Being highly-sensitive (also known by its scientific term as SPS, Sensory-Processing Sensitivity) is a normal trait found in 15-20% of the population.
Dr. Aron has found that not only is high sensitivity a normal trait, it is also innate. In fact according to Dr. Aron, “biologists have found it to be in most or all animals, from fruit flies and fish to dogs, cats, horses, and primates.” However, the brains of highly sensitive people actually work a bit differently than other people’s brains. The sensitivity trait actually reflects a survival strategy of keen observation before action.
Here are some other interesting facts about highly sensitive people listed on the Highly Sensitive Person web site:
• You are more aware than others of subtleties […]
• You are also more easily overwhelmed […]
• This trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood […]
• Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures […]
The article lists some of the traits of high sensitive people, including:
• easily affected by other people’s moods
• needing to withdraw during busy days, into bed or into a darkened room or any place to have some privacy and relief from stimulation
• easily overwhelmed by things like bright lights, strong smells,coarse fabrics,or sirens close by
• quickly annoyed when people try to get you to do too many things at once
• making a point to avoid violent movies and TV shows
• reacting strong when hungry, disrupting concentration or mood
• finding it unpleasant to have a lot going on at once
The article then offers some tips for hypersensitives living in a less-than-sensitive world:
Learn to manage the way you react to your emotions […]
Minimize exposure to chaotic situations or people who push your buttons, create drama, or have angry or volatile temperaments.
Get enough sleep and exercise regularly so you are properly rested and energized to cope with emotionally charged situations and to support emotional equilibrium
Avoid too much caffeine and pay attention to medications and how they affect you. Also pay attention to how certain foods, your hormones, and the weather impact your mood, as you are bound to be more sensitive during these times.
Eat healthy meals regularly and prevent yourself from getting too hungry […]
Avoid or minimize your time in crowded, highly-stimulating environments like crowded malls or concerts […]
Don’t over-schedule your time or allow others to “steal” too much of your time […]
Practice asking for what you want […]
Create a peaceful, relaxing environment for yourself in your home and office […]
Disengage from the negative beliefs you might have around being a sensitive person […]
The article concludes with some advice for people who have a highly sensitive person in your life:
[…] simply recognizing how this trait is part of HSP’s genetic make-up will help you understand why they respond the way they do.
You can enhance your relationship with your sensitive spouse, child, or friend by supporting their efforts to create an environment that isn’t over-stimulating, and by being cognizant of the intensity of their feelings.
In general, hyper-sensitive people will be quite responsive to your moods and needs. But eventually this responsiveness drains their energy. Frequently ask the sensitive person what they need from you and be proactive in meeting their needs so they feel heard and respected.
Read the article for more details.