Discovering My Superpower:

The Journey of a Highly Sensitive Person

Have you ever felt overwhelmed in a bustling crowd or deeply affected by someone else’s mood? Do you sometimes wish to turn down the volume on the world around you? If so, you might be a Highly Sensitive Person or HSP, and that’s something worth celebrating.

I first discovered the concept of being a Highly Sensitive Person following a holiday with a large group of people. I was reading the book “The Mountain Is You”  This book led me to a breakthrough: the realisation that I wasn’t “too sensitive” or “overly emotional”—I was wired differently, and that’s okay. I noticed that I found the group overwhelming at times. There were some prominent personalities, and it was exhausting because I needed to be on my own to come down, which was impossible. This led me to discover why I was like that and how I could adapt to situations in the future so that I don’t feel either over-emotional or burnt out.

I realised that from a very young age, being part of a large family was often mentally overwhelming. For example, after Sunday lunch, when my siblings were arguing or just generally winding each other up, I would take myself out of the house, walk to our local pub, buy myself an orange juice and sit and read. Or I would go upstairs and look through the large pile of Jackie magazines I had accumulated over the years. I then started to think about how I felt if I saw something moving somehow. I would notice everything that people did, if someone were struggling, or if someone new entered a fitness class I was attending. But I didn’t just see them; I would feel their anticipation or nervous energy. When people got upset around me, I, too, would feel overwhelmed with the same emotion. And so, as I thought that maybe I was a bit over-sensitive, I decided to dig a bit deeper and then realised that I have a superpower. 

What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?

The term Highly Sensitive Person was first coined by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron, who identified that roughly 15-20% of the population possesses this trait. Being an HSP means experiencing heightened sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli. It’s not a disorder or a flaw; it’s simply a different way of interacting with the world.

If you’re curious whether you might be an HSP, you can take this simple test to find out. The questions are designed to help you assess your sensitivity levels in various situations, from reactions to loud noises to feeling overwhelmed in busy environments.

The Traits of a Highly Sensitive Person

Being an HSP comes with its own unique set of traits. Here are some of the key characteristics:

1. Deep Processing: HSPs often think deeply about everything—whether it’s a passing comment, an idea, or a complex problem. This means they process information on a much deeper level, which can lead to insightful observations but also to overthinking.
2. Overstimulation: Bright lights, strong smells, loud noises, and chaotic environments can easily overwhelm an HSP. This sensitivity to stimuli can make everyday situations, like shopping in a crowded store or attending a noisy event, particularly draining.
3. Emotional Reactivity: HSPs tend to respond intensely to positive and negative experiences. This heightened emotional awareness allows them to experience life vividly but can also make them more prone to stress.
4. Empathy and Compassion: HSPs are often deeply empathetic, quickly picking up on others’ emotions. This trait makes them compassionate friends and caregivers, though it can also lead to emotional exhaustion if not appropriately managed.
5. Sensitivity to Subtleties: Whether a slight change in someone’s tone of voice or a subtle shift in their environment, HSPs notice details others might overlook. This ability to pick up on subtleties can be a gift, especially in professions that require attention to detail or a keen understanding of human behaviour.

For a more in-depth look at these traits and to explore whether you might share them, you can take another quiz or read more about them here.

Turning Sensitivity into a Superpower

While being highly sensitive can sometimes feel like a burden, it’s essential to recognise that it’s also a superpower. Here’s why:

• Intuition: HSPs often have a strong sense of intuition. They can make well-informed decisions based on subtle cues because they process information profoundly and notice details others miss.
• Creativity: The ability to perceive the world in vivid detail often fuels creativity. Many artists, writers, and musicians are HSPs, using their heightened sensitivity to create works that resonate deeply with others.
• Empathy: HSPs’ strong sense of empathy allows them to connect with others profoundly. This makes them excellent friends, partners, and caregivers, capable of understanding and supporting those around them.
• Meaningful Connections: Because HSPs value deep, meaningful relationships, they often form strong bonds with those they trust. Their friendships are usually marked by mutual respect, understanding, and emotional depth.

Instead of viewing sensitivity as a weakness, reframing it as a unique strength is empowering. By embracing this trait, we can harness its positive aspects, such as intuition and creativity, while finding strategies to manage the challenges.

Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person

Being an HSP doesn’t mean you have to live in constant overwhelm. Here are some strategies that have helped me, and may help you too, in managing sensitivity:

• Set Boundaries: It’s essential to set boundaries to protect your energy. This might mean limiting time spent in noisy or chaotic environments or taking regular breaks when feeling overwhelmed.
• Practice Self-Care: Regular self-care is crucial for HSPs. This could include mindfulness practices, time in nature, or creative activities that soothe your soul.
• Find Your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who understand and appreciate your sensitivity. Seek out nurturing and supportive friendships and relationships where you can be yourself without feeling judged or pressured to change.
• Embrace Solitude: Don’t be afraid to take time for yourself. HSPs often need more downtime to recharge, so embrace solitude to reconnect with your inner self and process your experiences.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Sensitivity

Being a Highly Sensitive Person is not about fitting into someone else’s idea of what’s “normal” but embracing who you are. Sensitivity is a gift, offering the ability to connect deeply with others, create, and live a life rich with meaning and insight.

If you think you might be an HSP, I encourage you to explore this trait further and embrace it as part of your unique identity. Let your sensitivity be your superpower, guiding you towards a life that honours who you are at your core.