People With High Sensitivity: Gift Or Condemnation?
In a society in which appearing tough and undaunted is synonymous with being more valid and capable, Having extraordinary sensitivity can be a stigma that is difficult to overcome
High sensitivity is another characteristic of a person’s personality, which does not define them in their entirety, but rather explains a different way of perceiving the world. In this article we will explain the essence of the trait and give some basic keys to be able to manage it in the most favorable way possible
High sensitivity is a personality trait, usually hereditary, that occurs in the same proportion in both women and men.
Highly Sensitive People (HSP) have a finer nervous system, capable of detecting subtle stimuli that go unnoticed by the rest of the people. This sensitivity occurs both on an emotional level and on a sensory level: sounds, images, smells, physical sensations. This difference does not only occur in the detection of stimuli, but also in the way in which the brain processes the information that comes to it, which seems to be much greater in PAS.
Between 15 and 20% of the population shows this personality trait. It is hereditary, so at least one of the parents will also possess the characteristics associated with it.
The PAS are more sensitive to sounds, lights, smells, small changes that occur in the environment and in other people They do not usually like crowds and tend to feel exhausted after long days of both work and leisure. They will need longer times to rest and recover, otherwise they will feel overwhelmed and overactive. When this occurs they tend to feel distress, isolate themselves and spend more time alone. For this reason, they are often considered shy, weak, unsocial or neurotic.
It is very common to confuse it with anxiety disorders, depression and even with syndromes such as Asperger’s but it is important to clarify that it is not a pathology or a disorder, it is a characteristic that makes up our temperament.
The four basic characteristics that all PAS meet
The trait of high sensitivity began to be studied relatively recently and its pioneer was Dr. Elaine N. Aron. In 1991 she defined high sensitivity and coined the term Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). According to her, the trait is based on four basic characteristics, common to all HSPs:
1. Deep information processing
Ability to process large amounts of information comparing them with previous experiences or other data, which allows a deeper reflection on things and reaching conclusions that other people are not able to reach.
2. Overstimulation
Due to the large amount of inputs that reach them, their brain is unable to process them all so it becomes saturated, resulting in lack of concentration, mental and physical exhaustion, difficulty expressing emotions and even irritability.
This characteristic is the most limiting for HSPs, since it makes these people tend to compare themselves with the rest of the world and when they see that they cannot do what the rest can, They feel like “weirdos” less valid, which considerably reduces their self-esteem.
3. Intense emotionality and empathy
They feel more intensely, which puts them on an emotional roller coaster almost constantly. Great ability to connect more with others and feel their emotions as if they were your own. It has been shown that their mirror neurons present more activity than normal.
4. Sensitivity to subtleties
They have a great capacity to capture details and almost imperceptible changes in the environment and in other people
For all these reasons, HSPs are more reflective, more prudent, creative, intuitive, less impulsive and more inward-oriented. This leads one to think that they are introverted people and, it is true, that they do not enjoy large crowds or parties, but they do like to have a small group of close friends with whom to share.
On the other hand, there are 30% of socially extroverted HSPs, who have many friends and enjoy being surrounded by people and meeting new people. It may be because they have grown up in large families, with a great social life and who are used to being surrounded by people, more or less known, whom they consider safe continents
Keys to manage the trait
Since this trait will accompany them throughout their lives, it is necessary to learn to live with it to get the most out of it and not see it as something limiting that separates them from the rest of the world. There are a series of guidelines aimed at achieving this objective.
1. Self-knowledge
Know the trait, with its good things and its drawbacks and understand how it has affected us in our lives in general. Be aware of our strengths and accept our vulnerabilities to make the most of them Considering the trait through the prism of self-knowledge provides a reformulated vision of the past that will allow the present to be lived more fully.
2. Healing
Heal the wounds of the past Letting go of what caused harm and suffering for not understanding this different way of feeling the world and trying to meet the expectations of others.
3. Self-care and self-compassion
As a tool to manage the discomfort caused by feeling out of place For HSPs, rest is very important, not only physically, but also mentally. A very useful tool is meditation, which allows you to be with yourself in the present moment. Also a good diet, exercising, doing pleasant activities, being in contact with nature, art, music.
Have people who provide support and security and know the limits. Know to what extent they can participate in society and when to withdraw so as not to suffer overstimulation. Also meeting other HSPs can help them know and understand each other better and feel supported
All adult HSPs were boys and girls at some point. The family environment may or may not be a facilitator of the trait. It is very important to know your children, understand their peculiarities and accept them. In environments in which sensitivity is valued positively, children will feel more welcomed, safer and have greater self-esteem, so they will perceive the trait as something favorable. Also They will be more aware of the disadvantages and this will help them solve them in the most optimal way
On the contrary, there is research on HSPs who have lived in more discouraging environments, in which the trait was not understood or supported, which demonstrates a greater predisposition for anxiety and depression disorders. They have lived trying to be someone they really are not to be loved, respected and valued and they have lost themselves on this path
Definitely…
The trait has no valence. It is neither positive nor negative in itself Whether it is more or less favorable will depend on each person’s experience and how they manage it.
Not all HSPs are the same. Although they have similar characteristics and meet the four basic pillars, the way they express themselves will depend largely on their life history, environment, experiences and other personality traits.
I wouldn’t say it’s a gift or a curse, but rather a different way of seeing and feeling the world. The problem is not having a trait such as high sensitivity or not having it, but the way in which it is valued and managed The most important thing is self-knowledge and unconditional acceptance of what each person is.
Even so, if difficulties arise in understanding it or it causes restlessness or anguish, it is positive to contact a specialist who can help resolve these issues.
Author: Lorena Carretero, psychologist and psychotherapist at VALIA.
