Signs Of A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) & What To Do About It | BetterHelp

If you or someone you know is dealing with a challenging situation and could benefit from additional support, consider talking to one of the 10,000 licensed online counselors at BetterHelp.
A highly sensitive person (HSP) is an individual who feels deeply and can struggle to manage their sensitivity. This condition is also referred to as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). People with this condition have high levels of empathy and can easily understand the feelings of others.
These individuals are often sensitive to lights, sounds, and crowds of people. If they’re over-stimulated, they may need to step away from these overwhelming situations to decompress. Often highly sensitive individuals like to be alone to recharge and get back to a place of balance. For people who are highly sensitive it’s essential to engage in self-care and set boundaries with those people around them.
Psychologist Elaine Aron and her husband Arthur Aron created the term highly sensitive person or HSP in the 1990’s. Elaine Aron published the book The Highly Sensitive Person to talk about how this condition affects this group of individuals. In the book, she outlines the character of an HSP and how to identify one. She also demonstrates social and emotional techniques that people with this condition can use to live a good quality of life.
Sensitivity can be a gift. People with high levels of empathy can go on to become mental health professionals or caregivers and help others. However, it’s crucial to learn to manage sensitivity and not let it overwhelm you. If you believe you need help managing your sensitivity, a licensed therapist or counselor can support you in figuring out the balance between being sensitive and having boundaries with others.
IMPORTANT: The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.

[@tamapaul3752]

I start crying every time I try to speak something sensitive or some intense topic and even more if someone tries to make me understand things....it feels frustrating sometimes 😞

[@sentfrom3864]

My girlfriend seems to fit the description. Now I actually realize that i might have been too hard on her, I will try to understand her better. Your video really helped me see things I missed before

[@Silvia-jy8zc]

That’s a loving and kind way to process this info. Your girl is lucky to have you ❤️

[@mominator69]

Beautiful reply.

[@jjadebrooklyn]

It’s like diarrhea. It helps the body. It’s necessary. But we can’t control it. Trust me. If she’s HSP we don’t like it a lot of times and hate the way we react sometimes but it’s hard to stop it because it’s mostly knee jerk reactions. Bright light 💡 hey can you please turn that off. But the light isn’t bothering you so you have no idea why it’s bothering her. Trust me, and overhead lights feel like this sun our eyes. Try a lamp. I love lamps with warm light. I absolutely hate LED, fluorescent and natural light bulbs. I can wear sunglasses in the grocery store and see just fine. Blessings. Stay safe.

[@nini9868]

I bet she's really grateful for you

[@yvonnelasten7424]

So kind

[@WeldonWen]

High sensitivity + Perfectionism is literal nightmare, can totally see myself go full

[@mahoganysoul7195]

Omg story of my LIFE 😂

[@taylor0138]

I found this quote on tumblr and I wanted to share it “people don’t just go from 0 to 60 you just fail to realize how long they were at 59”

[@victoriamadridano1016]

Taylor 0 Nice quote, but can you explain or clarify what it means? I've read it a few times and I still can't understand what the message is. So basically the quote is saying?

[@Jgrimwald]

@@victoriamadridano1016 It means people often mistake a person's "59" for "0." In similar words, people don't just -snap- without having been -bent- for a long time. Sometimes they just can't -give- to the additional pressure any longer.

[@Jar0fTeeth]

r/thatwasdeep

[@victoriamadridano1016]

Jgrimwald Thanks a million for your response to my comment. I understand the quote now, thanks to you. 💜😊💙💚❤😊

[@wellenjeje]

@@victoriamadridano1016 but y the number 60? Anything specific about it or Just for the sake of numbering??

[@riya9612]

I am so emotional ........that small small things goes directly to my heart.......and that makes me cry......I am so emotional......

[@Siobhan144]

Me too😢 I’ve got worse as I’ve got older? I know it’s not depression, but I don’t like it, hence looking for answers on KZbin.

[@jayeshraj4553]

The politeness thing is SO TRUE though, especially putting things back fir employees, I'm always so aware that any mess I leave someone else has to clean up, I just want to make their job easier!

[@HopeLives2012]

Jayesh, I'm same way and now my kids do same. Lol I think it's good because your making people's life easier. I always talk to waiters, cashiers, etc...I want them to know they matter.

[@shainaarun9448]

Is no one going to talk about how calm and soothing her voice is!?

