What It Means to Be a Highly Sensitive Person

Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) is no easy feat. When you’re a HSP, you feel things more deeply, think more deeply, and see the subtleties around you that perhaps others don’t see. You often feel like you don’t belong or fit in as a result. Approximately 15-20% of the world’s population is estimated to be a HSP; therefore, it is completely understandable why we feel as different as we do, because we are.

As a HSP myself, I often struggled with feeling like others don’t understand me. Because in most likelihood, non-HSPs have a hard time understanding the unique experiences of a HSP. I was often called “too sensitive” and was told “why can’t you just let it go” or “why do you care so much?” These comments often made me feel misunderstood. Which is another struggle HSPs face. As a HSP, you have the unique ability to be highly empathetic, picking up on others’ emotions and needs seamlessly, yet you often don’t get the same in return. This could lead you to feeling lonely as well.

Further, as a HSP, because we can read others’ emotions so well, we do whatever it takes to make others happy; even if it is as our own expense. It’s hard to say no, because we worry about hurting other’s feelings, and hurting others hurts us. By not setting boundaries, we may be taken advantage of easily which can then lead us to upset and hurt feelings because our own needs are being ignored or pushed aside. (If this resonates with you, check out the following service page: “Therapy for People-Pleasing.”)

It’s true that we can’t stop being a HSP; it is how we are born, but we don’t need to struggle in the process. You can learn how to manage your deep emotions better, set better boundaries, and learn to express yourself more. (For more tips on how to live as a HSP, check out the following blog: “Highly-Sensitive Persons-Read This.” )

Being a HSP, is a gift (even though it may not feel like it at times), and therapy can help you see its value and strengths while learning how to not compromise yourself or succumb to its unique challenges.

Cheers,

Dr. Jessica