Ruminate over past experiences? Easily stimulated? Maybe you feel everything deeply and have high levels of empathy for others? You could be highly sensitive. In this post, we hope that you gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a highly sensitive person, including behavioural expressions.
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Dr. Elaine Aron first started her research into High Sensitivity in 1991 and her book “The Highly Sensitive Person” was first published in 1997; subsequently, it has sold almost one million copies and is available in 17 languages. Yet in 2022, High Sensitivity still seems “under the radar”, particularly in the UK. More recent research in 2018 suggests that the original estimate of 1:5 of the population being Highly Sensitive is somewhat conservative.
So what is High Sensitivity?
Those who are Highly Sensitive have a highly developed nervous system, which displays in a number of ways. It’s a trait just like other aspects that you have been born with. You don’t need to seek treatment and you won’t find a “cure”. It’s normal to be Highly Sensitive. Scientifically known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) and is also present in many species of animals.
Dr. Aron’s acronym best sums up the key aspects of High Sensitivity:
DOES stands for Depth of Processing, Over-arousability, Emotional Intensity, and Sensory Sensitivity.
Depth of Processing is about deep thoughts and feelings, or contemplation, both of oneself and the world in general. Perhaps you take your time reflecting, possibly to the point of rumination; it could be about you, your immediate family, your career, climate emergency, animal welfare, war.
You are likely to have a highly artistic and creative aspect to you, coupled with conscientiousness; this would be offset against an awareness of failure and any consequences.
Overarousability can manifest in many ways and will be a result of too much stimulation. You might be more sensitive to caffeine, alcohol, and other drugs, both prescribed and recreational; glaring or fluorescent lights, much preferring total darkness for sleeping; noise, especially sudden, strong smells, “itchy” fabrics; too many people for the space you are in; pressure of tight deadlines such as at work or an exam. You may adapt your behaviour to reduce these common stimuli and take more time out alone to compensate.
Emotional Intensity will show in deeper, stronger, longer emotions both positive and negative; praise and criticism will affect you more. You will have a high level of empathy, possibly showing from a relatively early age, coupled with intuition and ability to be aware of others’ emotions. So you might be able to “read” others and be affected by their good/bad mood. You are not likely to enjoy watching violent films and TV programmes.
Sensory Sensitivity there is some overlap with some aspects of overarousability; would you notice whether I’ve changed a picture in my therapy room, from one wall to another, between sessions, for example?
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Written by David Wilson
David Wilson is a therapist in London.
You can contact him here: welldoing.org/therapist-list
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SaskiaHU
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I was thinking about this yesterday when I was recovering in the ward after my second RF ablation. Was reading the screen on my phone when I became aware of the dreaded migraine aura that “some” people get after ablations. Prisms of lights blocking the peripheral view lasting for around 20 mins. 2-3 hrs later been driven home from hospital I became aware of it happening again due to coming out into the brightness, again lasting approx 20 mins. A day after my previous ablation over a year ago I was working at the computer screen where I became aware of the aura lasting 20 mins. I feel sure it is due to sensitivity in some people. I too feel very uncomfortable watching TV and been aware of feelings of unease when been around total strangers. It is that constant keyed up feeling one gets which I am sure can lead to certain heart problems. Or am I talking silly? Thanks for the article very interesting.
I certainly identify with many of the traits you mention. I can take a long time to process trauma or deep thoughts, and find it difficult to discuss how I feel unless I have had adequate time to process my feelings and get them in some order of semblance.I also experience ocular migraine, particularly if I have been stressed or overtired. This happens after the event, which I find quite distressing, as it can last up to 40 minutes, I can only describe it akin to walking through a monochrome kaleidoscope. I have spoken to my gp but did not really get any real explanation or ways to deal with it. So, I found this article very informative.
That’s got me thinking. I agree with above, that your interesting article is somewhat me. I am happy to work alone or with teams but I do work alone. And notice things moved at home or work which disturbs me; I need to sweep physically and mentally what , how and why these things have changed. Like a sleuth, but in a nervy “why did someone do that” way. I also overthink everything always to my detriment. It’s impulsive. I ask myself after a time, why can’t I just relax and not notice or live with it, others can.
