Ontario TogetherEmbracing Sensitivity: Nurturing Your Strengths as a Highly Sensitive Person
By Melissa Reid, MSW, RSW
In my years as a therapist, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals who possess a unique trait: high sensitivity. It’s not just characterized by feeling emotions intensely or being easily moved; it’s a deeper responsiveness to stimuli that can significantly impact daily life. If you find yourself easily overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or strong emotions, you might be a highly sensitive person (HSP).
What does it mean to be highly sensitive?
Highly sensitive people make up about 15-20% of the population, according to research by Dr. Elaine Aron, who pioneered the study of this trait. HSPs process sensory information more deeply than others, which means they tend to notice subtleties that others may miss. This heightened sensitivity can be both a gift and a challenge.
On the positive side, HSPs often have a rich inner life, appreciating art, music, and nature in profound ways. They tend to be empathetic and compassionate, making them excellent friends and caregivers. However, this sensitivity can also lead to overwhelm, anxiety, and exhaustion if not managed properly.
Coping Strategies for Highly Sensitive People
If you identify as a highly sensitive person, here are some strategies that can help you navigate life more smoothly:
Understand Your Sensitivity: The first step is to recognize and accept your sensitivity as a natural part of who you are. It’s not a flaw or a weakness but a trait that comes with strengths and challenges.
Create a Supportive Environment: Design your living and working spaces to minimize sensory overload. Use soft lighting, soothing colors, and quiet areas where possible. Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver in loud environments.
Set Boundaries: Learn skills in how to say no to activities or situations that overwhelm you. It’s okay to prioritize your well-being and decline invitations or requests that might push you past your limits.
Practice Self-Care Regularly: Develop a routine that includes activities that recharge you. This could be anything from meditation and yoga to spending time in nature or engaging in a hobby you love.
Manage Stimuli: Pay attention to what activates your sensitivity and develop strategies to cope. For example, if crowded places overwhelm you, plan outings during quieter times or have a quiet space you can retreat to.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with understanding and supportive people who accept you as you are. Being able to talk openly about your feelings and experiences can alleviate a lot of stress.
Learn Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present in the moment and manage overwhelming emotions. Deep breathing exercises and grounding techniques can be particularly effective.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you find that your sensitivity is significantly impacting your quality of life, consider seeking support from a therapist who understands high sensitivity. Therapy can provide you with additional coping strategies tailored to your specific needs.
Final Thoughts
Being a highly sensitive person is a unique and beautiful aspect of your personality. By embracing and nurturing your responsiveness to the world, you can harness your strengths and experience your life as a highly sensitive person in a way that is deeply satisfying. You are not alone—there are many others who share this trait, and together, we can celebrate and support each other on this journey of self-discovery and growth.
If you’re unsure whether you’re highly sensitive or want more guidance on coping strategies, reach out to a therapist or counselor who specializes in this area. Together, you can explore what being highly sensitive means for you and how to make the most of this wonderful trait.
Melissa Reid is the owner of Calming Tree Counselling in Doon South, Kitchener. Melissa has been a therapist for over 10 years focusing on grief, attachment and trauma work with her clients. Grief & trauma
Melissa Reid, MSW, RSW
Calming Tree Counselling
Phone:
(519) 208-CALM (2256)
Email:
info@calmingtree.ca
Address:
10 Pioneer Dr, Unit #109
Kitchener, ON N2P 2A4
Website:
calmingtreecounselling.ca
