Highly Sensitive People (HSP's) possess an exceptionally attuned nervous system, granting them a remarkable ability to detect nuances that often go unnoticed by others. This heightened sensitivity is particularly evident in individuals with autism, as my own experience illustrates. For HSP's, life can feel like it’s on high alert; they pick up on subtle patterns and details and their brains process information more deeply than those without the trait.
Navigating challenges
Navigating challenges like a pandemic can be especially daunting for HSPs. As the impact of Covid-19 escalated, many highly sensitive individuals (including myself) found themselves overwhelmed by the mounting tension and chaos. The forced isolation often exacerbated feelings of anxiety and loneliness, making it difficult to cope with the emotional turmoil surrounding them.
The World Health Organisation
The World Health Organisation has raised alarms about the significant rise in mental health issues exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. For HSPs, the emotional weight of this news hits particularly hard, amplifying their existing concerns. Dr. Elaine Aron first introduced the term "Highly Sensitive Person" in the late '90s, identifying it as a normal and healthy trait present in over 100 species.
You may recognise yourself as a highly sensitive person if you:
HSP's also experience elevated levels of empathy paired with their deep processing abilities. This heightened empathy enables them to tune into others' feelings easily, showcasing strong emotional intelligence. They have an uncanny ability to see beyond surface-level reactions and understand the deeper issues at play.
Navigating Life as an HSP and Empath
My ability to see past superficial responses can be beneficial, but it also leaves me vulnerable to becoming easily overwhelmed by the suffering of others. As a highly sensitive person, I find that maintaining a sense of control and staying informed can alleviate some of my stress, but this is highly dependent on the circumstances.
Managing overwhelming situations
While HSP's may manage smaller aspects of life with relative ease, overwhelming situations like Covid-19 can profoundly impact our physical and mental well-being, as well as their social and economic stability. These larger factors can significantly influence thoughts, feelings, and coping mechanisms. I’ve found that writing about my experiences helps me keep my thoughts organised and my anxiety in check.
Consuming difficult news
For many, consuming difficult news can be a double-edged sword. While staying informed can provide a sense of control, the continual stream of distressing updates often exacerbates anxiety rather than alleviating it. What initially feels like a necessary source of information can spiral into an overwhelming cycle, ultimately increasing feelings of unease.
In navigating turbulent times, it becomes imperative to find balance and establish boundaries that protect your emotional well-being. (Source: forbes.com)
It has taken you many years to get to understand your disability in the whole including autism. It makes sense as a result of that you will have HSP.
I doubt you could do what you do with your blog without it, particularly in the detail you go into and whilst it may be difficult for you, it helps those of us, who don't have HSP and for that we are grateful.
Thanks. Yes, there are some days when I think I am in control and those days are easier, with the pandemic in full throttle and with it's handling, I seem to find myself back at square one.
Being highly sensitive wasn't something I was aware of initially until later on. I didn't know it existed until my personal circumstances changed, something happened and I felt mentally and emotionally out of control. Every day little issues I deal with relative ease. It's not something you get used to the more you're exposed.
The nature of my disability is more mental and emotional based than physical, which makes it worse. I am grateful for my blog, because without it I know I would struggle.