HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE

If you resonate with the following signs, there’s a good chance you may be an HSP:

• Are you highly attuned to other people’s emotions, feeling easily affected by their moods and feeling their range of emotions?
• Do you often feel overwhelmed or overstimulated by bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells?
• Do you find yourself needing regular quiet time to recharge and restore your energy after social interactions or stimulating events?
• Do you become easily drained by large crowds or socializing for extended periods?
• Do you have a rich inner world, frequently engaging in deep reflection and experiencing emotions deeply?
• Are you highly perceptive, noticing details that others often overlook?
• Do you tend to avoid violent or intense media, as it affects you strongly?
• Do you cry often when watching shows and wonder why you have an “easier” time expressing emotions when it “doesn’t matter”?

These are only some of the signs. Together, we can explore if you are a HSP and how the trait presents in your life.

Individual therapy is a great start for understanding how to thrive as a HSP. Seeking a therapist who specializes in HSPs helps deepen the understanding and empathy that is unique to people with this trait. There are two websites that can be helpful for further solo exploration: The Highly Sensitive Person and Sensitive Refuge.

Living as an HSP can present unique challenges, especially in a world that often values extroversion, quick responses, and constant stimulation. There are many skills you can develop to help you thrive:

• Self-acceptance
• Boundary setting
• Self-care
• Strengthening support systems
• Emotional regulation
• Mindfulness