There are many highly sensitive persons (HSP’s) in our communities and societies, in homeopathy we use the term sensitive to describe various symptoms but personalities too. There are all types and varying degrees of sensitivity when it comes to our health, however in general some of us are more delicate than others, both physically and mentally. The reason for writing this piece, is simply to get us all thinking and becoming more aware of others, simply to observe and reflect on each other as individuals and personalities at large.
Sensitivity is something that I see a lot in homeopathic practice and perhaps explains why certain types of people are more inclined to try alternatives to help them heal and feel better.
I would like to state immediately that one should never be labelled as “too sensitive”, this is simply impossible! You are the way you are for varying reasons, this needs to be viewed as one of your special traits, one of the characteristics you nurture and allow yourself to be. Your emotions and sensitivity are in a way, a type of superpower! You have intuition and only you, can tell you, how to feel. Our feelings are always valid and should always be expressed, regardless of our sensitivity levels. I want to emphasise this, as it is often deemed as a negative form of expression or personality type particularly, which I will discuss later. In addition to this, sensitivity is often labelled incorrectly as being “shy”, again a word often considered negatively especially when young people are in school, where this presumption is often first placed on a character, often making life more difficult than it already is.
HSP’s are not rare creatures at all, as it may often be thought! Usually considered the more serious, or deeper characters amongst us, those who may not always take things lightly and often wear their heart of their sleeves can be labelled as “highly sensitive“. That includes “introverts”, “loners” and “bookworms”… In fact one of the reasons I initially fell in love with homeopathy is due to the benefits of a remedy which supported me during moments of chaos and overwhelm, where I needed some help to find calm and stability. I consider myself to be quite sensitive and I believe there are many other ‘HSP’s’ again like myself, who hide their true self at times, to fit in and be who or what society and general expectations believe we should be. Only in recent years can I begin to say that I have accepted myself and my true nature for what it is. A great ability and blessing! However we all have more than one characteristic that makes us unique! As Elaine Aron states in her tittle “The Highly Sensitive Person”:
” The world, it takes all kinds, introverts and extroverts, we all have both sides. When your mood changes and your extraverted side appears, let it be as it needs to be”. This advice swings both ways!
However now due to more awareness, education and most importantly, discussion, we are able to understand more about the human mind, the quirks and features of our personalities and habits. We are all beginning to understand more than ever before, that it is not possible to constantly have our ‘chin up’ and face the big bad world with confidence, gusto and aggression. Compliments to those who can do that though! This just isn’t a sustainable way of being for most. In a world where those who shout the loudest, those who are brash and unashamedly bold, are the individuals who are seen, heard and acknowledged above all others, being sensitive can at times feel like a curse. Taking that big gulp and throwing yourself into uncomfortable situations can be a good remedy but at times, this is not the best solution for a HSP. Let us recognise the more gentle and often disguised power of those who are highly sensitive, we all know someone who is. When you really observe others, you’ll find many people who are quite in touch with the softer side of life. Yet many also do their best to conceal it too.
Being sensitive is often considered as a negative trait “oh you’re just too sensitive” can be screeched by teachers, friends, parents and employers to name a few! This is not a helpful remark, in-fact it makes a sensitive person even more inclined to sensitivity! Something a sensitive person has a lot of, is empathy and awareness, they know such comments can remain with a person, especially a fellow sensitive type for a very long time. Perhaps intentions are innocent but comments such as these don’t help or empower anyone. It is also noted that a tendency towards avoiding situations which may deem stressful or uncomfortable for a HSP, is a common trait. An element of selfishness or a feeling of entitlement may even occur, as avoidance of certain events or scenarios occurs, to protect from the feelings of discomfort that can be experienced. This may also be be observed by others, who then call out these behaviours.
Another important message to take home from this article would be for us to recognise that various symptoms of conditions such as ASD (Autism spectrum disorder), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), BPD (borderline personality disorder), may have overlapping characteristics which are considered to make an individual ‘sensitive’, however they are not the same. Labels of any sort can, as we know, be very damaging if used incorrectly or assumed. A mental health professional is needed if there is any doubt. To differentiate and classify the symptoms that appear whilst ensuring the right support and intervention is received for those who need it. Often children and young adults are observed during their formative years, who are now more than ever (particularly post pandemic) being labelled with such terminology.
It is vital that we understand the differences between being a sensitive person and varying mental health conditions. Yes, there is a lot of overlap but there is also a lot of difference. I want to emphasise this, as I have seen in clinical settings, the upset and confusion this has created for some individuals. This is a personality type not a disorder, therefore when we know an individual who is somewhat sensitive, it is important that we do not cast aspersions and presume, if the level of sensitivity feels more ‘extreme’ than what would be deemed as ‘normal’. Again, what is normal? As more often than not, this is simply a case of an individual feeling things more profoundly than others. What touches one, may not impact another at all. We are all unique, as homeopathy often reminds us! This is usually the case with children, some of whom are developing slower than their peers. Calcanea Carbonica or Silicea remedies are often prescribed in homeopathic clinics for example, when infants who are showing signs of slower development almost other criteria. These remedies are just two examples of the polychrests used in such cases and they are used frequently. Once again, emphasising just how many individuals can benefit from such remedies, for sensitivity, delayed development or otherwise.
