highly sensitive person (HSP)
A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is someone who has heightened sensitivity to external and internal incentives, leading to being easily overstimulated.
This sensitivity extends to the five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—alongside deep emotional processing.
HSPs often have strong emotional responses and possess a keen awareness of subtle changes in people’s behavior, increasing their chances of becoming an empath.
The phenomenon is known as “Overexcitability,” meaning intense experience of emotions. For example, heightened reactions to sensory stimuli, intense emotional responses to external factors, or a profound ability to pick up on subtle shifts in the emotional states of others.
What causes a person to be highly sensitive?
Following are few of the reasons which causes a person to be highly sensitive:
1. Paying excessive attention to what their 5 senses pick
Highly sensitive people often pay excessive attention to the input from their five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, leading to heightened sensory awareness with more intense and detailed perception of their environment.
2. Over-stimulation
Highly sensitive people experience an overwhelming amount of sensory input or emotional stimuli, resulting in feelings of fatigue, stress, or discomfort.
3. Emotional intensity, such as empathy
They may deeply feel and connect with the emotions of others, often experiencing these emotions as if they were their own.
4. Sensory sensitivity of 5 senses:
- Sight: Highly sensitive people are more affected by bright lights, or intricate details in their visual surroundings.
- Sound: They may react strongly to loud noises, find it challenging to concentrate in noisy environments, or be more attuned to subtle sounds.
- Smell: Highly sensitive people may have a heightened sense of smell, being more aware of and reactive to different scents in their surroundings.
- Taste: They might be sensitive to the flavors and textures of food, having strong preferences or aversions based on their heightened taste perception.
- Touch: A highly sensitive person is more reactive to physical sensations, such as certain fabrics, or even gentle touches.
What is emotional stimuli?
Emotional stimuli refer to external factors or events that evoke an emotional response in an individual. These can include situations, words, or actions that impact emotional state.
For example, receiving a thoughtful gesture from a friend, hearing a favorite song, or witnessing an act of kindness can be positive emotional stimuli.
What is environmental stimuli?
Environmental stimuli are external elements in surroundings that trigger a response from the sensory organs, such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
For example, a brightly lit room, the sound of rain, the aroma of freshly baked bread, or the soft texture of a blanket can be considered environmental stimuli.
What is sensory stimuli?
Sensory stimuli are information received through the five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. They are external signals that the sensory organs detect and transmit to the brain for interpretation.
For example, the feel of a cool breeze on the skin, the taste of a flavorful meal, or the sight of a vibrant sunset can be considered sensory stimuli.
3 Types of HSP (Highly Sensitive People)
1. Sensory (Very Sensitive)
The first type of HSP is the “The Super Sensor.”
Sensation Sensitivity means heightened awareness and responsiveness to sensory stimuli. It can manifest in various ways, such as being more reactive to loud noises, strong smells, or certain vibes.
It can lead to being easily overwhelmed by energies, and a tendency to seek environments with lower sensory stimulation, meaning a quiet place.
- Signs:
- Overreaction to loud noises or bright lights
- Easily bothered by strong smells or flavors
- Noticing subtle changes in the environment that others may miss
- Super Sensor Strengths:
- Heightened awareness of surroundings
- Quick to detect changes in the environment
- Detail-oriented and observant
- Super Sensor Challenges:
- Prone to sensory overload
- Difficulty filtering out stimuli in busy environments
- Tendency to avoid situations with intense sensory input
- Coping Strategies:
- Create a sensory input-friendly environment for deep relaxation
- Employ grounding techniques to stay present and regulate your emotions in overwhelming situations.
2. The “Emotional” (Feels Emotions Strongly)
The second type of HSP is the “The Emotional.”
Emotional Sensitivity pertains to an individual’s heightened responsiveness and awareness of emotions, both their own and others’.
Characteristics of Emotional Sensitivity may involve experiencing emotions more intensely, being deeply empathetic, and picking up on subtle emotional cues from those around them.
- Signs You’re a Super Feeler:
- Deeply affected by the emotions of others
- Quick to feel joy, sadness, or empathy
- Intense emotional responses to various stimuli
- Strengths of Super Feelers:
- Strong sense of empathy and compassion
- Deep emotional connections with others
- Heightened emotional intelligence
- Challenges of Super Feelers:
- Vulnerability to emotional exhaustion
- Difficulty coping with negative emotions
- Overwhelmed by emotional intensity in certain situations
- Coping Strategies:
Coping Strategies for Emotional Sensitivity focus on developing emotional regulation techniques, setting boundaries to protect one’s emotional well-being, and practicing self-care. It may also involve seeking support from understanding individuals and creating a balance between empathy and personal boundaries.