[@danagricken4197]

Being sensitive and highly empathic may seem like a curse, but trust me - it’s a beautiful gift. The world desperately needs more love and compassion.

[@niisharegin_]

It’s really nice to know that I’m not the only person who deals with this. It’s cool to know I’m not alone 💕

[@cherylbogdan5044]

A lot of us sensitives have, also been abused.

[@gurnoorkaur9251]

Why everyone's comment here is so relatable and making me cry 🥺

[@Kaludjer12]

Many highly sensitive ppl don't realize that they are the energy healers of the world. I always knew something was different about me but couldn't pinpoint what it was, thank you so much for making this video. I appreciate your efforts to share this enthusiastic information for free, and we do not realize how dangerous the situation is sometimes. All we have to do is thank you for the information.

[@Cute__Noob]

This is me. Every few months or so I google methods on how to deal with being so sensitive. Sometimes someone else won't agree with the observations you've made and you think you're crazy, when in fact, they've just probably missed it. Intuition comes in handy, but when you sense every change in the air, when you notice more of the negative aspects instead of being blissfully oblivious,your mind can be a prison. Sometimes I wonder if the pros are worth the cons of being highly sensitive...

[@ritabhattrai8335]

Sensitivity can be a gift. People with high levels of empathy can go on to become mental health professionals or caregivers and help others. However, it’s crucial to learn to manage sensitivity and not let it overwhelm you.

[@tonyarobarge4302]

I started crying just watching this. Hearing someone explain what I go through. Oof!

[@cherylbogdan5044]

We are such compassionate people. Very good listeners, want to help, love and care about our fellows much more than the others. It can be lonely sometimes and I can't spend a lot of time around shallow people, who are everywhere. God bless you.

[@jazellopez5905]

It is very important to us to understand the high sensitve persons because we don't really know what they feels amd what they are going through in life

[@mjade1673]

🙏👏

[@Silvia-jy8zc]

Only someone with empathy would feel the way you do. You’re a kind person.

[@Pip8448]

...way to sum up the video?

[@jyotichauhan2161]

Ppl often end up saying be strong...for them I m weak... Is there any need to change in me.... A question always arises why should I change? Why ppl don't expect me as I m? Why I look weaker then all other ppl?..can any one clear my doubts

[@pankajsonawane7490]

i get tears in my eyes very quickly...is this connected to HSP .. like if any person dies if i dont know him still i feel i am connected to him and i get depress for days.

[@jenniferlee1410]

You are an empath. That's what that is... Very interesting list and starting place is on Mind Unleashed, look up the traits of an empath. I also have a workbook called The Happy Empath. That may help you. I am one as well... It's a blessing and a curse.

[@mjade1673]

Oh wow you guys, really moving me with your responses. I feel for you all to go thru this intensity. I am hsp and i suppose i tune out a lot. Otherwise i feel i connect with too many things. I have always had a view of death being healthy. Well prob not always but i connected with a healthy sense of death very young. Thanks to my mom. Its so poignant to me to read that you are connecting with the pain of those still alive. I feel sometimes i can connect with people all over the world. Do you ever get that?

[@briza2022]

Aw

[@denisecwf2746]

I feel. Depress when an ant is step by me and the body can't be identify

[@memyselfandi1246]

Pankaj Sonawane same... i get moodswitches so fast

[@maheshkumar4228]

I believe I fall into this category. Thank you for this information.

[@wendellignatin1228]

hi.your HSP. me too.

[@melcol]

Hi HSP fam

[@yumeko_5591]

Same

[@annamaria1972]

@Ramon Honselaar When I'm at home I feel positive 👍

[@Neo-wg9cl]

Same

[@kiyawilson3520]

The people around me put me down for how I am. I learned to hate it too. I began to despise that I could notice things others couldnt. That my intuition would tell me through dreams of things that were gonna happen. I wanted to give anything I could to just be.. "normal" to be able to go through life and not worry so much about others but about me. This really inspired me to be content with myself and to continue my passion of helping others.

[@nancymurphy852]

A lot of the qualities you described in the video apply to me. I've been that way my whole life. And the most annoying thing is when someone tells me "you're too sensitive". I've always thought it was more of a strength, so it's nice to hear about the positive effects! thanks for the helpful video!

[@alimenderes5594]

This is so me! I thought most of this was just from anxiety or depression. Love your videos, thank you.

