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What is emotional hypersensitivity?
Being a sensitive person is one thing, but being hypersensitive is another. When you are hypersensitive, you have a very strong sensory sensitivity, which means that you are generally shy, stressed, temperamental and more expressive. Our emotions are so powerful that we have trouble containing them. This traits affects 1 in 5 people, yet very few of us speak about it because it’s often considered as a flaw or a weakness. As a young hypersensitive woman, I have always felt out of step with those around me.
I was often told that I was touchy and whiny. I took things to heart too much, but I realized that it was a personality trait that I couldn’t fight against. Quite the opposite, you have to accept it to turn it into a strength.
>>> Learn about the techniques to manage hypersensitivity
What are the 10 main signs of hypersensitivity?
The best test to find out whether you’re hypersensitive is to recognize yourself in the characteristics associated with it. If this is the case, it’s highly likely that you belong to the same club!
1. Experiencing raw emotions
As a hypersensitive person, I feel like my emotions rule me. Anger, sadness, happiness, doubt, stress, excitement… everything is stronger and more powerful. You feel like a proper emotional disaster! It tends to make our reactions a bit unpredictable. Rationality is not a part of our DNA, and our emotions govern us.
2. Lacking self-confidence
Another major characteristic of hypersensitivity is a lack of self-confidence! Because of this, we often come across as touchy. But in reality, we don’t believe in our skills and knowledge! So the slightest remark or criticism can get to us.
>>> Discover tips on how to let go of your worries
3. Being very creative
Us folks are highly creative and have a strong taste for aesthetics! And there’s a simple reason for this. We use the right side of our brain more, which means we (sometimes) lack organization. As a result, things like music, writing, painting, etc. are very attractive to us!
4. Over-analyzing everything
This is both a positive and a negative thing. We analyze everything, and indeed over-analyze! These people have strong intuitions and are aware of every detail around them, which makes us constantly think about everything. Something, we even over-analyze a situation by making assumptions that don’t make sense!
5. Having trouble making decisions
And this is what drives those around us crazy! But when you’re hypersensitive, you want to make a conscious decision. This implies that we think about the consequences of our choices for hours. So when we have to make a very important decision, we torture ourselves and rack our brains trying to work out what to do!
6. Being constantly tired
We’re so aware of all the subtle details of our environment that we’re often very tired from processing all this information. Both mentally because of our brain’s high activity, and physically. Our bodies experience our emotions intensely, so we often need more sleep to be fully rested.
7. Wanting to give your life meaning
Whatever our hypersensitive profile, we are always looking for a meaning to our lives. This is why we frequently refuse to lead a routine existence, which makes us very anxious. We make it a point of honor to have enriching experiences and to lead a very original life!
>>> Discover the 7 strengths of hypersensitive people
8. Being an introvert but sometimes an extrovert too
Most of us are introverts, but not all hypersensitive individuals are! Elaine N. Aron’s research has even shown that 30 % of hypersensitive individuals can be extroverts. There are therefore a wide range of profiles. So, it doesn’t mean that you are necessarily hypersensitive if you are shy and reserved.
9. Always acting for others
Our lack of self-confidence and our sensitivity make us vulnerable to what others think of us. We have a strong desire to be loved, which is why we sometimes do things for others and not for ourselves. We’re always scared of disappointing others or being rejected!
10. Crying almost every day
Tears are the direct consequence of emotions that are too strong! It’s a way of releasing a feeling that we can no longer keep inside. If we’re angry, we cry. If we’re overcome with joy, we cry. And so on… At least we make crying a bit more commonplace as adults (because it’s nothing to be ashamed of!).
>>> Read; I cry a lot, is this a problem?
Should I get tested for hypersensitivity?
Just as you do to find out if you’re gifted, the best thing is to make an appointment with a psychologist to detect your hypersensitivity. Depending on your character, you live with certain traits more or less well. So, it’s important to see a therapist to help you to better understand and manage this facet of your personality.
Editor’s note: Make an appointment!Did you recognize yourself in this article? So you are probably hypersensitive. In order to be sure, a diagnosis is necessary and so you should make an appointment with a specialist. If you find this upsetting or unpleasant, you should know that there are many very effective therapies such as interpersonal therapies (IPT) or cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT). |
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