HSP: Highly sensitive people

Have you ever experienced emotions with overwhelming intensity? Have you become sensitive to everyday stimuli or have you wondered why some things affect you more than others? If so, you may be one of those highly sensitive people (HSPs) who see and feel the world in a unique way.

There is a percentage of the population that is affected by different stimuli to a greater extent than the rest, and consequently reacts more exaggeratedly to them. Highly sensitive people are characterized by living life in a much more intense way than other people.

In this article, we will explore in depth what it means to be a highly sensitive person. Additionally, we will offer valuable practical advice to help HSPs manage their sensitivity in a nurturing and effective way.

What is a highly sensitive person?

Dr. Elaine Aron was the visionary who coined the term highly sensitive personalso known as people with high sensitivity (PAS) or people with sensory processing sensitivity (SPS).

Based on its predecessors, These subjects have a more developed neurosensory system than most, allowing them to receive an avalanche of sensory information from their environment. This peculiarity amplifies their capacity for perception, sensation, analysis and response to the stimuli that surround them.

It should be noted that high sensitivity is a personality trait, not a psychopathological disorder. According to the Association of People with High Sensitivity of Spain, approximately 20% of the world’s population shares this trait.

Despite the strengths they possess, high sensitivity is often misunderstood by society, leading these people to feel misunderstood and different in a world that values ​​toughness and extroversion.

Characteristics of people with high sensitivity

Highly sensitive subjects stand out for their intuition, empathy and love of reflection., qualities that differentiate them in a society that usually values ​​speed and toughness. Below, we explore its unique characteristics and peculiarities:

Intuition and empathy: Intuition and empathy usually predominate, which allows them to connect deeply with others, despite their shyness.Preference for solitude: They often prefer solitude as a refuge to process their emotions and recharge.:Intensity in life: They live life intensely, staying alert to everything that is happening around them, which can be exhausting.Sensory hypersensitivity: They have difficulty tolerating intense sensory stimuli, such as loud noises and unpleasant odors, as well as situations that involve change or public attention.Frustration with lack of sensitivity: They tend to interpret most people around them as insensitive, superficial and indifferent, which can affect their senses and emotional well-being.Perception of subtleties: They stand out for their keen perception of subtleties, such as detecting lies, emotional changes and small details of behavior that go unnoticed by others.High reactivity: High ethical ideals of justice, honesty, creativity and meteosensitivity.Overstimulation: In crowded environments, they tend to feel overstimulated.

Pillars of the HSP trait

The previously mentioned characteristics can be grouped into four pillars, according to Dr. Aron’s DOES Model. These can be summarized as follows:

1. Depth in processing (depth of processing)

It refers to the tendency, conscious or unconscious, to process information exhaustively. Presents a tendency to analyze information in an intense and reflective manner.

Highly sensitive people use areas of the brain related to deep processing, such as the insula, which is linked to perception and consciousness.

2. Overstimulation (overstimulation)

It consists of the propensity to experience states of sensory saturation due to the large amount of stimuli they process and the presence of a more sensitive neurosensory system than usual.

3. Emotional Reactivity (emotional reactivity)

It involves an intense experience of emotions, both positive and negative. This emotional reactivity is closely related to high levels of empathy.

4. Sensing the subtle)

It refers to the great sensitivity to detect subtleties and changes in the environmentwhether physical, behavioral or emotional, both in oneself and in the people around them.

These guidelines are fundamental and must be present in a person to confirm that they are an HSP.

Demystifying people with high sensitivity (PAS)

It is essential to clarify these confusions and maintain the concept of PAS defined by Dr. Elaine Aron. Accurate understanding of this trait benefits everyone and avoids unnecessary stigmatization or misunderstanding.

It is not the same as being hypersensitive. It is not a disorder, but a trait. It is not necessarily being susceptible. It does not imply being introverted by default. It is not related to allergies or intolerances. It is not the same as having high abilities. It is not synonymous with spirituality or clairvoyance. It is not linked to autoimmune diseases. It is not synonymous with great intuitive capacity.

Practical tips

So, if you identify as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), consider these practical tips to live in a more balanced and satisfying way:

1. Identify your triggers

Recognize your personal overstimulation triggers and find practical ways to reduce their impact on your daily life.. For example, recognizing when you need to take a break and retreat to a quiet place when you feel overwhelmed by stimuli or emotions.

This simple adjustment will make a big difference in your daily life and will allow you to better deal with the overstimulation and anxiety that comes with high sensitivity.

2. Recognize your positive qualities

Take time to care for yourself, find your balance, and celebrate your qualities as an HSP, such as creativity, loyalty, and your appreciation for the arts.

In addition, practice self-care. Take short retreats and relaxation activities to manage your emotions and restructure your thinking

3. Cope with stress positively

Instead of avoiding stressful and anxious situations, Look for techniques to deal with the stress and anxiety that these awaken in you.. For example, you can apply techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.

When you are faced with a stressful situation that awakens your sensitivity, taking a few minutes to focus on your breathing, inhaling and exhaling deeply can help you calm down.

Also, you can incorporate gentle exercises, such as yoga, tai chi, or walking, into your daily routine to maintain calm and physical and emotional well-being.

4. Open communication

Communicating your needs to the people around you is essential, not only to avoid annoying stimuli, but also to build stronger relationships.

It is important that those around you understand the nature of experiencing intense emotions and are willing to work with you to find solutions together. To the promote an environment of support and open communicationyou will be able to navigate more effectively through emotional ups and downs, strengthening your relationships and emotional well-being.

5. Seek professional help

If you consider therapy, choose a professional who is familiar with HSP and is willing to learn about this trait to provide you with appropriate support.

PAS as a personality trait

In short, being a highly sensitive person (HSP) is a personality trait that entails depth of processing, a tendency toward overstimulation, emotional intensity, and great sensitivity to the subtleties of the environment.

Despite the challenges it may present in a society that values ​​toughness and extroversion, HSPs have unique gifts that include empathy, creativity, and appreciation of beauty. With self-care and self-awareness practices, highly sensitive people can live full, enriching lives that celebrate their uniqueness and contribute positively to the world around them.

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