Do you often feel overwhelmed by your emotions, exhausted by stimuli or out of step with others?
Hypersensitivity, far from weakness, can become a real strength if you learn to understand, manage and benefit from it.
As a specialist in HIP and hypersensitivity, I have accompanied hundreds of people to turn their sensitivity into an asset. I will guide you to better live with your hypersensitivity and find a calming balance in your daily life.
i Hypersensitivity: what is it?
Let's start by defining what a person is Highly Sensitive Person.
Definition of hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity refers to a personality trait characterized by a more intense responsiveness to internal and external stimulation. It manifests itself by amplified emotional or sensory reactions, making daily life sometimes difficult to manage.
Contrary to what one might think, hypersensitivity is neither a disease nor a psychological disorder. It is a way of working that, well understood, can become a real force.
Hypersensitivity is estimated to affect 20% of the world population.
Hypersensitivity
There are two main forms of hypersensitivity: emotional and sensory.
- LEmotional hypersensitivity concerns an increased perception of emotions, both his and others. This often results in sharp reactions to events perceived as anodizing by the majority;
- Lsensory hypersensitivity is manifested by increased responsiveness to physical stimuli such as noise, light, or textures, making certain environments difficult to withstand. We're talking abouthyperaesthesia.
Among the variations in this trait are "classic" hypersensitivity and "empathic" hypersensitivity.
- LClassic hypersensitivity focus on increased sensitivity to stimuli, causing emotional overload and a tendency to isolation to avoid discomfort.
- Lempathic hypersensitivity, for its part, implies an ability to feel intensely the emotions of others, to the point of sometimes losing the distinction between one's own feelings and those of others. This type of hypersensitivity is often observed in highly empathic people, who intuitively capture the emotional state of others without a protective filter.
Hypersensitivity can sometimes be confused with other traits, such as the Emotional High Potential (HEP) or High Intellectual Potentials (HIP).
- People HEP share similarities with hypersensitive people, especially in the richness of their emotional life, but are distinguished by their ability to quickly deal with complex emotional information. They have someEmotional intelligence.
- The HIPIn turn, they have a great intellectual capacity, combined with increased sensitivity that can influence their perception of the world.
Causes of hypersensitivity
The origins of hypersensitivity are varied and include genetic, environmental and psychological factors.
I was talking about the causes of hypersensitivity in my video on the hypersensitive brain :
What are the symptoms of hypersensitivity?
Hypersensitivity is manifested by increased emotional intensity and sensory reactivity.
Main signs of hypersensitivity
Here are the characteristics of hypersensitivity :
- You probably feel amplified emotions, a phenomenon called emotional hyperaesthesia. A simple sad film or an anodine remark can trigger deep reactions.
- The sensory stimuli, like bright light, sudden noises or strong smells, can also overwhelm you, forcing you to look for quieter environments. LHighly Sensitive Person needs time alone.
- The physical manifestations hypersensitivity is common. You can feel intense fatigue even after an ordinary day, as your nervous system is constantly working to manage perceived information.
- Linsomnia is common among hypersensitive people, because your mind has difficulty disconnecting and relaxing.
- The chronic pain, such as headaches or muscle tensions, can also accompany this heightened sensitivity.
Behavioural signs
On the behavioural level, you might observe:
- One exacerbated empathy, a real ability to capture the emotions of others, sometimes at the expense of your own well-being. This empathy, while precious, often makes you vulnerable to emotional stress.
- Lhypervigilance is another common sign: you constantly stay on the alert, looking for any variation in your environment.
- The rumination, this tendency to restate negative thoughts, may also prevent you from finding inner peace.
Associated disorders
Hypersensitive patients are more likely to develop associated disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or compulsive behaviour Like eating disorders.
For example, it often happens to feel a diffuse anxiety after an animated conversation, as if the emotions present had literally invaded.
Where to do a hypersensitivity test?
If you want to check if you are Highly Sensitive Person1 hypersensitivity test realized by a specialist can give you clear answers.
Connect The Dots proposes theHyperFeel testa unique tool to detect hypersensitivity.
The positive points of this test compared to the others:
- It explores the various facets of emotional and sensory sensitivity, offering you a overall understanding of your operation.
- Not just asking standardized questions. It includes concrete situations that analyze how you react in everyday life. The process also evaluatesdevelopment of your hypersensitivity from childhood to adulthood. Each answer is carefully studied by Paul Dugué, guaranteeing a personalized and detailed analysis.
- You receive a complete return including an overall score and specific recommendations to your profile.
- In addition to the score, the test provides you with a PDF guide to better live with your hypersensitivity and, if the results confirm this, an official certificate certifying your profile Highly Sensitive Person.
