what does it mean to be a highly sensitive Person?

It took me a while to understand what it meant to be a highly sensitive person (HSP). I thought it was someone who reacted strongly to situations and if I’m being truthful, I thought it was someone who over-reacted. Come to find out I am somewhat correct. As with most things, there is just more to it. Highly sensitive persons react more strongly to internal and external stimuli such as pain, hunger, light, and noise. They are also more upset than others by tension and feelings of being overwhelmed. And they tend to have a more complex inner life.

Just to be clear, it is not a mental health disorder but rather a personality trait that exists in a person to varying degrees. This personality trait is known as sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS). I’m actually relieved to know that there is a term for it. I always wondered why I am sensitive to noise and light. I am also highly sensitive to violence, tragedy, and tension which are part of being an SPS. I am not one of those people who slow down on the highway when they see an accident. I make sure I add news blackouts to my routine as news stories about wars and death disturb me more than the average person. I always turn the channel when the ads about cruelty to animals come on.

You may think this is a form of sticking your head in the sand. Make no mistake, it is self-preservation for a highly sensitive person.

If you are wondering if you are an HSP, here are a few indicators:

You experience emotions more deeply than the average person. A sad movie or even a touching ad can trigger tears (ME!). You appreciate natural beauty on a profound level and you are deeply moved by art and music.

You feel physical sensations intensely. In other words, you are hyper-aware of physical sensations, such as being more aware of noise and light. Another personal example is that I feel an all-over body tingling when I almost hurt myself if I trip on a rug or miss a step.

You think deeply. You tend to take in more information…