Are you easily overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells? Do you feel things more deeply than others and empathise with their emotions? Do you need more time to process information and make decisions? Do you prefer quiet and calm environments over crowded and chaotic ones? If you answered yes to most of these questions, you might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
Highly Sensitive People (HSP) are those who have a nervous system that perceives and processes more sensory information at the same time, which results in a series of specific characteristics that need to be understood to live more balanced between their own needs and the demands of the outside world. “The first thing we need to be clear about when we talk about High Sensitivity is that it is not a psychological disorder, nor a disease. It is a personality trait that is present in 20% of the population and, therefore, it is not something that you have: it is something that you are”, explains the Association for all People with High Sensitivity of Spain.
According to PAS Spain, HSPs tend to think over situations generating reflective reasoning. Thanks to this ability they have faster thinking, although sometimes they seem the opposite due to their analytical thinking. “Sometimes they behave unexpectedly due to an overload of stimulation. They need more mental rest time to feel fit. In addition, they easily realise how others feel. And they are also more sensitive to certain sensory stimuli, such as lights, noises and smells”, they point out.
From Scarlett Johansson to Kanye West, they have acknowledged being Highly Sensitive People, managing with their words to make visible those who have this trait that is not talked about enough and that as explained by PAS Spain, is a trait that although it can be a great advantage in life, at the same time, it can lead those who have it to feel different and not fit in. “The only good thing about pain is being able to learn from it to learn from the pain of others” In her visit to the podcast ‘Estirando el chicle’, Rosa Montero talked with Victoria Marín and Carolina Iglesias about what life is like being a Highly Sensitive Person. “People exaggerate too much with looking too much inside, not in the way of the naturalist, but to justify themselves and be self-indulgent in pain. That is a catastrophe. Many times with pain one makes a nest and settles there to live, believing that the world owes everything to him. That is the worst thing that can be done with pain; the only good thing we can do with it is to learn from it to learn from the pain of others”, explained the author.
The Four Characteristics Of HSPs
At this point, Karina Zegers de Beijl, specialised in People with High Sensitivity, clarifies that this trait can be defined by the so-called four pillars, also known as DOES. These are:
Depth of processing: HSPs tend to analyse and reflect on everything they perceive, both internally and externally. They look for the meaning and implications of things, and they are often creative and insightful. They also need more time to make decisions and to recover from intense experiences.
Overstimulation: HSPs can get easily overwhelmed by too much sensory or emotional input, which can cause them stress, fatigue, or anxiety. They need to find a balance between stimulation and rest, and to avoid situations that are too chaotic, noisy, or demanding.
Emotional reactivity and empathy: HSPs feel emotions more intensely and expressively than others, both positive and negative. They are also very empathetic and compassionate, and can sense the feelings and needs of others. They value authentic and deep relationships, and they often have a strong connection with nature and animals.
Sensitivity to subtleties: HSPs notice details and nuances that others might miss, such as changes in mood, tone of voice, facial expressions, or body language. They also have a keen sense of aesthetics, and appreciate beauty, art, and music. They can be very intuitive and perceptive, and have a good memory for facts and events.
How To Know If You Are A HSP
If you think you might be a HSP, you can take a self-test that has been designed by Dr. Elaine Aron, the psychologist who coined the term and who has been studying this trait for more than 20 years. The test consists of 27 questions that measure the degree of sensitivity in different aspects of life, such as work, relationships, health, or leisure. You can find the test on the website of the Foundation for the Study of Highly Sensitive Persons.
However, the test is not a definitive diagnosis, but rather a guide to help you understand yourself better and to seek more information and support if you need it. Being a HSP is not a problem, but a gift, as long as you know how to manage it and take care of yourself. There are many resources and tips that can help you cope with the challenges and enjoy the benefits of being a HSP, such as books, podcasts, blogs, workshops, or therapy.
Being a HSP is not something to be ashamed of or to hide, but to be proud of and to share. HSPs have a lot to offer to the world, such as their creativity, their empathy, their intuition, and their passion. They can also find their purpose and happiness in life, as long as they respect their own nature and embrace their sensitivity.
