Many people do not know the abbreviation HSP

High sensitivity, curse or gift? What exactly is HSP? It is more common than people think, but not many people know about it. What characteristics does it have and how do you deal with it?

What is high sensitivity?

HSP stands for High Sensitive Person. A highly sensitive person. It is not a disease, but rather a character trait that has many different qualities. These people experience the outside world so much more intensely and are much more sensitive than average. They barely filter external stimuli, which are both physical and emotional. They prefer to avoid social events and/or crowds. They perceive everything much better than others, such as moods or body language. That is why they can empathize so immensely, including in someone else’s situation. Highly sensitive people are the best artists. They are also much more sensitive to smells, light, sound, tastes, etc. Anyway, HSPs differ from person to person, they experience everything in their own way.

Characteristics

General

They often like to be alone.
They need more rest than other people.
They are often very conscientious.
Their state of mind is influenced by others.
Get carried away by art and/or music. These aspects also have a great influence on them.
They stick to the rules, they are afraid that their punishment will be unbearable for them.

Physically

They look around a lot and therefore notice a lot.
They hear much more sensitively, a higher volume is already too sharp for them.
They are more irritated. Even through the smallest detail.
They react intensely to physical pain.
They like to observe and prefer to stand on the sidelines.
Their eyes are also more sensitive, for example they would put on sunglasses more quickly than someone else.

Emotional

They sense emotions and moods well.
They quickly worry about themselves and others.
Their empathy is enormous.
They see and understand the vulnerability of others.
They often need more time to get used to new things.
They prefer to be in a quiet environment with not too many people.
Letting go is difficult for them, they do not cope well with changing circumstances.
They don’t like sudden surprises.
They do not like to be the center of attention.

Mentally

They have a good memory.
They have a large vocabulary for their age.
They ask deeper questions.
They do not like to repeat and keep practicing.
They quickly associate from one thought to another.
They would like to know endlessly “why”.
They prefer to read with experience rather than understanding.
They clam up or even become nervous when they are asked closed/factual questions.
Structure and organization are more difficult for them.
They have a good feeling for foreign languages, but they prefer to learn them by doing and not from a book.

Spiritual

They mainly focus on peace and love. That’s why they will do everything they can to keep the peace.
They are full of zest for life, they are enthusiastic and cheerful.
They possess their own wisdom and follow a specific path.
They attach themselves to the truth.
They often possess telepathic abilities.
They show their respect towards everything and everyone.
They often think deeply about life’s questions.

Curse or gift?

Highly sensitive people are certainly not cursed! Because HSPs have a well-developed intuition and often have many interests. Furthermore, they are very caring and quickly gain insight into a situation. More positive qualities are:

Have great empathy.
They feel everything better; people, nature, animals,…
They think more often and live more on their feelings than on their minds.
When there are no distractions, they can concentrate very well.
They are very creative and are good at it.
They are sensory stronger.
They are more careful.
They are more emotionally aware.

Which does not mean that an HSP cannot have negative qualities. Sometimes fear of failure or other fears prevents them from doing anything at all. They must also be careful not to be completely “drained” by others, they are more irritable when they no longer have energy (for themselves).Other less nice features are:

They become over-stimulated/tired more quickly.
They are less able to tolerate too much or too much fuss for too long.
They need a lot of time for themselves.
They are hurt faster/easier.
Some are unhealthy perfectionists.
They are easily carried away by the emotions of others.
They deal with their culture differently.
Are very concerned about others.

How do you deal with it?

As a patient:

Lesson number 1: Take care of yourself! The difficult thing about this is that you have to find your own way to deal with it. Not all tips and advice “work” for everyone. Above all, take time for yourself and give yourself rest. For example, read a book, watch a movie, go for a walk in the woods or meditate. Try to bring regularity into your life, this will ensure that you become less likely to become overstimulated. Also teach yourself to sense: what can I handle, what cannot? How do I feel physically/emotionally? See what can help you feel better. For example, if you cannot cope well with the hustle and bustle around you, find a quieter place. Or plan a less busy route. Look at your situation from a distance. Sometimes you see that things can be done differently and you may already feel better. When you feel like it’s all getting a bit too much, try taking a break. Or try to isolate yourself for a while to catch your breath. Furthermore, it is good to learn to accept your high sensitivity. Please know that it is completely normal for this to take time.

As an outsider:

As an outsider, you naturally have to deal with an HSP differently. For example, do not push him/her if the person indicates that enough is enough or is unable to handle a situation or confrontation, for example. As a mother, it is best that you do not punish your child when he or she does not want to cooperate or is difficult. Teach your child that it is okay for him/her to be this way. This way you encourage their self-confidence. HSPs like attention. Try to give it so lovingly because they will quickly notice if you are not sincere. They also like to have a sense of security, a place to retreat. This way you can make the person in question feel safe. Try to put HSPs at ease. They feel uncomfortable quite quickly. In short: try to understand and show understanding! HSPs are not abnormal, just different.

Interesting books:

Living with high sensitivity – Susan Marletta-Hart
Survival Guide for Highly Sensitive People – Ted Zeff
Workbook for highly sensitive people – Ted Zeff
Stay on top of your work for highly sensitive people – Barrie Jaeger
The Highly Sensitive Child – Elaine N. Aron
Highly Sensitive People in Love – Elaine N. Aron
Sensitivity and Self-Protection – Judy Hall