Discovering You Are a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

Discovering that you are a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) can be a profound and, in many ways, enlightening experience. HSPs have a heightened sensitivity to external stimuli, such as noise, light, and emotions, which can deeply impact our experiences and interactions with the world. Learning about being an HSP often comes with a mix of emotions, and it's not uncommon to reflect on the challenges we've faced in the past, potentially leading to a sense of grief or loss.

Heightened Awareness

Finding out that you're an HSP can bring a heightened awareness of your own experiences. Suddenly, many aspects of your life may start to make sense – the intensity of your emotions, the need for alone time to recharge, and the deep connection to art and nature or other things that others may not fully understand.

Reflection on Past Challenges

As you delve into the characteristics of HSP, you may reflect on the challenges you faced in the past, especially in environments that may have been overwhelming. The realization that your sensitivity played a significant role in these challenges can evoke a sense of grief for the times when you felt misunderstood or struggled to cope.

Understanding the Why

Knowing about being an HSP can provide a "why" behind certain behaviors or reactions. Understanding that your heightened sensitivity is a natural part of who you are can be a comforting revelation. It may bring clarity to past situations where you may have felt out of sync with others.

Validation of Feelings

Discovering your sensitivity can be a validating experience. It confirms that your reactions and responses are valid and rooted in a biological trait rather than a flaw. This validation can be a powerful antidote to any feelings of inadequacy or self-blame that may have arisen from past challenges.

Grieving the Unaware Past

There might be a sense of grief for the times when you were unaware of your sensitivity. You may reflect on how knowing about being an HSP could have empowered you to navigate social situations or environments more effectively, reducing stress and improving your overall well-being.

Embracing Self-Compassion

The process of self-discovery as an HSP often involves practicing self-compassion. Instead of dwelling on past difficulties, focus on the present and future. Acknowledge the growth and resilience you've developed, armed with this newfound understanding of yourself.

Looking Forward with Awareness

Armed with the knowledge of being an HSP, you can approach life with a greater awareness of your needs. This awareness allows you to make choices that align more closely with your sensitivities, fostering a sense of balance and well-being.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, discovering and embracing your identity as an HSP is a journey toward self-acceptance. It's an opportunity to rewrite your narrative, appreciating the unique strengths that come with heightened sensitivity and building a life that honors your authentic self.

What did it feel like when you first discovered you were an HSP?

I would love to hear from you in the comments! Did you recently discover you were an HSP? How did it feel when you found out?

Recommended Next Steps…

• Connect with other sensitive people: It’s a beautiful “knowing” spending time with other sensitive people as if someone finally speaks your language and relates to your experiences. We’d love to have you join our loving Sensitive Empowerment Community!

• Explore the Self-Discovery Journey for HSPs! Join me and other HSPs on a journey to explore ourselves, get to know our needs, and work toward living as our truest selves. Let’s emerge from our cocoons and become the brilliant and beautiful butterflies we are meant to be. Learn more here.

• Explore free Resources for the Sensitive: My HSP resources page has everything you could ever need to understand this trait and gives you tools to lower some of the challenges of sensitivity and help you discover your many gifts! Be sure to listen to The HSP Podcast, read more articles on The HSP Blog, get a letter to give medical and mental health professionals about sensitivity they need to know, and more.

Julie Bjelland, LMFT

An HSP Psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity. As the founder of Sensitive Empowerment, she is passionately committed to raising awareness about the extraordinary value inherent in sensitivity. Recognizing the vital importance of education and support, Julie is dedicated to equipping HSPs with the necessary tools to reduce their susceptibility to mental and physical health challenges. Her extensive array of resources stands as a heartfelt endeavor to provide this essential support. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.

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