This in-depth review can be a first step towards a better understanding of yourself.
How to live with hypersensitivity?
Living with hypersensitivity may seem difficult, but it is possible to turn this particularity into an asset.
Making hypersensitivity a force
The first step is to accept as it is. Recognizing your strengths, such as your empathy and creativity, allows you to value this sensitivity rather than perceive it as a weakness. Your unique qualities can enrich your relationships and boost your creative potential.
To manage hyperstimulation moments, it is essential to create a soothing environment.
- Prefer calm spaces and reduce the sources of stimuli that tire you, such as noise or strong light.
- Feel free to temporarily isolate yourself to replenish you. For example, I used to give me silent breaks after a busy day. A few minutes alone in a dark room help me to regain my calm and refocus myself. Rest Highly Sensitive Person is very important.
Emotional and sensory management techniques
Adopting emotional and sensory management techniques can also help you.
- Relaxation, deep breathing and meditation of full consciousness are effective practices to calm your nervous system. They allow you to better manage intense emotions by observing them without judging them. This is what we call the emotional regulation.
- Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (CCT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) can also be very beneficial. They offer concrete tools to regulate your automatic thoughts and improve your interactions with others.
Protecting from emotional overload
Protecting your emotional balance requires learning clear limits in your relationships.
Learn to say no without guilt, to withdraw when you feel overwhelmed. To me, setting limits was a revelation: I learned not to feel compelled to absorb everything from others, thus protecting me from emotional exhaustion.
To avoid overload, it is crucial to manage your time carefully.
- Schedule breaks in your day and be sure not to overload your calendar.
- Reconnect regularly to yourself, by practicing activities that soothe you, such as reading, writing or simply a walk in nature. These moments of reconnection are essential to recharge your batteries and maintain a balanced state of mind.
Conclusion: what is it? Highly Sensitive Person ?
Hypersensitivity, far from being an obstacle, can become a real force when you learn to recognize, manage and value it. Understanding your reactions and accepting your particularities allows you to live better with this unique sensitivity.
By adopting appropriate strategies, such as temporary isolation, the management of emotions through full consciousness or the establishment of limits, you turn this trait into a valuable asset.
Rather than considering hypersensitivity as a weakness, see it as a wealth that connects you more deeply to the world and others. Your ability to feel intensely is a rare quality. It is quite possible to be Highly Sensitive Person and happy.
For me, accepting my own sensitivity has allowed me to develop a better understanding of myself and others. By listening and valuing who you are, you can make your hypersensitivity a source of pride and development.
FAQ – high sensitivity
Can I become less sensitive with time?
It is possible to better manage your hypersensitivity adopting appropriate strategies. Cognitive and behavioural therapy (CCT) or full consciousness helps you tame your reactions. You will not change your basic sensitivity, but you will learn to live better with it. Some hypersensitive people report that with age and experience, they feel more balanced and less overwhelmed by their emotions. It is a process of acceptance and management that allows you to adapt and make the most of your sensitivity.
Is hypersensitivity related to other disorders?
Hypersensitivity may be associated with disorders such as anxiety or depression, but not directly caused. Hypersensitive people often feel emotions more intensely, which can make them vulnerable to mood disorders or compulsions. However, it is important to differentiate your hypersensitivity from these states to better target the appropriate support. Consulting a professional such as a psychologist or therapist can help you make the difference and find solutions tailored to your situation.
Can hypersensitivity be treated with medicines?
Hypersensitivity is not a pathology, so it does not require specific medication treatment. However, if accompanied by other issues such as anxiety or depression, a health care professional may recommend temporary treatment for these conditions. Managing hypersensitivity is mainly based on behavioural strategies, relaxation techniques, and an environment adapted to your needs. Consult a specialist, such as Paul Dugué from Connect The Dots, can also guide you through this process and offer you personalized advice.
How do I explain my hypersensitivity to my surroundings?
Explain to your loved ones that your hypersensitivity is not a choice but a way of working. Stress that you feel things more intensely, which can affect you differently from others. Sharing your needs, like having moments of calm, can help your loved ones better understand you and adjust their behaviour. Using concrete examples of your daily life will make it easier for them to project themselves into your reality and realize that this sensitivity can also be a quality.
Can hypersensitivity affect my working life?
Hypersensitivity can be a challenge at work, especially in noisy, stressful, or unempathetic environments. However, it can also become an asset if you learn to take advantage of it. Your sensitivity can make you particularly attentive to details, creative, or excellent in relational trades. Adapt your work environment as much as possible: wear noise-resistant headphones, arrange a quiet space, and impose regular breaks. Your sensitivity, well managed, can distinguish you and bring a unique value to your professional career.
