Being highly sensitive comes with its own set strengths and challenges. It is often hard to put into words how deeply things are felt by someone who experiences life more intensely. There might even be some things that you never thought to be part of your sensitivity, which might give you a new perspective.
Life is not always a piece of cake and for some it is carried with more weight than for others. However, it all starts at being aware. Once it becomes clear of what might be more challenging for you, life can become considerably easier. At the same time, being sensitive can also be incredibly beautiful. Something that we are not always fully aware, that this too is more colourful.
When I first started reading about what high sensitivity actually entails, everything fell into place. Simply being aware of what I was struggling with and understanding why, gave me so much comfort. It gave me a starting point that I could work from. By recognising what I need, I changed my lifestyle around it. I read books for relaxation, so for a brief moment I can step into another world. Or have deep conversations with the people you care about, rather than have small talk in big groups. By recognising my struggles, I was able to detach from them a little and see them instead through the lens of what is simply part of being highly sensitive. Going from ‘I am socially akward’ to understanding understand what circumstances I could socially flourish.
Setting boundaries should become easier from this kind of awareness. Once your limits and needs are understood, situations that don’t suit you can be avoided more easily. Situations that might otherwise lead to overstimulation, a reinforced negative self-image, self-doubt, or stress.
Knowing yourself is the beginning of wisdom – Aristotle
The strengths of being highly sensitive
So much can be gained from this trait, even if it isn’t always recognised as a strength.
- Empathy, compassion, and trust come naturally, alongside a deep sense of care for others.
- Creativity and artistic expression are often heightened, paired with a vivid imagination.
- A profound inner life
- Cognitive and emotional depth
- Enhanced problem-solving abilities
- Deeper interpersonal relationships, getting more energy from talking about each others deams and fears rather than the weather
- Reflective thinking & being self-aware
- Opportunities and small details are noticed that others might walk straight past.
The challenges of being highly sensitive
- A higher likelihood of depression, anxiety, self-doubt, and low self-esteem can be part of this picture
- Stress and pessimism can creep in more easily.
- Not the biggest fan of risk and probably end of just avoiding it.
- Social interactions can feel more difficult, especially when your social battery runs low and you find yourself zooming out.
- Situations tend to be approached with more caution and new or uncertain circumstances are avoided altogether.
- An unrealistic sense of perfectionism is something I still recognise in myself today.
Tips and coping strategies
For me, I always felt exhausted after day of shopping, often making me more emotional or irritated afterwards. Now, shopping trips are planned differently. Going alone and trying to avoid peak hours, I manage to be quick and direct with what I need. Another thing that I have picked up, is making yourself familiar in advance before visiting another place – like figuring out how the public transportation works. A little preparation goes a long way in making the unfamiliar feel more manageable. Lastly, what came to my mind. A very fun occurrence that happens once or twice; this sudden wall that hits when you are in social situations. I get tired, left with no social skills and no energy to filter out the background noice. Just leave early, there is really no shame in it. It is better than sitting there, not enjoying and struggling to engage.
