High sensitivity – or highly sensitive person (HSP) – is not a disorder or diagnosis, but rather a personality trait. It means your nervous system is more finely tuned, which makes you process stimuli from both the outside world and your inner world (thoughts, emotions) more deeply and intensely.
Highly sensitive people often:
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Notice more subtle details (sounds, smells, the atmosphere in a room)
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Process information more deeply
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Experience emotions more intensely (their own and others’)
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Are often empathetic, intuitive, and creative
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Are more easily overstimulated by noise, crowds, conflict, or chaos
It’s as if your inner antenna is set to a higher frequency than average.
Common traits of HSPs:
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You quickly pick up on other people’s moods or tension
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You need time to process impressions (e.g., after a busy day)
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You’re sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, or hectic environments
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You’re deeply moved by art, music, nature, or people
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You have a strong sense of justice
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You tend to overthink or analyze deeply (sometimes leading to worry)
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You need alone time to recharge
Important: You have the trait of high sensitivity – you’re not “being sensitive” in a negative way. Just like someone has blue eyes, about 15–20% of people are highly sensitive – equally distributed among men and women.
What if you don’t manage your sensitivity well?
Without proper self-care, HSPs may experience:
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Fatigue or overstimulation
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Excessive worrying
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Difficulty setting boundaries
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Low mood, anxiety, or signs of burnout
But: when you learn how to work with your sensitivity, it becomes a superpower.
You live with greater awareness, feel what others need, and reflect deeply on life.
With love, Gulschen