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.
Following are few of the reasons which causes a person to be highly sensitive:
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.
Highly sensitive people experience an overwhelming amount of sensory input or emotional stimuli, resulting in feelings of fatigue, stress, or discomfort.
They may deeply feel and connect with the emotions of others, often experiencing these emotions as if they were their own.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highly Sensitive People (HSP) are individuals with heightened sensitivity to external and internal stimuli, including the five senses and deep emotional processing.
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.
Finding the right mental health help can be overwhelming, but there are several ways to simplify the process:
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