[@trippyhippiesuzie2042]

I’m literally crying finding this

[@hafsaaj639]

i can cry when i get hugged or asked if i was good or when i remember things that hurt me in the past...

[@user-gn7hv5vp1k]

I can relate to all of the traits mentioned in this. I was told as a kid that I was insanely sensitive because I wasn’t bullied myself, but my friends were and I’d come home crying about it everyday from school because of it. I found out about hsp because I was looking at someone do a personality breakdown of a character that seemed to have it that i could relate to, and then i found this video. This has helped me so much, thank you x

[@vanessacolz94]

I hate people saying "you're so sensitive". Like is it a bad thing?

[@laurenspires8702]

These comments are giving me the strength to accept myself ❤🥰

[@debanshipatra7020]

I am 12 years old my best friend always tells me I am over sensitive and I always cry that I am an emotional that's why I was searching for these kind of v]deos that made me empowering Now I am happy I feel strong and I am proud to be overly sensitive My best friend is really strong as she went through very much but that doesn't gives her the right to control if I am strong or not and now I am gonna say that yes I am overly sensitive and I proud of it ❤

[@ionageman]

Every human relationship starts with respect ..

[@krystalbolin8863]

You go girl. You found your voice and courage to claim and be PROUD of your GIFT. Study up on empath ok. It will explain a lot more

[@noahj11]

My whole life i thought there was something wrong with me like how i could pick up on the little and tiniest things that people do and how i would get so easily affected and why i jus acted different and now i know and it feels so great to know that people actually know what people with this r dealing with or what goes on in their head

[@boboshanti94]

I have HSP that my friends always labelled as a bad thing, thanks for the insight.

[@m1992seishun]

Finally I get to understand why I love to be alone after a hectic day. I just love to stay alone if I'm not working. While I'm woeking I notice that it is really tiring and my brain keep processing everything that have occured on that day. Even when I get to know someone new, my brain keep on replaying the conversation we had. So tiring.

[@madlenaram1459]

You would never believe how many people have HSP and it is really great to know the signs of manifestation so that we know how to perceive the person and react accordingly.

[@tikitaki1609]

I'm one!! Definitely! I cry even when I see old tree or old animal. When I'm angry I'm furious, when I'm happy I'm crazy happy :)

[@HopeLives2012]

I so can relate. Lol That's why I ended up opening (a not well planned) Cat Shelter. I ended up having to rehome 50 of 60 kitties. It killed me and still grieve over missing them. I have learned my lesson that you have to be Financially well off to take on such a big task. I still get tugs on my heart when I see any animal, elderly person or Child harmed. It's tough sometimes having HSP but I think God has given us a special heart to help others.♡

[@jc-246]

Thats me I just warched The Snowman (Chrostmas Animarion) again and Im welling up... It takes very little.

[@AmilaNirmalPerera]

Thank you so much for this information. I have been having this for really long time. Sometimes I needed someone to share what I felt but I was labeled as “trying to be a baby”. I guess it’s something we have to compete by ourselves.

[@ma.charissaeslet408]

I’m so thankful that I’ve watched this video, it helps me to understand more of myself because sometimes i easily get emotional what other people say and most especially i have negative thoughts of myself because of being an HSP. Yah that really hit me “you act numb” because im tired of being HSP, i even cry when i got angry my mood shifts from high to low from certain situations thats why I always trynna get calm most of the time and trynna to breathe in and breath out. Its hard being an HSP because you are misunderstood by others, u just have to get along with them the entire time. I just learned that HSP are most precious people that they should treasure because we understand more and so empathetic to people.

[@margaretno211]

I have the experience of severe childhood neglect and lived with the fear of not being safe. Complicating childhood was the experience of 27 years in an abusive marriage. Through all this time a frequent comment has been how sensitive I am or I need to get a thicker skin. It is an eye opener to me to realize that being an empath and HSP heightened my emotional responses to these environments in a deep and more painful way. I am a senior and have experienced a lot of healing. These video clips and comments have given me words for feelings and continued healing. Thanks

[@ranger02smith65]

A long time ago I went to visit a relative in an intensive care unit at a local hospital. As I past different rooms where almost everyone is on the ropes I was overwhelmed. That is when I realized I was extremely sensitive and empathetic. A little more than the average person.

[@eladiomora2287]

certainly highly sensitive people (HSP) are people who struggle to manage themselves. In my family I have not seen this condition, The book The Highly Sensitive Person is very good study material with results that can help many people, I recommend it. this video is very informative I like its content.

