Is this really a ‘thing’ or, simply a justification for not addressingemotional maturity? Relatively new scientific research concludes that one-third of the population are ‘highly sensitive’ persons. The study of epigenetics has uncovered the link between high levels of Cortisol as a key predictor and can be passed to babies in utero from a stressed mother. Your genes are 47% responsible for how sensitive you are and 53% comes from environmental influences. Researchers believe that our experiences in the first few years of life are especially important as stated in the book ‘Sensitive ~ The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-much World’ by, Jenn Granneman & Andre Solo, pub. 2023.
They have identified three main ways that people differ in their sensitivity. Low sensory threshold: How attuned you are to your environment and how quickly you become overstimulated. This would show up by being overwhelmed in a crowd or busy places. Having strong reactions to small amounts of caffeine or medication, bothered by loud noises, scratchy textures, or bright lights. Sensitive to slight changes in temperature. Ease of excitation: A super feeler, easily respond to emotional stimuli, both from inside yourself and from others. This type of sensitivity often comes with an innate ability to read people, but means you could stress over details by easily absorbing other peoples moods and emotions. You may need lots of downtime to calm your nervous system and recharge your energy. You may experience strong sense of shame if you’ve made a mistake, or have a high startle reflex. Aesthetic sensitivity: You pay close attention to details in your surroundings. You are someone who has a special appreciation for beauty and art. The aesthetic has a rich, imaginative inner world, notice small details that others miss, are more deeply moved by music, plays, scenes in nature, etc.
Personally, I am grateful to have an understanding of the roots of my HSP. This new research allows me to start embracing the gifts that many of these traits bring. My daughter brought the concept of a highly sensitive person to my attention about 6 months ago. She sent me an article describing it and asked “Mom, do you resonate with this, because I sure do!” The messages from my youth were that I was ‘too much’ or ‘not enough’, or ‘needed fixing’. It’s a struggle to have feelings that no one understands you, you feel ‘different’ and you don’t measure up. The epigenetic studies of how a mother is feeling, especially during the last trimester of her pregnancy would be true in terms of passing on the high levels of Cortisol to my unborn daughter, as well as what was going on in my mother’s life when she was carrying me.
Positive and negative attributes come in many aspects of life, and as an HSP chances are greater that you will attract narcissistic, toxic, or controlling personalities to yourself, due to your high level of empathy. The sensitive person typically has more challenges in relationships than non-sensitive types for various other reasons. If you are an Enneagram 2 or 4, BEWARE!! You also may be someone who craves deeper connections than many people are able to give. It may be a real challenge to find “your people” who not only understand you, but appreciate your sensitivity. However, when you’re aware of these challenges, you can embrace the gifts you share with others and not be taken advantage of.
What else can HSP’s do to navigate this loud, busy, too-much world? I’ve been giving lots of new attention to my sensory nervous system. Learning interoceptive practices like mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork to calm my mind and body. Positive affirmations and scriptures related to ‘renewing my mind’. Learning the science and process behind neuroplasticity and ridding my body from past trauma. Monitoring my bodies sensations and physical schedule so I don’t get overstimulated. Setting healthy boundaries, knowing what is good and right for me, and voicing boundaries without guilt has been an area I’m making strides in.
Gratefully, through scientific studies and new books published about Highly Sensitive People, the societal stigma that negatively categorizes sensitive people may begin to change. For me as a Transformational Life Coach, I believe the strengths I bring my clients are being intuitive and attentive to their unspoken words through body language, emotion and tone, comfort in deep conversation, creative thinking and vision, and empathy with purpose-driven results.
