What is a highly sensitive individual? Does it mean crying easily or feeling upset often? The word“sensitive” has been largely vilified by society, but this personality trait is actually a rare and great asset. Research suggests that sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is found in roughly 20% of humans and over 100 other species.” Highly sensitive persons (HSPs) inhabit this trait, an aspect associated with great sensitivity and responsiveness to the environment, especially social stimuli. 

HSPs have stronger activation in brain regions involved that have to do with awareness, empathy, and self-other processing. However, self-report studies have shown that high-SPS individuals are deeply affected by others' moods. Plus, self-other processing conflictscan lead to blurred lines between how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. 

For instance, in a 2024 study with HSPs,there were stronger brain activations in response “to positive social stimuli, including activation in the VTA part of the brain, a dopamine-rich area well-known for its involvement in reward processing.” Thus, highly sensitive persons truly value emotional connection – so much so that it’s often seen as a reward. At the same time though, they often feel affected by the moods of others and can take on perceptions and moods largely based on their environment. 

In reality, these are beautiful qualities as highly sensitive persons are actually known to improve collaboration on team-based tasks, create positive emotional outcomes in relationships, and stay grounded in their humanity. 

However, because their well-being responds so highly to their environment and interactions, it’s important for them to stay grounded in a world that’s constantly shifting. Here are some things to remember. 

Remember the basics of personhood. 

Oftentimes, the word “ego” is seen as a bad thing. But, ego simply refers to one's sense of self,  the “I.” The ego is your individuality and the basis on which you form your identity. The ego is what feels natural, not necessarily what society says. You are your own person, and you are an individual. Yes, we get information from the perceptions of others, but remember to balance this perception with what you know to be true about yourself. 

Prioritize healthy connections

While highly sensitive persons often receive emotional connections as an important source of dopamine, it’s also important to be cognizant of who connections are formed with, People who are critical, negative, or bleak can leave HSPs feeling tired, down, and at times, questioning humanity. That’s why it’s important to prioritize relationships that feel genuine, reciprocal, and warm. 

Set firm boundaries with things not just people who feel negative.

Because highly sensitive persons are very responsive to their environment, it’s important to prioritize settings that don’t stress you out. You'll even want to be selective with sensory stimuli like social media and shows. 

Likewise, the term “highly sensitive person” is often conflated with the term empath. Being an empath means you easily and deeply feel and relate to the emotions of others. While empaths truly experience others, an HSP is sensitive to a large amount and various types of sensory stimuli. Plus, it can affect their behaviors and moods. Thus, it’s particularly important that HSPs set boundaries with what they hear, see, and feel. 

HSPs contribute so much to the world because their awareness can help humanity move forward and discover what works in social relationships and what doesn’t. You matter so much, and please practice self-care!

You can affordable find options for navigating this experience with a mental health professional on Better Help! 

Cover photo cred: Freepik