Being one of the highly sensitive people in society means your nervous system is wired somewhat differently than others. You process information more deeply than most; you can detect other people’s emotions and feel them as if they are your own. You might be affected by certain environments in ways that others aren’t.

It takes time to understand how you are different from others, and it might result in feeling like a complicated burden. Being a Highly Sensitive Person is a gift, although it might take a change of perspective to see things this way.

Five Affirmations to Help Highly Sensitive People

1. I have well-defined emotional intelligence

Highly Sensitive People tend to be compassionate, empathetic, and tender-hearted. They might be triggered by something as simple as a text message or become emotional over a scene in a movie. It’s hard to regulate such emotional ups and downs, but it’s even more of a challenge when it starts affecting our self-esteem.

A helpful perspective is to know that you are not a burden. You possess an advanced ability that requires some insight. It is a gift that allows you to connect with people and helps them to feel seen and understood. You might struggle to understand your own emotions, but that is part of the adventure of being highly sensitive.

2. I have unique preferences and needs

If you have ever felt overwhelmed in a noisy, busy, or brightly lit environment, this could indicate that you are highly sensitive. Highly Sensitive People might panic in a small, crowded space or get exhausted in a bright, noisy environment. This is due to their nervous system taking in far more information than the average person, resulting in agitated emotions.

There is no shame in withdrawing from spaces that feel agitating, even if you struggle to explain why you need to. You may rather be alone in a quiet space or dimly lit room where you can center yourself. These preferences are valid, however unusual they might seem at the time.

3. I function on a different level than most

One of the greatest challenges Highly Sensitive People face is being understood. Often, HSPs don’t fully understand themselves. They have emotions that are triggered by seemingly benign things, and anxiety that spikes without warning. On the surface, these things might seem to be irrational, but in the context of being highly sensitive, they are perfectly normal.

High sensitivity often resembles autism, ADHD, CPTSD, or Bipolar Disorder. It might coexist with such conditions, but it is unique. Although there is no medical diagnosis for highly sensitive people, the emotions and experiences you have are unique and valid.

4. I am affected by stimulus, and thats okay

Another way in which High Sensitivity is unique is in terms of anxiety. A Highly Sensitive Person might have an anxiety disorder, or they might simply be an anxious person. High Sensitivity, like anxiety, affects the nervous system. Highly Sensitive People are often described as “highly strung” or “tightly wound.”

If you are highly sensitive, it’s important to take note of the things that trigger your anxiety. This might be physical environments, visually disturbing things like action or horror movies, or intense information like news headlines about tragedies. Sometimes people drain your batteries, especially in the case of high-energy extroverts.

You might not be able to avoid all of your triggers all of the time, but you can pay careful attention to your needs when you are feeling raw. The best you can do in such times is to avoid anything that might trigger a downward spiral for your mental health.

5. I am unique and passionate

As any school child will tell you, being different often means being a target for bullying. As an adult, you might sometimes bully yourself for not being able to fit in. Being highly sensitive can be difficult to deal with, but it’s worse when you try to change yourself.

Navigating High Sensitivity

Being a Highly Sensitive Person means being emotionally mature, empathetic, and unique. You often help others feel seen, heard, understood, and appreciated. You have particular needs and certain triggers, and at times, you absorb so much information that you might need time to regulate your emotions. None of this is shameful, even if it is hard to deal with. The more patience you have for yourself, the more you can lean into and even celebrate your peculiarities.

If you are struggling or if you simply want to understand more about yourself, Christian counseling in Carlsbad, California could help. If you would like to meet with a Christian counselor in Carlsbad, contact our office today at Carlsbad Christian Counseling, and we will connect you with someone. You are not alone. Help is in reach.

Photo:
“Green Plants”, Courtesy of Joe Eitzen, Unsplash.com, Unsplash+ License

Categories: Featured, Individual Counseling4.1 min read
  • As a native of Zimbabwe, Africa I have always used what I have to help where and whomever I can. I became a certified counselor immediately after leaving school, and have worked in charities, missions, and community projects and churches ever since....

DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

Articles are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All opinions expressed by authors and quoted sources are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, publishers or editorial boards of Stone Oak Christian Counseling. This website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.