I am a highly sensitive person (HSP) and I discovered this about myself, as an adult, even though this is who I have been my whole life: someone with high sensitivity.
Could it be as simple as: “because the sky is blue it makes me cry?” Yes, I agree that it can be relatable to the psychedelic tune the Beatles sang long ago, Because…it’s as simple as is sounds.
An HSP has their five senses elevated to a level that includes heightened emotions. They usually have an adverse childhood experience (ACE) that is a constant struggle, even in adulthood. Crying happens regularly, so does depression, and addiction is a very common coping mechanism.
Just to name a few personality traits, but that is the reality for me to admit that I am an HSP.
No, I am not too sensitive.
No, I am not shy.
This is a normal trait to have!
My sensitivity is an asset,
and I need to continue treating it this way.
To name something that helps me cope with high sensitivity is being creative. I have always been comfortable writing stories and opening my mind to an imaginary land that is built inside my own head. This is the place where I have created the best imaginary friends, as a child, and as an adult I use their names in my fiction stories.
Another thing that helps take the edge off my sensitivity is physical activity. I self-admit to being a muscle head in college and I honestly took too many gym classes they all didn’t count towards my Health & Fitness Bachelor’s degree (smh). Playing sports and increasing my heart rate has always been something I’m craving as an HSP.
Reading The Highly Sensitive Person’s Guide to Dealing with Toxic People by Shahida Arabi, MD is what truly opened my mind for accepting myself as I am. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever struggled to understand, handle, and survive toxic people.
Being alive is something to be thankful for. I have the emotional strength of someone much older than 36 only because I embraced my high sensitivity at a young age. I feel and believe the best years are still yet to come.
The Highly Sensitive Person’s Guide to Dealing with Toxic People by Shahida Arabi, MD
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Jenni Laplow 