Being Highly Sensitive

Some people are highly sensitive and others not, we’re all different. Both have their gifts and challenges. Being a very sensitive person means being aware of everyone’s emotions around you, and picking up on the energy of a person, site or situation. Usually it also means being hyper-aware of what is going on inside, in your body, thoughts, emotion and intuition. It also means heightened physical senses, taking in more physical information from the outer world than most. The problem is, what to do with all this information, especially when its overwhelming.

This world is not overly kind or welcoming to sensitives, or even understanding. Cultural norms often support being outwardly-focused, tough and productive. What happens to a super-sensitive child trying to grow up in an insensitive environment? They often close down awareness of their feelings and inner voice, to pretend to fit the world around them. This often ends up in constant, low-grade anxiety or depression. They often feel bad about themselves, learning to hate their inner world rather than work with and for themselves. They feel responsible for all the challenging emotions others bring, taking it on themselves to let others feel better, but ending up with overwhelmed nervous systems and the resultant psychosomatic problems. Recognizing this is children allows family and school to help the child learn how to deal with the world, and look after themselves in it.

How do sensitive adults fare? Many have recognized how they operate and have learned skills to look after themselves in the world. Others think there is something wrong with them because they don’t fit the world like others. If so, they have often attracted friends and family who don’t see or respect their sensitivity. Learning to love oneself with all your strengths and weaknesses, have clear needs and limits, and choose how best to deal with situations all help you work in-line with yourself.