Are You A Highly Sensitive Person?

What is a highly sensitive person?

The Cleveland Clinic found that between 15-20% of people identify as a highly sensitive person (HSP) (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). HSPs are distinguished by their strong emotions, intellectual thought processes. HSPs often notice even the smallest changes in their environment, are more attuned to their emotions and are easily affected by perceived changes in a person’s mood (Maharaj, 2022). Additionally, HSPs are more likely to become startled or overwhelmed easily, as a result of a hyperactive nervous system (Berger, 2024). It should be noted that there is no formal diagnosis for HSP, however, common signs of a HSP include:

  • Avoiding shows or movies with intense violence

  • Trying to “look on the bright side” in every situation

  • Overwhelmed by loud noises

  • Intense feelings of anxiety

  • Feeling the need for “quiet time” after social situations

(Cleveland Clinic, 2023)


Positive Effects of Being a HSP

In addition, research has shown that HSPs have greater attention to detail, are more creative, better at decision-making and greater social skills due to their higher levels of empathy (Medical News Today, 2022). However, when aforementioned feelings of becoming easily overwhelmed or anxious are left unaccounted for, positive qualities of a HSP are often overshadowed. 

Physiological Differences in an HSP

When examining the physiological differences between HSPs and non-HSP, research has shown that HSP have more mirror neurons, making them more empathetic (Daniels, n.d.). Simply put, the more mirror neurons a person has, the greater their capacity for recognizing and experiencing other peoples’ emotions. 

Coping Skills for an HSP

Any of this sounding familiar? If so, here are several coping skills to try out:

  1. Set boundaries – it is important to identify your needs as an HSP. How often are you able to socialize each week without feeling burnt out? Are there certain shows or movies you aren’t comfortable watching because of the feelings they elicit within you? 

  2. Make your home your safe space – for HSP, it is important to feel a sense of safety and security within your home. Declutter your space and make it comfortable for you!

  3. Remove distractions – HSP can become overstimulated. To avoid this, try eliminating as many distractions as possible. This will help to keep you grounded!

  4. Get into nature – research has shown that connecting with nature and spending time outdoors can reduce significant stress/anxiety in the body. 

  5. Talk therapy – going to therapy can help HSPs identify triggers and explore the potential causes of their tendencies. 


Interested in learning more about how to cope with being a Highly Sensitive Person? Reach out to Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy today and book a session with one of our therapists to learn more!

https://www.verywellmind.com/highly-sensitive-people-make-decisions-differently-6274275#:~:text=A%20highly%2Dsensitive%20person%20has,absorb%20and%20feel%20others'%20emotions.

https://drelaynedaniels.com/6-ways-a-highly-sensitive-persons-brain-is-different/#:~:text=HSPs%20have%20more%20active%20mirror,emotions%20from%20people%20around%20them.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/highly-sensitive-person?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/highly-sensitive-person?utm_source=chatgpt.com#summary



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