What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?

Perhaps you’ve heard the term “highly sensitive person” (also known as an HSP) and wondered if this designation applies to you. Maybe people have always remarked that you were sensitive. You may have even been told to “toughen up,” yet you don’t want to lose your sensitivity, empathy, and imagination. Understanding what it means to be an HSP can help you find true self-acceptance.

The term “highly sensitive person” is not an official diagnosis, nor is it a mental health condition. This term primarily refers to someone’s temperament or disposition, as well as some of their prominent character traits. Here are a few common traits in highly sensitive people.

You Try To Avoid Conflict

HSPs are generally conflict-averse. You may try to avoid arguments and debates, even when you have a strong opinion on the subject. Furthermore, you’re sensitive to depictions of violence. You might not enjoy watching violent movies or TV shows or listening to music with violent music.

You’re Moved By Beauty In All Forms

HSPs don’t just respond strongly to negative situations—they are also deeply moved by beauty in its many forms. If you’re an HSP, you might have a few artistic hobbies. Even if you aren’t a writer, painter, or musician yourself, you likely have strong emotional responses to artwork of all kinds. You may find yourself tearing up at pivotal scenes in movies, beautiful paintings in art museums, or songs that tug at your heartstrings. Your favorite books, films, and albums probably have a special place in your heart!

You’re Overwhelmed By Intense Stimuli

For HSPs, being in crowds can be truly overwhelming. You might feel the urge to leave if you’re in a crowded space. Loud parties are probably not your favorite environment, and feeling cramped in spaces with lots of people can make you feel nervous. You might experience similar feelings if you’re sitting in traffic, working in a crowded office, or living in a neighborhood with high noise levels.

While not every HSP is an introvert, you probably share this trait with your introverted friends! Overall, you have trouble enjoying situations where you’re consistently exposed to high levels of stimulation, and you’d prefer something more low-key.

You Need Lots Of Downtime

Maybe you have some friends who seem to thrive with long to-do lists and heavy workloads. The busier they are, the happier they seem to be—juggling lots of responsibilities gives them a sense of purpose and pushes them to be productive. On the other hand, if you’re an HSP, you likely need lots of downtime! Plenty of HSPs are passionate about their careers, hobbies, and caring for their families, and they don’t shy away from hard work. But they like to have plenty of time to recharge, and they are often more susceptible to burnout.

You Have A Complex Inner Life

HSPs can feel like they pick up on everything. They’re generally very empathetic and sensitive to other people’s emotions. But you don’t always know how to verbalize everything that you’re feeling—and sometimes, you choose not to speak up because you feel like no one else will quite understand what you’re feeling. Many HSPs have wild imaginations as children, and this doesn’t stop in adulthood. This is partially why so many HSPs are drawn to creative pursuits. Art gives them an outlet for expressing themselves fully, which they don’t always feel comfortable doing in their day-to-day lives.

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Are you having trouble navigating life as a highly sensitive person? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.