WHAT IS A HIGHLY SENSITVE PERSON (HSP)?
In the most basic terms being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) means feeling intensely sensitive to your thoughts and emotions, as well as to your environment.
Psychologist Dr Elaine Aron began researching high sensitivity in 1991 and coined the phrase ‘Highly Sensitive Person’ in 1996. Her website, hsperson.com, is an incredibly comprehensive resource, and includes the following helpful observations and facts regarding being an HSP:
Your trait is normal. It is found in 15 to 20% of the population–too many to be a disorder, but not enough to be well understood by the majority of those around you.
It is innate. In fact, biologists have found it in over 100 species (and probably there are many more) from fruit flies, birds, and fish to dogs, cats, horses, and primates. This trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy, being observant before acting. The brains of highly sensitive persons (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others.
You are more aware than others of subtleties. This is mainly because your brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. So even if you wear glasses, for example, you see more than others by noticing more.
You are also more easily overwhelmed. If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or novel for a long time.
Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where it is not valued, HSPs tend to have low self-esteem. They are told “don’t be so sensitive” so that they feel abnormal.
If some, or all, of the above resonates with you - or someone you know - Dr Aron has put together a Self-Test.