Living and Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person

Five strategies for flourishing in a noisy and impersonal world

Photo by Louis Galvez on Unsplash

Do you consider yourself ‘sensitive’, or know someone who is?

If you are unsure, do you see yourself in any of these descriptions?:

• Are you easily overwhelmed by bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or loud noises?
• Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
• Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or in a darkened room for relief?
• Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
• Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
• When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?

If you find yourself agreeing to the majority of the above statements, you may be a ‘Highly Sensitive Person’ (HSP).

What is a Highly Sensitive Person?

A HSP is someone who processes information especially deeply. This includes thoughts, emotions and sensory input. It may also be known by its scientific term ‘Sensory-Processing Sensitivity’.