13 Problems Only Highly Sensitive People Will Understand

Do you consider yourself a deep thinker and feel things much more intensely than others? If you answered yes, then chances are you’re part of the small percentage of people who are highly sensitive. Being a Highly Sensitive Person – or HSP - means that you are naturally predisposed to process and perceive information on a much deeper level than most. You’re also likely perceptive, empathetic, intuitive, and self-aware. HSPs are also emotionally intelligent and incredibly creative, passionate, people.

As you can imagine, though, feeling and processing more intensely has some downsides. So without further ado, here are 13 struggles only Highly Sensitive People will probably relate to

Suggested video(s):

Understanding the Highly Sensitive Person

8 Things That Make an HSP hard to Love

6 Types of Highly Sensitive People

Credits:
Writer: Chloe Avenasa
Script Editor: Denise Ding & Kelly Soong
VO: Amanda Silvera
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

References:
· Aron, E. N. (1996). Counseling the highly sensitive person. Counseling and Human Development, 28, 1-7.
· Killgore, W. D. (2010). Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. In Progress in brain research(Vol. 185, pp. 105-129). Elsevier.
· Aron, E. (2013). The highly sensitive person. Kensington Publishing Corp.
· Sand, I. (2016). Highly Sensitive People in an Insensitive World: How to Create a Happy Life. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
· Zeff, T. (2004). The Highly Sensitive Person’s Survival Guide: Essential Skills for Living Well in an Overstimulating World. New Harbinger Publications.

[dw]

I hate it when you finally stop crying and someone asks if you're ok and you just start crying again

[MrBlik-kycw]

The worst part of having HSP is the second-hand embarrassment. Even movies containing embarrassment kills me.

[noleenafahy]

the most annoying thing ever is crying when you're mad/frustrated :(

it doesn't even mean you're sensitive because you can't control it

[dawn]

My family:
“Stop being so sensitive, toughen up.”
“Stop crying, it’s not even a big deal.”
“Stop overreacting to everything.”
“It’s fine, you’re just being crazy.”
“Hurry up. If you’re this slow at everything you might as well become a homeless person.”

Also my family:
“Why are you still crying?”
“What do you mean, you don’t want to go with us?”
“Why don’t you like us?”

[mAi-gepw]

Sad: cry
Angry: cry
Frustrated: cry
Stressed: cry
Argument: cry
And the list goes on...

[sochidala]

*Somebody calls me ugly*
My brain: Don’t cry, don’t cry don’t cry
My eyes: IT’S RAINING TEARS HALLELUJAH

[kayemma]

Anyone else get stressed when someone is angry around them (not even at them, just in their presence)?

[billfarley]

She nailed it for me. I'm now 90 years old and have been able to integrate all these traits over the years into a solid entity. It's been a rocky road over the years, but understanding myself and the whys has been a blessing. Peace everyone.

[bam]

don’t see a list yet so-
1. you can’t function without sleep
2. you can’t stand loud noises
3. you often feel emotionally exhausted
4. you scrutinize social interactions (noticing small social ques)
5. you’re easily triggered by violence
6. you have a hard time moving on
7. you’re uncomfortable with change
8. you don’t react well to criticism & conflict
9. you don’t do well under pressure
10. your boundaries are easily crossed
11. you’re your own worst critic
12. you require alone time
13. you’re often misunderstood

[terrifictofu]

“Your very presence makes this world a better place”
cries

[zubaidaqwertyds]

It’s both a blessing and a curse to feel everything so very deeply

[Satanabi]

I am highly sensitive. I have great friends that I grew up with and still are friends. What I realised is I can't take jokes. I don't know how to differentiate between jokes and mockery so I tend to take offense when they are just foolishly joking around. I know how it feels like to me so I don't do the same to other people. I don't want to go out often because it's tiring to feel hurt all the time.

[sincerelyissie]

if someone comforts me while i’m already crying mAKES ME CRY EVEN MORE

[kukiii]

worst things is that you can't let go of embarrassing memory, whenever any embarrassing memory from past pops up into your head you start cringing and beating yourself over past.

[tiyaganguli]

The most worst feeling is when you understand other's feelings but no one yours

[keeleywalker]

We can sense the atmosphere the moment we walk into a room, or if there is the slightest change in mood, even if only between two other people, we feel the tension and become unbearably uncomfortable where others would not even notice. It is also harder to receive love - in my case it’s always “what’s the catch?” or hold back because the more reliant we feel about someone, the more severe the anxiety of how we will cope when it inevitably end. Also, or certainly in my case, HSPs annotate and will not ask for help.

[Nicky-tdso]

Whenever I’m sad and trying to hold back tears. Then someone try’s to comfort me BAM! Full on waterfall down my face

[netfelixandchill]

I hate the fact that I overread people’s body language..like just sensing their tone gives me many impressions and I start to make conclusions

[cinnamngirl_]

it’s all over when someone asks if you’re okay-

[seanpanigel]

my psychologist said this is a wonderful trait to have, but it also led me to have social anxiety disorder. it has it's great qualities, but it's definitely not all roses and flowers, and can lead to a lot of emotional stress.