If you have a mental health condition or crisis, please seek immediate help from a qualified medical or mental health provider.
What is a Highly Sensitive Person?
- Highly sensitive people (HSPs) know subtleties in their environment that other people don’t pick up on.
- HSPs feel deeply affected by the moods of other people around them.
- When people try to get them to do too many things at once, they quickly become overwhelmed by all the demands.
- In noisy, crowded, or busy environments, they might feel the need to withdraw and get relief from the stimulation of those surroundings.
- HSPs dislike change and tend to avoid having a lot going on due to the strong emotions associated with it.
- When they have to compete or perform in front of other people, they become so nervous that it negatively impacts their performance.
- HSPs might feel deeply moved by art or music.
- When other people are uncomfortable in a physical environment, HSPs tend to be in tune with that and often know what needs to be done to make them feel comfortable again.
- A highly sensitive person will also tend to be deeply affected by violent movies or the distress of other people because they take it on board and spend a lot of time processing it.
- They might also make it a priority to avoid anything upsetting.
When Sensitivity Becomes Neurodivergence
A highly sensitive person (HSP) is a neurodivergent individual who is thought to have an increased or deeper central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli.1 Some refer to this as having sensory processing sensitivity, or SPS for short.
We're all sensitive about certain things—that is human nature—but an HSP is understood to be a different level of sensitivity. While highly sensitive people are sometimes negatively described as being “too sensitive" it is a personality trait that brings both strengths and challenges.
Being an HSP does not mean that you have a mental illness. High sensitivity is a personality trait that involves increased responsiveness to both positive and negative influences.
How Common is HSP?
Highly sensitive people are thought to make up roughly 20% of the general population. It is less common to be a highly sensitive person, and society tends to be built around people who notice a little less and are affected a little less deeply. High empathy can be exhausting. But with appropriate support and coping skills, you can manage your empathy levels and care for yourself appropriately.
Learning to Cope
Highly sensitive people may benefit from finding ways to cope with the stresses they often face. This is true for those who recognize themselves as highly sensitive as well as those who have a loved one who is more sensitive than the average person.
Much of your stress relief plan as a highly sensitive person can involve insulating yourself from too many stimuli. Put a barrier between you and sensory stimuli that feel overwhelming. Know what triggers stress in you, and learn to avoid these things.
- Add positivity by creating positive experiences each day to insulate you from additional stress you may encounter.
- Avoid stressors like slasher movies and people who sap your positive energy, make heavy demands on you, or make you feel bad about yourself.
- Learn to say no to overwhelming demands and feel OK with it, and create a perimeter in your life.
- Set up a safe space. Let your home be a soothing environment.
It's critical to protect your energy and take space when needed, and to connect with people who get you and support your needs.
