Research on HSPs and Chronic Illness
Are you a highly sensitive person or empath with one or more chronic illnesses or autoimmune disorders?
Having a more sensitive nervous system combined with physical challenges can be draining, overwhelming and disheartening. Did you know around 50% of sensitive people report having one or more chronic illnesses, compared to only 10-15% of the general population?
My colleague Bevin Niemann is also an HSP and empath who’s navigated fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and thyroiditis for the past decade. As she embarked on her healing journey, she could not locate any studies that specifically looked at the impact of chronic illness on highly sensitive people – so she decided to create her own.
This confidential, anonymous survey takes around 15 minutes to complete and at the end, you have the option to sign up to receive a PDF of the group results, once compiled. Thank you for sharing your experiences to help other sensitive people to thrive.
Sensory overload isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to chronic fatigue, anxiety, and burnout over time. Learn how to recognize triggers, implement protective strategies, and regulate your nervous system for better well-being. Discover practical tips and effective tools to prevent sensory overwhelm and reclaim your energy.
People-pleasing may seem like an act of kindness, but it often leads to emotional exhaustion, weakened boundaries, and even chronic health issues. Learn how self-suppression, stress, and societal conditioning contribute to burnout and autoimmune disorders—and how breaking free from people-pleasing can restore your well-being.
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. This gentle reminder offers small, doable steps for self-care, sensory comfort, and emotional support. Join the Sensitive Empowerment Community for connection, understanding, and a space where you truly belong.
Curious about the difference between hyperfixation and special interests? For autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent individuals, these deep passions shape identity and joy—but can also bring guilt and burnout. This article explores their key differences, challenges, and strategies to embrace your passions without shame.
In this guest post, Christine shares how Chocolate is often celebrated as a comfort food, but for HSPs its effects can be both soothing and challenging. Understanding how chocolate interacts with our bodies and emotions can help us enjoy it in a way that truly nourishes us.
Discover practical strategies to manage sensory overload and embrace sensory joy. This article explores how sensory sensitivity impacts neurodivergent individuals and offers tools to balance your sensitive nervous system, reduce overwhelm, and thrive.
Thoughtful holiday wellness gifts for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, including empowering courses, sensory-friendly products, a heartwarming children’s book, and a supportive community.
Embrace your unique wellness path this holiday season with permission to set boundaries, say no, and honor your needs. Discover self-care ideas, connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy sensory-friendly online gatherings in a supportive community.
As a sensitive or neurodivergent individual, navigating family dynamics where others resist growth can feel isolating. However, by focusing on self-awareness, setting compassionate boundaries, and protecting your energy, you can continue thriving without getting "stuck in their stuckness." Learn practical strategies to maintain meaningful relationships while staying true to your own path.
Unmanaged sensory overload can lead to serious health risks for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, including burnout, immune dysfunction, and heart complications. Learn how sensory overwhelm affects your nervous system, why chronic stress can impact your well-being, and how to protect your health with science-backed strategies.