If we are to fully thrive in the world then it's important we understand who we have been created to be and to understand where we naturally excel and where we naturally struggle. The bible talks of us all having individual giftings and all being fearfully and wonderfully made. We at Made Wonderful believe High Sensitivity to be a trait that our world needs and that it exists for a purpose. Are you highly sensitive? Here are 6 insights into this personality trait:
1) Deeply Perceiving and Deeply Processing.
Those with this trait actively scan and deeply sense the sensory, emotional, social and spiritual environments they inhabit. They then process all of this information at depth. Thriving communities need people with these gifts as they are often prophetic, insightful, empathetic and kind - showing us the right way to go. However, constant perceiving and processing at depth takes a great deal of energy and overstimulation is very common.
2) Harshness and Newness Radar.
HSP's tend to have a highly sensitive 'harsh environment' and 'new environment' radar. Becoming overstimulated by relational conflict and rejection, environmental changes and transitions or chaotic and loud spaces. HSP's are typically more significantly impacted by traumatic experiences with Elaine Aron reporting that the majority of those attending psychotherapy are highly sensitive. Importantly, HSP's are also more deeply impacted by positive environments - thriving more than non-HSP's where the environment is calm, respectful and nurturing.
3) Down Time.
Building in regular down time for quiet reflection and solitude, spending time in nature, or with animals, and/or engaging with art and music are all critical tools. Helping the nervous system of a highly sensitive person to stay calm and connected. HSP's often need more sleep and daily down time than non-HSP's.
4) Nurture and Nature.
High Sensitivity is a natural Personality Trait, not a Disorder. Equal numbers of men and women have this trait and around 20% of the population are Highly Sensitivity - with the rest of the population being of Medium or Low Sensitivity. Our genes, Nature, explain up to 50% of the differences in human sensitivity with the rest of sensitivity coming from our Nurture story. Around 30% of HSP's are extrovert and around 70% are introvert.
5) Creative and Compassionate.
Those with this trait tend to exhibit high empathy, wisdom and appreciation of beauty. Known as 'Orchids' due to their own unique beauty and environmental sensitivity, they often bring compassion, relational depth, loyalty, advocacy, vision, wise-council, innovative thought and creativity to the world.
6) Misdiagnosis
Overstimulation can be misdiagnosed as ADHD. Unlike ADHD, a HSP's attention and regulation is 'normal' when not overstimulated. Also, science has shown that there are distinct brain activation differences in those with a highly sensitive personality compared to those with ASD. Particular in the areas of increased nervous system sensitivity, increased empathy and increased interpersonal awareness.
If you are reading the above and this sounds like you then try taking a trait test and consider joining our community. We'd love to hear about your journey and to support you along the way.
Embrace your gifts, this world needs what you carry.
Ric @ Made Wonderful.
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