About Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
The abbreviation HSP stands for Highly Sensitive Person. It is not a disease or disorder, but an innate trait that occurs in about 15–20% of the population. People with this trait are more sensitive to stimuli from the inside, such as thoughts and feelings, and from the outside, such as sounds, smells, light, movements, colors, shapes and tastes.
Highly sensitive people often perceive details more strongly than others, including moods and body language. Situations that others consider normal, such as crowds or loud music, can quickly become overwhelming. Highly sensitive people can become overstimulated because they receive and process many strong stimuli. For this reason they often need more quiet time and may withdraw to regain balance.
Highly sensitive people differ from one another and each person experiences sensitivity in their own way. High sensitivity is not a new concept. In the past it was sometimes described with terms such as shy, inhibited, timid or different.
HSP characteristics
HSP is not a disorder but an innate quality. Therefore we do not speak of symptoms but of characteristics that often occur in people who are highly sensitive.
Not every highly sensitive person recognizes all characteristics. Some people identify strongly with certain traits while others experience different aspects more clearly.
Common characteristics of highly sensitive people include:
- You are very observant and notice details and non-verbal communication more than others.
- You need more time to make decisions or choices.
- You need more time to adapt to changes.
- Your senses are easily stimulated by sounds, smells, light, movements, colors or tastes.
- You prefer calm environments and do not enjoy crowds or noise.
- You easily sense the atmosphere within a group.
- You strongly experience the moods of others and are influenced by them.
- You can be deeply moved by art or music.
- You often want to help others and sometimes forget about your own needs.
- You are more sensitive to stress and may perform less well under pressure.
- You need more rest, structure and regularity to stay balanced.
HSP and overstimulation
Overstimulation can occur when you receive too many stimuli and your brain has difficulty processing them all. This can happen in the short term or over a longer period of time.
Short-term overstimulation may occur after a busy workweek, a crowded event or an exhausting trip. Long-term overstimulation occurs when you experience too many stimuli over an extended period. In that case your entire system can become overloaded.
Possible consequences of long-term overstimulation include burnout, chronic fatigue, depression, strong mood swings or addictive behavior.
Treatment of HSP
High sensitivity is something you are born with. Because it is an innate quality, it does not disappear. However, you can learn how to deal with it in a healthy way and turn it into a strength.
It is important to become aware of your sensitivity and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. This may include taking more rest, spending time alone, going into nature or limiting overstimulating environments such as crowded or competitive settings.
During treatment you receive practical tools to deal with the many stimuli around you. You learn how to reduce fatigue and worry, create better structure and planning, and set healthy boundaries.
Please read our High sensitivity (HSP) treatment page if you would like to know how we can help you with high sensitivity.
Contact Psychologen Amsterdam
Do you recognize your experiences and do you need help, or do you have a question about HSP? Then call for an appointment or send a message to Psychologen Amsterdam.
