Let’s look at what it means to be Highly Sensitive.

The trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person is normal. It is found in roughly 20-30% of the global population and in at least 100 species. There are many theories regarding sensitivity perhaps best captured under the umbrella of Environmental Sensitivity. Some look to nature for explanation of sensitivity, others look to nurture.

From a nature viewpoint, it’s innate. You are born with a highly sensitive nervous system with differences in your brain. You may have been told throughout your life that you are “too sensitive.” But what if nature was hedging her bets? What if she had to prepare for children being born into different environments, some rich with others some fraught with strive and conflict?

From a nurture viewpoint, you may become sensitive based on the environment you were raised in. Those raised in stressful dysfunctional families will become more sensitive. Conversely, those raised in positive healthy families also become more sensitive.

What are some traits of sensitive individuals? Well, you process deeply which often causes fatigue. You may get easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation and sometimes have to shut down and seek alone time. You may be sensitive to loud sounds and bright lights. You probably love animals. You may be passionately moved by beauty or unable to tolerate violence.

You feel more deeply than others and are deeply compassionate, empathetic, and highly analytical. You may have a special capacity to hold another’s emotions. You may also feel regularly depleted or exhausted and tend toward anxiety. You may get flustered when rushed and need extra time at work to prepare for projects or presentations.

You may be very sensitive to pain. You may be sensitive to medication, loud noises, rough fabrics or fabric tags, bright lights — especially fluorescents — and strong smells. Perfumes and dyes can make you nauseated or give you a headache, and you can even get distracted by the ticking of a clock.

It’s important to emphasize that while this is a normal trait if you don’t know you are an HSP, it can be difficult to resource yourself properly. You will likely conclude there is something wrong with you because you operate differently than the majority of those around you.

Nervous system and emotional regulation skills can be a game changer even for the healthiest HSPs.

Actually, your sensitivity is your beauty and strength. You simply need to know how to nurture and protect your sensitivity.