In a society that oftens feels geared toward achievement or
success, sensitivity can seem like a weakness. People often associate
sensitivity with someone who is fragile or easily overwhelmed. You may have been
told to ‘stop being so sensitive’ or ‘toughen up to get on with it’. But
research is showing that sensitivity may in fact be one of your strongest
assets.
Psychologist Elaine Aaron first coined the phrase ‘highly
sensitive person’, or HSP in the late 1990s. She explained that a highly
sensitive person is someone who feels and sees things in a more intense way
than their peers; as though the colour has been turned up in their life.
Being an HSP is not a diagnosis or an illness, instead you
can think of it as a personality trait. Aaron suggested that around 15-20 per
cent of the population fell into this group and interestingly, although
sensitivity is often seen as a female trait, there are just as many male HSPs
as female.
Research over the last 20 years has shown that there is
likely a genetic component to being HSP, as well as childhood experiences that
impact how those traits may develop. Functional MRI studies have shown that
HSPs have significant differences in the parts of the brain that involve
empathy, awareness, attention and action planning.
This gives a really good clue that HSP is not just about
being ‘overly emotional’.
The benefits of being highly sensitive
We know that HSPs not only take in more information, often
seeing things that others miss, but they process that information more deeply
as well. HSPs often have highly developed intuition. When combined with their
ability for complex analysis, this intuition can result in new and different
perspectives on issues. HSPs are often very creative; both in the conventional
‘art’ sense, but also in problem solving or innovation. These are spaces where
highly sensitive people can shine.
Highly sensitive people are also finely attuned to the
people around them. They often connect with others easily and are typically
deeply kind. While this is a strength, it can also be a bit of a downfall.
HSPs run the risk of burnout. Aaron counsels HSPs to be
mindful of setting boundaries to protect their energy, and reminds them to turn
their innate kindness inwards and develop strong self-compassion practices.
Perhaps because of their sensitivity and tendency to think
deeply about things, HSPs also have a very strong sense of fairness and justice
and will often be the ones to try and ease the pain of others; to right the
wrongs they see in the world.
Society needs highly sensitive people. Their attention to
detail, their compassion, creativity, their intuition and seeking of meaning.
It is time we retire the phrase ‘stop being so sensitive’ and embrace it!