Are You “Highly Sensitive?” Maybe You’re Just Wonderful

I recently came across an article in SELF about Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), a concept first introduced in 1997. As someone who has known for years that I am highly sensitive, I found myself nodding along. With this awareness has come greater compassion and understanding—for myself and for others.

Being highly sensitive means your nervous system is finely tuned: you’re more aware of sensory input (lighting, sounds, ambiance), more emotionally attuned to others, and more likely to ponder life’s big questions. But here’s the thing - it’s not just “feeling a lot.” Sensitivity can also affect mental health, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety or rumination if you don’t take gentle care of yourself.

Four tell-tale signs you might be an HSP:

• You notice what others might miss — harsh light, background noise, or mood shifts don’t pass you by.

• You think deeply — weighing the “what-ifs,” planning carefully, and finding meaning in small details.

• You feel others’ emotions intensely — empathy runs strong, sometimes leaving you emotionally exposed.

• You often try to keep the peace — harmony matters, but people-pleasing can come at your own expense.

A few gentle reminders:

• Being highly sensitive is not a diagnosis - it’s a trait, simply how your brain and senses process the world.

• Sensitivity comes with superpowers: creativity, compassion, and joy in small moments.

• It’s okay to set boundaries, rest, and choose environments that truly nourish you.

• If sensitivity ever feels more like a burden than a gift, therapy and support can help.

Around 1 in 5 people identify as highly sensitive. If you do too, know this: there’s beauty in seeing the world in high definition. Your sensitivity matters - and so do you. 💛