3. The “Imaginational” (Good at Imagining)
The third type of HSP is the “The Imaginational.”
Imagination sensitivity relates to an individual’s heightened creativity, imagination, and sensitivity to artistic and aesthetic experiences.
Characteristics of Imaginational Sensitivity may include a vivid imagination, a strong appreciation for arts and beauty, and an ability to connect deeply with creative expressions.
- Signs You’re an Aesthete:
- Vivid and elaborate imagination
- Enjoyment of creative activities and fantasy
- Deep appreciation for art, music, and aesthetics
- Strengths of Aesthetes:
- Creativity and innovation
- Ability to see possibilities and connections
- Appreciation for beauty and artistic expression
- Challenges of Aesthetes:
- Tendency to overthink or worry
- Difficulty staying grounded in reality
- Sensitivity to criticism or rejection of creative endeavors
- Coping Strategies:
Coping Strategies for Imaginational Sensitivity involve nurturing and expressing creativity, engaging in artistic pursuits, and finding outlets for imaginative energy. It may also include developing strategies to manage any potential challenges, such as balancing a rich inner world with the demands of daily life.
Recap:
Highly Sensitive People (HSP) are individuals with heightened sensitivity to external and internal stimuli, including the five senses and deep emotional processing.
Causes of High Sensitivity
- Paying excessive attention to the 5 senses
- Overwhelming emotional stimuli leading to fatigue.
- Emotional intensity (e.g., empathy)
- Sensory sensitivity of the 5 senses.
Understanding Stimuli
- Emotional stimuli: External factors evoking emotional responses.
- Environmental stimuli: External elements triggering sensory responses.
- Sensory stimuli: Information received through the five senses.
Three Types of HSP
- The “Super Sensor” (Low Sensory Threshold):
- Signs: Overreacting to stimuli, easily bothered, noticing subtle changes.
- Coping Strategies: Create a sensory-friendly environment, use noise-canceling devices, and employ grounding techniques.
- The “Super Feeler” (Ease of Excitation):
- Signs: Deeply affected by others’ emotions, quick emotional responses.
- Coping Strategies: Develop emotional regulation, set boundaries, and practice self-care.
- Imaginational:
- Signs: Vivid imagination, enjoyment of creative activities, appreciation for aesthetics.
- Coping Strategies: Nurture creativity, engage in artistic pursuits, and manage challenges.
Preventing Emotional Exhaustion For each type:
- Super Sensor: Manage sensory challenges through coping strategies.
- Super Feeler: Focus on emotional regulation, set boundaries, and practice self-care.
- Imagination: Nourish creativity, engage in artistic pursuits, and balance inner and outer worlds.
External Resources:
- https://healyournervoussystem.com/the-3-subtypes-of-highly-sensitive-people/#low-sensory-threshold
- https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/three-types-of-highly-sensitive-people/
- https://positivepsychology.com/highly-sensitive-person/
- https://psych2go.net/5-different-types-of-highly-sensitive-people/
Mental Health Help:
National Helplines:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Online Resources:
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): https://www.nami.org
- MentalHealth.gov: https://www.mentalhealth.gov
Local Resources
When looking for mental health support, it’s often best to start locally. Many communities have mental health clinics, hospitals, and community centres that offer counselling and therapy services. You can find these services by searching online directories, like Psychology Today’s Therapist Finder, which allows you to filter results by location, specialty, and insurance coverage. Additionally, your primary care doctor can be a valuable resource, as they can refer you to local mental health professionals or services that meet your needs.
How to Find Help
Finding the right mental health help can be overwhelming, but there are several ways to simplify the process:
- Online Directories: Websites like Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and Therapist Finder offer comprehensive directories of mental health professionals. These platforms let you search by location, issues treated, and insurance acceptance.
- Health Insurance Providers: Your health insurance provider can give you a list of covered mental health services and providers, ensuring you receive care within your network.
- Healthcare Providers: Don’t hesitate to speak with your primary care physician or a general practitioner. They can provide referrals to trusted mental health professionals or guide you on how to access the services you need.
