What is a “Highly Sensitive Person,” and how can you use empathy as your superpower?

Have you ever been told that you were "too much"? Too sensitive, too emotional? 

After a very long day, have you ever needed to sit in a quiet or dark room to reset?

Do you feel deeply affected by the moods of others?

You may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) if you answered yes to these questions. Read on to learn more about this personality trait and how sensitivity is misunderstood.

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Dr. Elaine Aron First coined the term Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). It describes a person with a higher sensitivity to internal and external stimuli. For example, they may be overwhelmed with loud sounds, robust smells, or flashing lights. They may also be introverted, with a rich inner world. 

I am here to tell you that despite what you may have said about your empathetic nature, your sensitivity is not a weakness. In many ways, being sensitive can contribute to a life full of creativity and joy! In this blog post, I go into more detail about the challenges and triumphs of the Highly Sensitive Person. 

Why being sensitive can be a challenge 

In our culture, we value extroversion over introversion, the loud over the quiet, the quick over the slow. For those who thrive in the less valued conditions, it can make us feel "less than." You may have even been called "sensitive" as an insult. 

And those of us who feel things so incredibly deeply can indeed come in contact with a depth of emotion that can be overwhelming. For this reason, many people who are sensitive struggle with feelings related to anxiety and depression. 

You may also find yourself feeling very in tune with the emotional environments of others. This may result in you feeling drained after interactions or like you take on the emotional weight of others. You may find yourself feeling overstimulated by loud sounds, crowded places, or violent TV shows or movies.

With that being said... 

Sensitivity as a superpower 

The very thing that sometimes makes life challenging for you is one of the most potent things about you! You have the innate internal capacity to feel so profoundly. Yes, that means feeling some negative things. But it also means you can experience more joy, pleasure, and fun than most! 

Your rich inner life can lend itself to deep curiosity, creativity, and a complete expression. You enjoy the arts, feel deeply connected to artistic expression, and enjoy the nuance of a beautifully sad song. 

You also have an innate capacity to connect with the emotions of others. Although this may feel overwhelming at times, you are a great friend to those suffering due to your connection to your emotional expression. However, you may find that you greatly desire to help people and struggle with saying "no" to those in need. But that is a topic for another blog post. 

Ending Thoughts

If you feel frequently overwhelmed or overstimulated, know there is nothing wrong with you! You may need a boost and a few tools to navigate life as a more sensitive person. You are stronger than you realize it; you need the opportunity to show yourself how your sensitivity is your superpower!

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Katie VanderWeide is a licensed therapist who specializes in helping sensitive and empathetic women overcome anxiety and build resilience in their lives.