Everyone has a different level of sensitivity to environmental stimuli. However, for some people, their sensitivity to various emotional and sensory stimuli is much greater than for most people. They are known as Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP), i.e., very sensitive people. In this article, we look at what a highly sensitive person is, their characteristics, and how we can better understand and support them.
What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is a term introduced by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron to describe individuals who respond more strongly to emotional, sensory, and environmental stimuli around them. They are generally more sensitive to mood swings, stress, noise, light, and other small details that others may overlook.
Characteristics of Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
- Environmental Concern: HSPs tend to pay more attention to and process environmental information. They can be irritated by excessive noise, high brightness, or strong odors.
- Intense emotional response: HSPs have high levels of empathy and often feel and respond more deeply to other people's feelings. They are more sensitive to stress and emotional distress and may need time to recover from emotionally charged experiences.
- Uncomfortable with Conflicts: Emotional conflict and abuse can significantly impact HSPs, and they are more likely to look for reconciliation when trying to resolve differences. They may feel fearful or intimidated by the confrontation.
- Need Personal Space: HSPs often need time alone to process and rejuvenate themselves after interacting in a noisy or stimulating environment.
- Thinking Things Through: HSPs often process information more insightfully and reflectively. They tend to reflect on life experiences, consider consequences, and look for meaning in everything.
Tips for Understanding Highly Sensitive People (HSP)
- Increasing Awareness and Acceptance: Knowing and understanding that HSP emotional and sensory sensitivity is their natural trait is the first step in supporting them.
- Create a Supportive Environment: Creating a calm, organized, and controlled environment can help reduce stress for HSPs. Think of lighting, noise, and overcrowding in their daily activities.
- Offer Emotional Support: Listen carefully to HSPs and give them space to talk about their feelings without fear of being judged or belittled.
- Respect the Need for Personal Space: HSP may need regular alone time to manage overstimulation. Respect their need to be alone and don't take it as unfriendly.
- Encourage Self-care: Help HSPs identify self-care activities that help them feel calm and balanced, such as meditation, yoga, or walking in nature.
A highly sensitive person (HSP) is a person who has a higher sensitivity to emotional and sensory stimuli. They feel and react more deeply to the world, influencing their interactions with their environment. To create an inclusive and supportive environment, we must understand and respect the uniqueness of HSP. By following these tips, we can help HSPs feel welcome and maximize their potential to live a healthy and happy life.
Siti Hawa
24 Jul, 2023 05:41Hy...