Thanks for posting your article. It makes me feel a little easier that I’m not so alone naturally doing and thinking the things I do. I know that seems obvious but, it’s not that obvious to me. It’s who I am.
Its me to an absolute tee. A friend and one of my sons has always said nobody views the world as you do! I thought my highly perceptive view was down to my upbringing/ star sign and maybe it is . I thought my aversion to light and noise and sometimes people and televisions was due to migraines. Interesting.
That's really interesting. I have a reaction to old places like folk museums or old buildings. I feel the energy in the air and also from touching objects. I know it sounds bizarre to some people... it can be overwhelming. I tend to avoid these places! xx
Ooow, we went to India a few years ago on tour, not with a group on our own. One tiny hotel was interesting but our room had energies which I caught on film! Glad we only stayed 1 night😳Sounds like you have Mediumistic abilities, you could develop them you can’t ignore them as Spirit won’t let you.
That is very interesting and I've been told this before but I think I'm resisting! I do tend to avoid these places with vibrations and block it out. Thanks, though.
The most recent was Grassington folk museum in Yorkshire. It was so overpowering and I honestly felt the outline of a person getting up from an ancient chair. 😲 I had to leave!
Hello, I’m loving the comments on this post. So much I recognise, empathise with and know already about myself. I’m intrigued by your comment to another person about developing their medium abilities. Can you help me by suggesting how I’d go about doing this? 🙏
You may find there is a Spiritual church near you. Some do classes in development. I’m currently taking a course at the Arthur Findlay college in Stansted. They have a web site with programmes.
Thank you for your article I am most definitely a highly sensitive person. Sounds just like me. It can be a nightmare at times. I like to get into work really early, like almost two hours early so that I can let the building slowly come alive. I hate getting in when the place is busy puts me off for the whole day.I feel other peoples emotions to so really enjoy a lot of quiet time. And I prefer the lights to be off can’t stand all that artificial light in the workplace drives me crazy.
That's me. Have been since childhood. Thanks for article. xx
Yes that’s me. Although I do enjoy violent/supernatural films/TV programmes but cannot watch anything where animals are hurt - not even nature programmes because something always dies!
Yes, sensitivity is a monumental issue and deserves constant attention for all aspects of human existence. On the other side, we may see only one side: To cope through some situations and circumstances, one may need change of course for a reality demanding action and resolve to continue. A young physician told me: "My first emergency duty was in a military base. On Saturday night the accident cases come: At first you shake, but then you got to act!"
You can learn to use your sensitivities. As I said above, I am a Medium, psychic and have been a Complementary Therapist for 25 years. Learning to accept who and what you are. I find the world hard to live in due to all the bad things happening. Yeah, I’m weird 🤣
Thank you for this information . I truly believe this describes me . Friends, and even strangers I have met have always told me I was uniquely different in a good way . I feel deeply for my loved ones, and even News Stories of traumatic events of people I don't know personally. that's me highly empathetic I will protect my loved ones, and good people who are being attacked verbally or physically without hesitation . Sooo yesss I am highly conscientious, and refuse to do anything that is even slightly wrong. Also I will not watch violent, or sexually exploitative programming . I am very sensitive to caffeine, alcohol, and even someone outdoors smoking cigarettes, legal drugs, or illegal drugs from their second hand smoke . Strong smells including perfumes/colognes, was even worse during I.V. Chemotherapy. If a clothing fabric isn't soft enough I won't buy the product(s) . Bright blue l florescent lights on my computer, or cellphone irritates me. Walking into a room filled with florescent light can be off-putting until I can adjust by focusing on something/someone else in the room. Loud noise, except when I go out dancing, or to a concert is a bit much for me. Construction sites, and people who talk way too loud Ughhhhh. Through the years I have replaced my florescent lights with LED yellower lighting. I have the brightness levels on my computer, and cellphone at 50% . I have always been a creative, artistic person. I use to paint, sketch, and even sold T-shirts years ago. I decorate on a budget just like the Youtubers. I also make some of the most beautiful gift boxes . I am getting ready to go to a girlfriends Paint, and Sip party, except I will have 1 glass of wine, and then non-alcoholic beverages after that . I also notice when a picture on my wall, or someone else's wall is off, even by 1/16th of an inch., and I will adjust it . I am very observant of my surroundings at all times, especially in public. I thank GOD he made me more sensitive, than to not have any sensitivity to others/situations. Those people are labeled Sociopaths/Psychopaths. We are all fallible, and imperfect GOD bless us all
I identify with a lot of this. From a very early age I’ve had the ability to read people (even complete stranger) and atmosphere’s around me very quickly. My mum said I’d take an instant like or dislike to adults that were introduced to me and later she’d often figure out why with each person. The earliest memory my mum has was when I was roughly 4 years old; She brought a work colleague to our home and she remembers me sitting on the opposite sofa, just staring at the lady for the duration of her visit. The lady told my mum that I’d made her feel uncomfortable and she never came back. Not long after my mum overheard a conversation at work, and it was this same lady telling someone else that she’d never had children, because she really didn’t like children at all.
