7 signs you’re a highly sensitive person, not just “too emotional”

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We all have moments when we feel misunderstood, don’t we?

There are times when you’re called “too emotional” or “over-reactive”. You might often find yourself in a storm of emotions that others seem to navigate with ease.

Does this ring a bell?

Well, you’re not alone.

It’s common for highly sensitive people to experience these scenarios quite often, but many fail to realize that they might be highly sensitive, not just “too emotional”.

Now, you might be wondering what being a highly sensitive person really means.

Let’s clarify: it’s not a flaw. It’s a unique trait that allows you to experience the world in a different, more intense way.

Today, we delve into the seven signs that suggest you may be a highly sensitive person.

While reading this, remember: if these signs resonate with you, don’t consider it as something negative. On the contrary, embrace it.

Understanding yourself is the first step towards living a life that suits you.

Let’s begin.

1. You Feel More Deeply

One of the standout signs of a highly sensitive person is that they feel things more deeply than others.

Take me for example. I remember when I watched the movie “Up” for the first time. I was in tears within the first 10 minutes, while my friends were still waiting for the “sad part” to come up.

It’s not just about movies or books. Even a minor argument or a slightly harsh word can stir up a whirlpool of emotions within me. If you often find yourself in similar situations, where your emotional reaction is more intense than others around you, you might be a highly sensitive person.

2. You Get Overwhelmed By Crowds

Being in a crowded place or around a lot of noise and activity can be overwhelming if you’re highly sensitive.

This reminds me of the time when I attended a music festival. While everyone was enjoying the loud music and the vibrant crowd, I felt drained and overwhelmed within an hour.

It was too much, too fast. The lights were too bright and the sounds were too loud. It felt like all my senses were under attack at once.

If you often feel drained or overwhelmed in crowded or noisy environments, it could be another sign that you are a highly sensitive person.

3. You’re More Prone to Anxiety or Depression

Research has shown that highly sensitive people are more susceptible to anxiety and depression.

This could be due to their deeper processing of information and experiences, which can sometimes lead to overthinking or stress.

So, if you find yourself often worrying or feeling down, it might not be because you’re “too emotional,” but because you’re highly sensitive.

4. You Have a Rich Inner Life

As a highly sensitive person, you may often find yourself lost in your thoughts, daydreaming, or exploring a world within your mind that’s as real and as vibrant as the one outside.

This deep inner life is a sanctuary, a haven where you feel truly at home. It’s an unspoken poetry that only you can read, a symphony only you can hear.

This richness of inner life is a beautiful sign of being a highly sensitive person.

5. You’re Highly Intuitive

I’ve always had this weird knack for sensing the mood in a room the moment I step into it.

Whether it’s a tension-filled office meeting room or a joyous birthday party at a friend’s house, I can almost immediately pick up on the overall vibe.

Over the years, I’ve come to understand that this isn’t some sort of mystical power, but rather a sign of being highly sensitive.

It’s like an internal radar that picks up even the slightest changes in the environment. If you find yourself having similar experiences, it could very well be a sign that you’re a highly sensitive person.

6. You’re Easily Overstimulated

Have you ever felt like you simply had too much going on and you needed a moment of solitude to recharge?

I remember during college, while everyone was pulling all-nighters and thriving in the shared chaos, I found myself needing quiet breaks in between study sessions.

Being a highly sensitive person means your brain often processes more information at once compared to others.

This can lead to feeling overstimulated by things like loud noises, strong smells, or even a hectic day at work – and that’s perfectly okay. Taking time for yourself is not just a preference, it’s a necessity.

7. You Have a Deep Connection with Nature

I’ve always found solace in nature. Just a simple walk in the park or a quiet moment watching the sunset can have a profound calming effect on me. It’s as if the chaos of the world fades away and I find myself attuned to the rhythm of nature.

For highly sensitive people, this connection with nature is often much deeper than for others. It’s not just about enjoying a sunny day or appreciating a beautiful landscape – it’s about feeling an almost spiritual bond with the world around them.

In conclusion, being a highly sensitive person isn’t about being “too emotional” or “overreactive”. It’s about experiencing the world in high definition – feeling emotions more deeply, perceiving subtleties more acutely, and having a rich inner life.

If you’ve identified with these signs, embrace your sensitivity. It’s a trait that allows you to experience life in all its depth and beauty – something truly worth cherishing.