Why You Should Love Being Sensitive

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Sensitive people often go to great lengths to hide their inner sensitivity. However, being sensitive does not have to be a bad thing. You do not have to hide behind your emotions anymore.  There are positives to being sensitive that the right people in your life will appreciate. Sensitive people are often the most compassionate people you will meet. They will go the extra mile for the ones they love.

Of course, with this sensitivity comes heartbreak and betrayal.  Sensitive people may feel betrayed and use emotional coldness to maintain their sense of security. Still, it is important to embrace your emotions instead of hiding away from them.  Did you know sensitivity and addiction are linked? Many articles talk about how those that tend to be more sensitive, fall into addiction as a means of escape. Not wanting to feel is where addiction enters. If we do not know how to manage our emotions, self-destruction follows.

David Grobbs, the author of “The Science of Success,” talks about his feelings regarding sensitivity and just varying personalities that exist in human nature. He describes how sensitive people thrive if given the right environment to be freely sensitive. He explains that in the wrong environment, sensitive children grow up to be “depressed, drug-addicted or in jail—but with the right environment, they can grow up to be society’s most creative, successful and happy people.”

“Most of us have genes that make us as hardy as dandelions: able to take root and survive almost anywhere. A few of us, however, are more like the orchid: fragile and fickle, but capable of blooming spectacularly if given greenhouse care,” Grobbs explains.

Highly sensitive people (HSP) represent about a fifth of the population, according to Elain N. Aron, author of “Highly Sensitive People.”  Highly sensitive people are people who process sensory data more deeply than other due to biological differences in their nervous system. It is important to note that highly sensitive people are not just shy.

“This is a specific trait with key consequences that in the past has often been confused with innate shyness, innate fearfulness, uninhibitedness, introversion and so on,” Aron states.

Of course, there are different variations of sensitivity, and it comes down to a manner of perspective. I would say I grew up a very sensitive person as a child. As I matured, I learned tools to develop my thick skin and can handle a variety of challenges thrown at me. Still, I try to remember to feel my emotions, since covering up our natural nature to feel things can be destructive. Sensitivity affects all areas of life.

There are four indicators of sensitive:

1. DEPTH OF PROCESSING
   Sensitive people experience more than the average person. They can walk into a room and feel the moods of those around us. They tend to be more observant, cautious and feel the energy of the environment.
2. OVER-AROUSABILITY
   They process things on a deep level. Because of this, sensitive people can be overwhelmed very easily. That is why sensitive people need more time in solitude to recharge. Sensitive people tend to be in a constant state of “fight or flight.” Over time, that can lead to a host of physiological imbalances.
3. EMOTIONAL INTENSITY
   Sensitive people feel a lot. Often, we are labeled “too intense” or “overly emotional,” however this is because of the tendency for sensitive people to get lost in their feelings. As a result, sensitive people may choose to repress and avoid their emotions.
4. SENSORY SENSITIVITY
   Overly crowding and overstimulation tend to be overwhelming for the highly sensitive person. They have very little tolerance for neon lights and crowded malls. They enjoy time alone to recharge and have little tolerance for certain behaviors.

These are just some of the signs of a highly sensitive person diagnosis. However, sensitivity is a wide spectrum, and you may find you only relate to some of the aspects mentioned on this list. Overall, if you find that you are the type of person who feels more than the average person, and you identify with characteristics of empathy, you probably experience some level of sensitivity.

What’s so great about being sensitive?

Being a sensitive person can be seen as more of a burden than a blessing. However, sensitivity is a gift. If you learn to understand yourself and your feelings, you will find you appreciate your sensitive side more.  Sensitive people have qualities that make them stronger than they realize.

4 REASONS SENSITIVE PEOPLE ARE STRONGER THAN YOU REALIZE:

1. THEY FEEL DEEPLY AND HAVE OVERCOME CHALLENGES.
   Sensitive people are fueled by their emotions. They move forward and take on the world despite their emotions and past hurt. Sensitive people will help others, and their egos are not their driving force in their life. Chances are, you have felt a wide range of emotions, yet you still have moved past them and learned plenty about yourself in the process.
2. THEY LOVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY
   Sensitive people love with all of their hearts. Once a sensitive person embraces their sensitivity, they learn to continue to keep their hearts opened to the world. Through heartbreak, a sensitive person learns to heal with intense energy. Sensitive people use this intensity to continue loving and find themselves. They may become increasingly creative and relate to others better. Their empathy knows no boundaries when it comes to love. Despite having been hurt, sensitive people continue to want to give their love again.
3. THEY TAKE RISK.
   The sensitive person has endured many obstacles through navigating their emotions. Therefore, sensitive people may end up becoming risk takers. They learn they have nothing to lose. What one person sees as a challenge is nothing a person who is sensitive can not overcome.
4. THEY ARE CREATIVE.
   Creativity is born through sensitivity. Being vulnerable and open helps in the creative process. The sensitive person thrives on creation. They are the artists, musicians, poets and problem solvers of the world. Their creativity manifests in all areas of their life. They learn to embrace the unknown, while inspiring others to find their gift.

“Highly sensitive people are too often perceived as weaklings or damaged goods. To feel intensely is not a symptom of weakness; it is the trademark of the truly alive and compassionate. It is not the empath who is broken; it is a society that has become dysfunctional and emotionally disabled. There is no shame in expressing your authentic feelings.” ~ Anthon St. Maarten

Overall, sensitivity does not have to be a bad thing. In fact, it can be quite the contrary. If you are struggling to embrace your emotions, perhaps you need to learn the tools to overcome that battle. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-777-9588.