So how can we identify highly sensitive traits in ourselves? Habits or behaviours may be, but not limited to the following points:
- You do your best to avoid making mistakes, you strive for perfection and often seek reassurance. Conscientious and responsible, you try to do your best with everything or for everyone. You aim to always do what is ‘right’. Often, you also prepare for the worst case scenarios as you wish to avoid them. This may also cause others to see you as a pessimist or slightly negative at times, which is not the case.
- You may struggle with changes or adapting to things initially. It may take you longer to adjust but you always get there in the end. Once you get the hang of things or feel you understand the situation better, you usually tend to do well and flourish, it just takes a while longer.
- You are more in touch with beauty and emotion. You see the beauty in people, places, a film or a work of art. You may be touched by the smallest of actions or details. Sometimes a great story, book, film, piece of music or painting can have a profound affect on you such as bringing you to tears. Happy or sad.
Media whether films, music or the evening news, all can have a profound visceral affect on you. You may even avoid such things for your emotions. Horror films, violence or disturbing news bulletins are just a few select examples, you feel better to avoid due to how they make you feel. Even adverts on tv with children, elderly people or animals can be triggers.
- As a result of sensitivity, you may be highly creative and/or imaginative. Often seeking escapism via these routes and going into your own inner, or even ideal world.
- You love your home and your comforts, your sanctuary, maybe even little luxuries!
- Everything must have a purpose and meaning. Usually a deep one.
- Strong sensory input can overwhelm you and make you feel uncomfortable. Such as bright lights, shouting, loud noises, strong odours etc. Therefore busy environments can be very challenging for you, you may even try to withdraw from any overly stimulating situations, both intentionally and unintentionally to avoid discomfort.
- You may be startled easily. Typically by loud noises or people. However even shocking and disturbing sights can startle. For some witnessing war, homelessness, poverty, ageing, illness etc. Horrifying and startling to some, therefore causing deeper challenges for many. Or something as innocent as a siren or tannoy announcement too, can have profound effect. Being startled and jumpy are some of the more obvious physical reactions.
- When there are many things occurring at once, you may feel overwhelmed, irritable or annoyed. You could even retreat completely. Christmas Day or parties is a good example of this!
- You feel you react strongly to your emotions, to your environment and to the actions and behaviours of others. Facial expressions and body language are often read very carefully by those who are sensitive, they sense the energy of the person, of the room and situations well.
- You notice smaller details, finer observations and you have an eye for accuracy and quality.
- Procrastination can be a trait in those who are highly sensitive, in order to avoid the feelings and associations that come with initiating any task in hand, particularly if it is an uncomfortable one. If you don’t start, you can’t possibly fail!
Just a few examples and scenarios which can be challenging for those who are highly sensitive, you may recognise some of these in your own behaviours and preferences. To some degree, we are all sensitive, it just individual intensities that differ!
It is also interesting to observe that throughout these bullet points, there is a clear indication towards ‘Sensory processing sensitivity‘, which is basically referring to a strong reaction, to any form of stimuli which affects our senses – sight, taste, sound, feel and scent.
As mentioned previously this can be everyday effects we are surrounded by on a daily basis such as fluorescent bright lights, busy loud events such as concerts or parties, workplaces, shopping centres, technology and machinery, pungent scents and odours, as well as foods and those from pollution, other people’s moods, shouting, displays of aggression, music, tv etc. The list is really endless!! As we are again all so unique, the everyday stimulation HSP’s absorb is unique to the individual too. These are just some of the generic commonalities that we can think about. These daily occurrences can be considered as ‘energy drainers’ and we are constantly surrounded by them, just think about your smartphone for instance. What are you more sensitive towards? Have you ever observed how you feel in certain places or when you hear particular sounds?
HSP’s also have a tendency to be viewed as awkward or cold people at times. On some occasions this increased sensitivity especially to their sensory challenges, can flare up. They may request to be seated somewhere else in a restaurant, they may leave a party early, avoid meetings and events, or slip away for a coffee on their own at work, aloof they are not. This is not antisocial behaviour, simply self preservation.
In order to assist with the day to day challenges we may face in terms of sensory overload, there are many supportive techniques, as well as homeopathic remedies on hand, or shall we rename them as ‘ energy preservers or perhaps boosters’? It is useful for all of us to find ways to best manage the little irritants and challenges in life that niggle us and may cause us discomfort at times. Listed, are some other techniques and tools which are useful for when you or a loved one may experience overwhelm. This list can be practised regardless, as part of a healthy, happy lifestyle! They are simply rituals of comfort and tranquility to soothe and calm everyone, not only the highly sensitive. Here is a small guide to some self soothing tips for sensory overstimulation:
- Try homeopathy! It can support anxiety, boost confidence and strengthen our boundaries. Homeopathy can be used as a coping mechanism for many situations, being highly sensitive is one of them.
