The scientific term for high-sensitivity is 'sensory-processing sensitivity.' Research shows that a highly sensitive person (HSP) has an increased awareness and a deeper processing of environmental subtleties, as well as a tendency to be more easily overwhelmed when in very stimulating situations. HSPs have a highly sensitive central nervous system, on which environmental influences register more easily and more deeply.
Here are just a few characteristics of an HSP:
- has a rich and complex inner life
- is deeply moved by the arts and music (creative)
- gets easily overwhelmed
- has difficulty performing a task when being observed
- startles easily
- is sensitive to pain, caffeine, noise, bright lights, strong odors and hunger
- has a heightened awareness of inner emotional states and bodily sensations
- empathic
- self-conscious - aware of the self and how others are perceiving them, which can cause fumbling of words and feelings of discomfort when spotlighted
- more aware than others of subtleties - sees more because notices more
"Highly sensitive people are too often perceived as weaklings or damaged goods. To feel intensely is not a symptom of weakness, it is the trademark of the truly alive and compassionate. It is not the empath who is broken, it is society that has become dysfunctional and emotionally disabled. There is no shame in expressing your authentic feelings. Those who are at times described as being a 'hot mess' or having 'too many issues' are the very fabric of what keeps the dream alive for a more caring, humane world. Never be ashamed to let your tears shine a light in this world." ~Anthon St. Maarten
HSPs can grow up feeling abnormal and struggle with low self-esteem if as children they were taught that sensitivity is a bad thing or told repeatedly to "stop being so sensitive!" Let's end the madness and embrace the remarkable innate gifts of 15-20% of the human population (and over 100 species) deemed the sensitive ones.
You're so darn AMAZING!