So what exactly is "High Sensitivity?" How does an HSP feel different from other people? There are a number of different aspects to Sensitivity, and there are actually different "kinds" of HSPs. At the heart of High Sensitivity is the idea that because HSPs have more sensitive nervous systems, they are more easily overstimulated by a variety of inputs from the world around them. As a result, HSPs have a greater need for "quiet time" to recharge their batteries after certain events. If you are curious, I'd suggest that you take Elaine Aron's Self Test for High Sensitivity on her web site. For me, being an HSP means that I am particularly sensitive to bright light, loud noises, strong smells and rough touch. I am also very easily overstimulated by sudden movement, crowds of strangers and having to do multiple things at once-- especially if I have to do them in front of an audience. This is different from Social Anxiety, in that these things don't actually scare me, or concern me-- they just wear me out, very quickly. |
Although the idea of someone being "Sensitive" has been around for a long time, and may have its original roots in C.G.Jung's "Melancholic Temperament," the current definition of what makes someone a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP for short) can be attributed to Dr. Elaine N. Aron, whose research establishes that 15-20% of the human population are actually born with nervous systems that are more sensitive. The implication, of course, is that "sensitivity" isn't just some "personality quirk," but a substantial and normal genetically inherited trait. What's more, in spite of the historical tendency to label Sensitivity as a "female trait," there are actually equal numbers of male and female HSPs. |
On Being Highly Sensitive Relationships Therapy Personal Growth HSP Resources On Being Gifted The Gifted Adult Characteristics Special Issues Blessing or Curse? Commentary Gifted Resources On Being Introverted Inward Journey Outward Journey Shyness & Introversion Finding Self Introvert Resources On Personality Types C.G.Jung Myers-Briggs The Enneagram ANSIR Socionics Others On Psychology, etc. Counseling & Therapy Abnormal Psych? Choosing a Therapist On Life, in General Thoughts Words Images Dreams & Wishes Commentaries Putting it All Together Dedications & Thanks A Gallery of Links |
On Being Highly Sensitive Relationships Therapy Personal Growth HSP Resources On Being Gifted The Gifted Adult Characteristics Special Issues Blessing or Curse? Commentary Gifted Resources On Being Introverted Inward Journey Outward Journey Shyness & Introversion Finding Self Introvert Resources On Personality Types C.G.Jung Myers-Briggs The Enneagram ANSIR Socionics Others On Psychology, etc. Counseling & Therapy Abnormal Psych? Choosing a Therapist On Life, in General Thoughts Words Images Dreams & Wishes Commentaries Putting it All Together Dedications & Thanks A Gallery of Links |
On being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) |
I am a Highly Sensitive Person. I am a Highly Sensitive Man. By most standard conventions of society, those two statements are almost certain to get you labelled as at least "a bit strange," but more likely as a "sissy boy," "doormat," or "girly man." It used to bother me a great deal that I seemed, somehow, "different" from the rest of the world. As a boy and a young man, I had a slight "softness" in demeanor, and my approach to life. It wasn't that I was being "effeminate" in any way, it was more a case of my being less aggressive and boisterous than my peers; of wanting to save the frog in the creek, rather than squash it; of wanting to work with my friends, rather than against them. |
Although the idea of someone being "Sensitive" has been around for a long time, and may have its original roots in C.G.Jung's "Melancholic Temperament," the current definition of what makes someone a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP for short) can be attributed to Dr. Elaine N. Aron, whose research establishes that 15-20% of the human population are actually born with nervous systems that are more sensitive. The implication, of course, is that "sensitivity" isn't just some "personality quirk," but a substantial and normal genetically inherited trait. What's more, in spite of the historical tendency to label Sensitivity as a "female trait," there are actually equal numbers of male and female HSPs. |
2003.06.25 2004.09.05 |
All content Copyright ©1995-2004 Peter Messerschmidt & Inner Reflections. All Rights Reserved. |
So what exactly is "High Sensitivity?" How does an HSP feel different from other people? There are a number of different aspects to Sensitivity, and there are actually different "kinds" of HSPs. At the heart of High Sensitivity is the idea that because HSPs have more sensitive nervous systems, they are more easily overstimulated by a variety of inputs from the world around them. As a result, HSPs have a greater need for "quiet time" to recharge their batteries after certain events. If you are curious, I'd suggest that you take Elaine Aron's Self Test for High Sensitivity on her web site. For me, being an HSP means that I am particularly sensitive to bright light, loud noises, strong smells and rough touch. I am also very easily overstimulated by sudden movement, crowds of strangers and having to do multiple things at once-- especially if I have to do them in front of an audience. This is different from Social Anxiety, in that these things don't actually scare me, or concern me-- they just wear me out, very quickly. |
How do you recognize your HSP-ness? I think almost everybody experiences their Sensitivity in their own unique way. The initial awareness usually forms around a question in your mind: "Why do I feel so out of step with the world?" Some HSPs say they feel like they are "from another planet." Some feel like "misfits" in the world. Almost always, there is the sense of feeling overwhelmed and/or overstimulated by the immediate environment, people and activities in situations where nobody else seems to be having trouble. I have met a number of HSPs who report having had these feelings all their lives-- and have felt frustrated by the fact that they have been unable to figure out what was "wrong" with them. Learning about the HSP trait brings a tremendous sense of relief! |
More specific HSP characteristics include a tendency towards beeing overly conscientious or perfectionistic; being profoundly empathic-- often to the point of having trouble separating another's feelings from your own; very high sensitivity to caffeine, drugs or other stimulants; a tendency to be overwhelmed and upset by life changes, roughness, violence and upsetting situations, in general; a tendency to get hurt feelings very easily; very deep reactions to music, art, nature, beauty and feelings-- sometimes to the point of breaking into spontaneous tears; a very finely tuned awareness of people's intentions, the environment around you, as well as very subtle changes. Of course, the best thing to do is to take the HSP self-test and see for yourself, and then buy Elaine Aron's book "The Highly Sensitive Person." I hope you'll explore the many pages in the Highly Sensitive Person section of the web site. I have tried to present a mixture of personal experiences and anecdotes, as well as some "tips and facts" that might be useful to someone exploring their Sensitivity. |
