Have people often called you emotional and sensitive?
Do you feel your reactions are more intense than other people?
Have you often wondered that you might be different than others?
HSPs or Highly Sensitive Persons are people whose sensitivity levels are quite high compared to other people. They are wired a bit differently than most people and have higher Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) in the brain. It is estimated that around 15-20% of the world’s population may consist of HSPs. It is an evolutionary change that occurred in various people.
While it is very hard to judge based on a few common telling factors until a psychologist or counsellor confirms it, here are some common signs that can indicate upto an extent whether you are an HSP.
You are highly intuitive
Somehow you always have a knack of knowing things without much detailed information. You connect the dots very quickly and come up with your own conclusions often surprising those around you. You yourself do not understand how you do it or how you come to such quick insights. People often get astonished and come to you for your views and opinions.
You can read other's emotions very well
You have an innate sense of what others are feeling at any given moment. You can tell if someone is faking their actions or being truthful. You read body language very well and can pinpoint what someone may be feeling or not. You can also predict the reason for someone’s odd behaviour.
You get overwhelmed easily
There are times when situations and events just become too much for you to handle. You feel like you have to get away from it all or it is just going to overwhelm you. You want to disappear and go somewhere peaceful. This urge is common among people in difficult situations but you feel it often and way more than others. Your anxiety increases rapidly than other persons in everyday situations.
You love art very deeply
Art has an important place in your life. You feel that art enables you to express yourself as well as experience the world fully. Life would not have much colour to it without various forms of art. You yourself might be an artist and have a special eye or ear for aesthetics and beauty.
You overthink most times
You tend to think of an issue from a variety of angles and perspectives. This often may lead to some delay in making quick decisions as you feel you have to assess the situation from all points of view. Often this may lead to overthinking about a subject that stresses you out. While this does no real harm , you can always consult a counsellor if you are having obsessive or racing thoughts.
You absorb others emotions
You have empathetic qualities and people often treat you as a support structure. This leads to listening to peoples’ problems and coming up with solutions. It is good sign to be an empath but it is also necessary to maintain proper healthy boundaries as this can affect your own mental and personal life. Absorbing other’s emotions and problems can overwhelm you affecting your own health and life.
You are highly conscientious
You hold yourself to high moral and work standards. You always have an urge to do the “right thing”. You also are able to judge people who are less conscientious than you. You are dedicated and diligent in whatever you do as long as you are passionate about it.
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