Being Highly Sensitive Without Being Highly Sensitive

Some individuals are born with a personality trait related to emotional sensitivity. This trait is known as highly sensitive, or sensory processing sensitivity. A highly sensitive person (HSP) has an increased awareness of the social stimuli around them. They tend to notice the voice changes, facial expressions, and body language of other people.

A highly sensitive person (HSP) can also be stimulated by side sounds and smells. This can be disruptive when the individual is in a social setting. Having this type of awareness of the stimuli around them, an individual may choose to avoid gatherings or events that have been known to trigger overstimulation. It’s important to remember that this is not a mental health issue, but rather a personality trait that a person is born with.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. – Psalm 139:13, ESV

Indications That a Person is Highly Sensitive

Even though almost everyone can have a sensitivity to something, those who are highly sensitive have some distinctive traits in common. It is common for highly sensitive people to be told that they are “too sensitive” by those around them.

Here are the common indicators of a highly sensitive person:

Unable to see or hear about violence

Most highly sensitive people become unsettled by any type of scary or violent movies. It is also overwhelming for them to listen to news about cruel or brutal acts.

Startled by sudden or loud noises

Events that include sudden noises such as fireworks are often avoided by highly sensitive people. Even something as simple as a loud motorcycle passing by can cause overstimulation.

Clothing is carefully selected

Highly sensitive people will avoid clothing that is uncomfortable in fit as well as texture.

Always searching for answers to questions in life

A highly sensitive individual enjoys learning why things are the way they are. They desire to know their role in life and where they fit into the big picture. They like to ponder the mysteries of faith and its connection to life.

High reflex to being startled

Having a high startle reflex means that an individual is overly jumpy when someone sneaks up on them. This is because the nervous system is always on alert.

Deeply empathetic to others

The emotions of others are often absorbed by highly sensitive people. They tend to be able to identify the mood of a room as soon as they enter. Subtleties that others do not notice are easily identified by an HSP.

Criticism hits hard

Highly sensitive people tend to put more weight into the words they hear. Criticism tends to cut deeply, and negativity is toxic to their way of living.

Being timed adds intense stress

A highly sensitive person will become overwhelmed and most likely anxious when they are subjected to any type of timed event. This isn’t just about quizzes and tests; but also having a task list that seems incompletable.

Information process is deep

Being highly sensitive means that the reflection on experiences or information is not at the surface level like most people. The probability of being prone to negative thinking is higher for highly sensitive people. This can also be coupled with repetitive or spiral thinking.

There is a need for space

Since there is a high level of stimulation it is not uncommon for a highly sensitive person to need a space to withdraw in order to soothe the senses.

Perceptive and insightful more than others

Being highly sensitive comes with a heightened perception. Highly sensitive people are seen as wise and insightful because they tend to notice things that other people miss.

Beauty is impactful

Highly sensitive individuals tend to become awestruck by various kinds of beauty. Things like artwork, music, nature, elegant meals, and even scents can have a deep impact on someone who is highly sensitive.

Nothing less than the best effort

It doesn’t matter if it is work, school, or at home, an HSP will strive to do their best and eliminate mistakes.

Lower pain tolerance

Because of the low threshold of the nerves of a highly sensitive person, they tend to have a lower pain tolerance than most people. This means that there is a heightened awareness of headaches, body aches, internal discomfort, and injuries.

Tension and conflict are toxic

Most highly sensitive people will avoid any tense or conflicting situations because it causes them to feel physically ill. This can also lead to people pleasing just to keep the other person happy.

Not tolerable to change

Changing any part of the routine for an HSP can result in an increased stress level for them. Highly sensitive people can accept change, but it takes them more time to adjust.

Mislabeled and misunderstood

An HSP can often be mistaken for shy and introverted. It is common for highly sensitive people to be labeled as anxious. This is simply because the overstimulation causes a need for downtime.

Dreams and the inner world are rich

Due to the depth of processing that a highly sensitive person is prone to, they have a strong imagination and creativity. They can envision realistically when simply left to their own thoughts or dreams.

Stimulants are unnecessary

Because highly sensitive people have a heightened nervous system it stands to reason that stimulants are likely to affect the person quicker.

The environment can be daunting

When a HSP takes a vacation it can cause overstimulation due to the new stimuli in the area.

Changes in blood sugar cause a person to be “hangry”

If a highly sensitive individual deviates from a regular eating schedule it can cause hunger and anger to develop. This is because they can sense the internal change.

How to Live as a Highly Sensitive Individual

Many highly sensitive individuals can enjoy an enriched life by embracing some of the sensitivities that they endure. Though it is thought that HSPs are too sensitive or shy, the reality is they are empathetic, creative, and perceptive. Creating a life based on the strengths of being an HSP can greatly outweigh the challenges.

• Allow the intuition to help create a safe place by taking note of the surroundings.
• Use empathy to focus on how to help others become their best.
• Create resources that will encourage others.
• Make note of the stimuli and how to use them as a benefit, not allowing it to become stressful.
• Take time to make decisions that will promote peace.
• Help others understand you get lost in thoughts so there are no meaningless conversations.
• When downtime is needed, do not put it off.
• Lead others in understanding that being attuned to other people comes naturally. Words, actions, and expressions carry a lot of weight for an HSP.
• Take time to enjoy the beauty that causes awe and wonder.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting proper rest, eating healthy foods, and limiting caffeine.

Next Steps

A highly sensitive person can suffer from overstimulation from external and internal stimuli. This personality trait comes with strengths and challenges. When an HSP learns to understand their strengths, it becomes easier to live with the challenges. Embracing sensitivity can bring freedom that overshadows any guilt others may inadvertently cause.

A Christian counselor can help create a faith-based personal development plan that will cultivate creativity and reduce the stress associated with being highly sensitive. It is important to know that God chose you to carry this trait for a reason. Use the urge to question as a tool to understand how you can turn a challenge into a blessing. To speak to a Christian counselor, contact our office today.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10, ESV