I’m guessing that the term Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is new for you and you are now looking for some clarification to see if this fits your personality. For those of us that do fit this personality style, knowing this about ourselves is extremely helpful.
There is often a negative connotation with the word ‘sensitive’. Many of us have heard; “Don’t be so sensitive”, “There’s nothing to cry about so stop it”. This can leave us feeling inadequate and wrong for how we are.
It’s common for HSP’s to try their best to keep their feelings inside so they aren’t judged. We can do this well until we can’t. And when we can’t, we really can’t. It seems out of nowhere our anger and tears spill out, often surprising us and the people around us.
It was an eye opener for me when I discovered that I was a highly sensitive person (HSP). I never understood why I was so overwhelmed by group dynamics, why I couldn’t think of anything to say, why I almost always felt overwhelmed when I was around people.
To help decide if you are HSP, here are 5 indicating signs:
- You easily become overwhelmed when plans change without much notice. Your friends, family, or partner may tell you that you are overreacting so you end up feeling embarrassed by your reactions. By adulthood you may have become quite good at hiding this and managing the overwhelming feelings on your own.
- You feel more than other people. You may have noticed that you have much stronger emotions and take longer to process things. An example of this is the ending of a relationship through death, a breakup or a move. This can impact you for years.
- It’s important to do things very well. You set a high standard for yourself and feel awful when you don’t achieve it. When this happens you can be quite mean to yourself.
- You are very kind to people, possibly too kind. It’s common for HSP’s to have friendships or romantic partners where they give so much but don’t always get the same in return.
- You have a depth of understanding that is often hard to explain how you know things. I name this as an intelligence that frequently is not recognized.
As a highly sensitive person (HSP) myself, I understand both the beauty and the overwhelm that comes with being this way. I have what I believe is the best job in the world as a therapist that specializes in providing therapy to those that are also HSP’s. In my work I help my clients understand their overwhelm and learn ways to manage it better.
I am able to offer counselling both in Alberta and Ontario, Canada. To find out if I am taking on new clients, feel free to contact me.
