My Experience as a Highly Sensitive Person
I’ve worked at Empathy for Change as the Social Media Coordinator for six weeks and have been exposed to many new ideas, and learned so much about empathy and culture change. One area in my work that resonated with me on a personal level was our focus on Highly Sensitive People.
Up until I started this work, I had gone through my whole life as an HSP, but wasn’t even aware that such a thing existed. Below I share my story and my eventual realization that I am an HSP.
I’ve always known that I was unique. Growing up, I constantly found myself hearing the brunt of other people’s problems, being sought out for advice, and being told that I was sensitive, subsequently assured that it wasn’t “in a bad way.” Try telling a young boy that they’re sensitive in any kind of way, and they’re likely to respond with a faux display of masculinity as their way of depicting their stoicism and emotional apathy.
As I got a bit older, I was able to pick up on how others were feeling even if they weren’t really showing any signs to give it away. I had a strong intuition, and I leaned into it to discover an ability to read other people’s energy. Without speaking, I could tell if there was tension or uneasiness in a room. I assumed myself to be highly observant, or that I just had a good sense of the feelings of others.
It wasn’t until late May of 2021 when, at the age of 22, I finally discovered that I am not alone in these feelings. That’s when I started working with Amy at Empathy for Change. In fact, I realized that there are lots of other people who have had similar experiences, and go through life the same way as I do, like Amy.
When reading an article about Highly Sensitive People, or HSPs, I had the epiphany that I was one. Reading about their traits made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Everything I saw rang true. Some characteristics that especially resonated with me included a strong disdain for conflict, a high susceptibility to social burnout, and constantly being labeled as “shy” or “anxious.”
As a HSP, I experience the world with heightened senses. This is evident through physical sensations, like being startled easily, or needing time away from large, loud groups. HSP are also known to be deep thinkers, and often get lost in thought. What stood out most to me, however, was this intangible ability to pick up on the emotions of others solely through feeling their energy. Simply being near someone who is feeling anxious or upset will set off my senses and make me fully aware of their tension.
That article I read showed me what I had always known, but I couldn’t exactly explain. Up until that point, I didn’t know the term “HSP” even existed, let alone that I was one. I finally felt seen, heard, and understood — a place where I belonged.
Now that I’m aware of the fact that I am a HSP, I can use my abilities to feel alongside others for the better. I can infuse more empathy into my daily interactions and capitalize on my intuitions. I’m eager to spread positive energy to other people, and I’m hoping that by sharing this story, others might realize that they, too, are HSP.
Another great source for learning about HSP, or finding out if you are one, is Elaine Aron’s website and book. Here’s some ways you can tell if you’re an HSP:
- Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as lighting — too light or dark, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or emergency services’ sirens?
- Do you get knocked off balance when having to do many tasks in a short time?
- Do you make a point of avoiding violent films and TV programmes?
- Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
- Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
- Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
- As a child, were you seen as sensitive or shy by parents, caregivers and teachers?
Here are some links to more complete questionnaires on Dr. Aron’s site :
https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/
https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-child-test/
Research on HSPs has increased since the mid 1990s, yet information on High Sensitivity is unknown, including exactly how the trait is inherited. That’s the next frontier.
