High sensitivity: Hype or disease?

A highly sensitive person (HSP) has hypersensitivity to external stimuli (meaning they are more sensitive to anything that stimulates their senses) and in addition to this will experience a high emotional reactivity to those stimuli. This can leave a highly sensitive person feeling exhausted and stressed, and consequently they are more at risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression than other members of society.

High sensitivity: Hype or disease?

There has been some question whether hypersensitivity is an illness or not. What is being discovered by researchers is that high sensitivity is a normal temperament trait that between 10 and 20% of the population are born with. HSPs may struggle with functioning in a society that values sensory overstimulation and a fast-paced lifestyle and react badly to stimuli that most do not have an issue with. An example of this would include an open-plan office, with all the noise, the lighting and the lack of privacy that entails. HSPs have a “sharper” perception of the world and this creates difficulties. Being highly sensitive is not a problem in and of itself, but it causes challenges that may need expert psychological assistance.

How do you know whether you’re a HSP?

Answer yes or no to the following questions or take the test on this page.

• Do you become easily overwhelmed by bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or loud noises?
• Do you get stressed easily when you have too much to do in too short a timeframe?
• Do you avoid violent or loud movies or TV shows that are fast paced?
• Do you like to withdraw from company and have quiet times?
• Do you avoid anything that might upset you?
• Do you enjoy subtlety and calm?
• Were you sensitive or shy as a child?
• Are you easily startled?
• Do you become annoyed when you are asked to do too many things at once?

If you answered yes to any of these, then there is a chance that you are highly sensitive. You may find you’re one of the lucky ones, who can cope with the challenges that being a HSP brings, or you may need some help.

You are not alone

In the past people who were HSPs were labelled shy, but actually 30% of HSPs are extroverts. Other labels for HSP include introverts, inhibited, fearful, or neurotic. Where HSP are not understood they tend not to be valued, may be made to feel abnormal, or marginalised as hyping an illness that doesn’t exist. Many MSPs have low self-esteem as a result.

What can be done to assist highly sensitive people?

C.G. Jung, psychiatrist and psychotherapist, recognised that some people are born being more sensitive than others, and he found that when such people were given the same degree of stress in childhood as non-sensitive individuals, they were more likely to develop depression and anxiety later in life. Where there are lower levels of stress, HSPs have no more of these difficulties than non-sensitive individuals. The answer for highly sensitive people is therefore to work hard at ensuring they keep their lives simple and understated, avoiding anything that may lead to an over-stimulation of the senses.

The positives of being highly sensitive

Although 70% of HSPs are introverted, 30% are extroverted and 100% of HSPs are described as having rich inner lives, meaning they tend to be artistic and creative and care deeply about the world, and those around them. High sensitivity can therefore be viewed as a welcome gift – without the existence of HSPs we wouldn’t have a rich tapestry of literature, music, art, theatre and film to draw upon, so high sensitivity should be seen as something to be celebrated.

Practical solutions for highly sensitive people

If you recognise yourself as a highly sensitive person, there are a number of things you can do to make your life easier. Build in coping mechanisms that will help you to retain a calm and quiet life. These can include:

• Using art to make sense of what is in your mind
• Take long walks or cycle rides
• Spend as much time as possible in nature
• Meditate
• Write in a journal
• Create your own calm spaces

What you should also aim to do, is embrace your own innate sensitivity, and be kind to yourself. Be who you are freely and banish any guilt you may have about other people’s perceptions and value judgements. 

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