My mum said that’s the first time she realised I could easily read people.
Another time was when I was roughly 14 years old, in a very large, dark play park with some friends and I just had this overwhelming feeling that we were in danger. I asked all my friends to leave with me. Luckily after a few minutes of persuading them they agreed. I say luckily, because when my parents saw the newspaper the next day… One of the headlines was that a girl had been stabbed amongst the bushes at the bottom of that park at the same time that we were there.
I have plenty of other things like this that have happened throughout my life.
If ever I take an instant dislike to a person, I know it’s “just my instincts” working again for a good reason, I will remain polite to them, and keep them at a distance as much as possible. Often it becomes apparent why very soon after meeting the person.
Recently I have been lead to believe that these are the traits of a person who has ADHD
Thank you so much, its an amazing post, answers a lot of questions and its me in so many ways - I can trace it back to childhood too, but try explaining it to someone who isn't aware of these traits. Sadly it seems to take so long to recognise these traits in yourself... Doctors tend to point towards depression etc., and offer you drugs.. when you know only too well they wont make the slightest difference other than to give you scary side effects that weren't even there till you started taking them! A forum for HSP would be really helpful.
I think that depends on the state of feeling of well being particularly if one is suffering from chronic ill health. For example in my case due to mismanagement following implant of permanent pace maker 22 years ago, I was becoming so negative about everything else which has no direct connection with the implant disorder. Prior to that I was regarded as a very calm and composed person with patience of a saint. It is only recently after years of suffering and blaming me and my family for my condition, the root cause of my condition has been unearthed. Although because of the state of NHS, I have not been able to get the appropriate therapy. However knowing very clearly now it is not my negative thinking nor the wrong attitude of my well wishers, I have hope of that things are going in the right path and one day I will be well again. Thanks, Saskia for highlighting an important feature.
Myself I feel like I'm highly sensitive person. I get emotional on small things and my reflex is little faster, so jumping to conclusion and thinking to deeply, sometimes brings soreness in my relationships with others.
I am so glad I decided to read this article, I totally fit into this group of people.
I am a nurse which is something I wanted to be from a very young age, it’s a career I have loved but has been very difficult at times, so much so that I suffered burnout some years back and was off work for 10 months.
I not only emphasise with people but feel their distress, I have tried to keep an emotional distance since returning to work.
I cannot stand being in a group where people are being loud, it’s not necessarily the loudness but I prefer one to one conversations. I was told once, I don’t talk much, but I said I listen a lot.
I remember being in the car as a child and pointing out something, saying I had been there before only to be told we had not.
I am very in tune with my body, I knew the day I conceived my children and I knew what sex they were without any scans or texts.
I found this article very interesting and comforting in a way as I now understand why I am like I am.
I also think my 5 year old grandson may have these traits.
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. I truly believe this describes me 
. Friends, and even strangers I have met have always told me I was uniquely different in a good way 
. I am very sensitive to caffeine, alcohol, and even someone outdoors smoking cigarettes, legal drugs, or illegal drugs from their second hand smoke 
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