- Choose a Bach flower remedy for varying degrees of sensitivity/ scenarios. Or try the classic Bach ‘rescue remedy’ which can be of great help for a quick sos moment. You can find various essences which can support sensitivity, such as Australian Bush Flowers or even Wild Animal Earth Essences. Bach and the healing herbs they have prepared as tinctures, are always a great place to start! You can find out more on the Bach essences website. All of their tinctures are super compatible alongside homeopathy or any other medication. Or simply taken alone.
- For obvious reasons, avoid stimulating substances such as caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, refined sugar, additives, narcotics etc.
- Make your home and workspace more sensory smart. Creating designated quiet spaces, as well as reducing visual clutter can often be helpful. It is especially useful to create your living environment as one of serenity, so it becomes a great place to cocoon at the end of a hectic day. By allowing fresh air indoors, using lighter, gentle colour palettes and more delicate lighting, you can create an oasis of calm and tranquility that will make everyone feel a little more relaxed.
- Items for your home or wardrobe that are tactile, enveloping and of joy to the senses. Such as a weighted blanket on your bed, an embracing or uplifting natural scent for the office, or a piece of clothing like a soft scarf or jumper to swaddle into. Even jewellery such as a spinner ring, can bring you comfort and reassurance. For children certain toys or things to chew, pull and stroke can be helpful. You can Google the many sensory toys and products available. A cheap and easy place to start is a colouring book and crayons – even for adults! A mini trampoline, as highly recommended by a client, is also a great gift idea for children with sensory processing needs. As this can support and regulate the nervous system amongst many other benefits.
- Listen to calming music – even as background music for challenging tasks, to make the unpleasant, more bearable. EG: homework time or cleaning and cooking.
- Go for a walk in nature. Listen for birdsong, look for colours, focus on breathing, focus on your environment even if its the local park.
- Purposeful movement, calming and restorative – start yoga!
- Book an experience in a Sensory deprivation tank, which helps to ease tension of the body and mental anxiety. You can search for one of these in your city via Google. Alternatively, run a bath at home and enjoy a good soak and float once a week this can be a luxury and ritual to look forward to. Even just a longer than usual shower or gentle swimming works, simply being in water is all it takes.
- Give your hands or feet a deep tissue massage.
- Draw, paint, write, sing or hum.
- Research and discover the best essential oils for calming, focus and for supporting general relaxation. There are many to choose from, find the one which resonates with you the most.
- Stroke your pet. Or be around animals. Nature in general.
- When in doubt, cry it out! sometimes this release is exactly what we need.
- Ask for a strong hug!
There are so many things we can do to comfort ourselves, most of which support our senses anyway, even the act of making a hot drink or brushing hair is considered as a form of sensory self care! For those who consider themselves a HSP, it is understood that having a deeper, increased central nervous system sensitivity for varying stimuli, requires more self support. Therefore the need to learn and cope with the strengths and challenges such sensitivity can bring is vital. Finding solutions such as remedies, or the activities above can be of solace in times of need. Being sensitive should be viewed as a gift, this is something we should nurture and embrace, not hide away or squash. Advantages to sensitivity are a deeper processing mind, greater empathy and intuition and with that, tiredness easily enters the room, as well as irritability. The sensory/ information overload and overwhelm of life sometimes, feels like an unfortunate price to pay. Practising good self care is the only way to manage this.
If you or a loved one is a ‘big softy’, or perhaps feels particularly sensitive lately or simply, you’d like to know more about how homeopathy could support your emotions please contact me via the ‘contact me’ page of my website. I chose not to list homeopathic remedies in this particular article, as there are so many remedies that may be of use to us for our sensitivities and their symptoms. My favourite way of using homeopathy is for symptoms of a mental and/or emotional nature, as the results are often quite delicate themselves yet felt deeply, especially by those who would describe themselves as sensitive! I feel that the capabilities of homeopathy and sensitivity is a match made in heaven, when it comes to supporting and guiding an individual through hard times. Responsiveness to remedies is always interesting to observe in any individual however sensitive they are!
To conclude this lengthy article, there is currently a lot of pressure on people around the world. There is endless comparison and competition not to mention increasingly hostile environments and changes at rapid pace – that is a lot for us all to take in, especially those more sensitive. Therefore taking the time to book a homeopathic consultation would be a recommendation I would of course propose to those who are feeling particularly delicate at this time. I hope anyone who reads this article and feels like this spoke to them, understands, its just human nature! We must embrace sensitivity, whether that is our own or another. As a society we need deeper thought, more beauty, passion, creativity and generally kindness, in our daily environment, to provide the necessary balance and harmony with all that is surrounding us. Higher perception and the ability to feel things at a more profound level are all much needed characteristics in our increasingly objective and analytical world.
For more information please take a look at the following book and link:
- The famous book by Elaine Aron “The Highly Sensitive Person” – perhaps this was the book that led to more acknowledgement and understanding of HSP’s. It is definitely the book which encouraged me to write this piece! I also refer back to this tittle for myself or recommend it with certain clients, it is a real gem for practitioners, parents, teachers and employers.
- The Highly Sensitive Refuge, a community of highly sensitive people. Visit their website for many tips and great articles. www.highlysensitiverefuge.com