[@denisecwf2746]

I have try to study HSP trait and notice that the more book I read the more I feel I know less. So. I quit studying and start doing stuff. And I did alot but with less degree of recognition. I notice ppl read alot really have higher degree and tend to do less by read more. This made a better world 😊

[@denisecwf2746]

Hope someone like My comment, I do care and sensitive 😅

[@brendamelendez5763]

I’m part of this 20%...it’s a daily struggle.

[@ismailshaikh533]

I feel personally attacked that this described me

[@owenh1145]

but also a hug of recognition?

[@sudhirchandra9790]

I love you 😘😘

[@aerorea]

sudhir chandra LMAO

[@muskanjaiswal7175]

I'm crying watching this video it's so hard to not cry when you've gone through a lot😞😞

[@rocketsingh3114]

Betterhelp, You are making so interesting and helpful video for our society. Thank you for doing this kinda work.

[@mechailreydon3784]

One thing I’ve found helps me is having a routine and definitely having a smaller more intimate circle of friends.

[@LyubomirLalovMulti]

BetterHelp - the best channel for mental help.

[@radobirds1760]

I appreciate your efforts to share this enthusiastic information for free, and we do not realize how dangerous the situation is sometimes. All we have to do is thank you for the information

[@letter1967]

Wow! Is it me ? or is she really pretty?

[@tatyanadavydenko2739]

I know exactly what "being highly sensitive" means, because I am in this group. Very useful video, thanks a lot!

[@shariday9849]

Thank you. It feels so good to be understood. We can do better than hide out and waste our gift. A kind note to a friend online is pretty safe. You’re special and unique. Never accept any nasty criticism. Including from the voice in your head. ❤️🤗❤️HUGS! PS: room darkening shades, headphones, and Mellow spa music or hymns help me to regain calm.

[@stevet2892]

Wow, I have never heard of HSP before but it describes me to a tee. I always knew something was different about me but couldn't pinpoint what it was, thank you so much for making this video. I'll definitely be following up with BetterHelp for more advice.

[@_biomacromolecules7782]

the science community can be brutal but then theres these people who radiate so much knowledge and warmth that makes one feel at ease. also glad to find out im not abnormal, just highly sensitive.

[@joserivero5750]

Excellent video my friend. Without a doubt I will share it in my social networks. There are many truths in this video that people do not yet know and that are very important.

[@tamikohanson26]

Thank you for validating that it is real.(for me) I’m tired of explaining myself and people brush me off. I am an empath with cptsd who hit my breaking point. But I’m educating myself and building myself back up new.

[@ayushanand3915]

Thank you so much for these information about highly sensitive person...I really need it. I am looking for info about it and the best videos I watched came from this channel!... Continue your good work...👌✌

[@sruthysreenivasan770]

thanks to this video. this is very helpful. I'm talking to one of the 2,000 licensed online counselors at BetterHelp.

[@anavilamas2278]

Useful and complete information. Your easy and understanable way to explain these deseases gives me hope and tranquility. Thanks for your work and responsability in these interventions.

[@nycbeatb1742]

Awesome video - the way information provided in this video - really like it! Great advice. Thanks for sharing such a good video.

[@ashtria1644]

Understanding person with HSP is very important and reacting instantly with their behavior will contribute to worsen their condition. Your video give us a better understanding and how to traits person with HSP in a right way and will help analyze ourselves if we have a symptoms of HSP but we are not aware of it.

[@erichubert8098]

Thank you for this video. Things are starting to make sense now.

[@almightyzulu8174]

To be this and a man is hard. You are viewed as weak and so you taken for granted by both men and women. Then you feel like you have to do something extreme to get the respect you deserve.

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree4747]

My word this lady is explaining my wife specially when it comes to nature and animals for the outside world stimulates me sometimes too much and I become overwhelmed for here I am up in the woods with nature alone with my Lord my serenity

[@darksolstice1754]

Thank you for the info. I will definitely check out your website as I don't like crowds too.

[@pochijp]

I don't know if I have SHP... but I'm sensitive. And this makes me feel happy

[@CiasVlogs]

Very useful video.. most of don't know the information you are spreading through your videos... thanks for sharing.

[@Child_of_the_HolyTrinity1732]

I'm thankful the knowledge & awareness is finally gaining momentum! Hopefully fewer of us will become trapped in the devistatingly painful cycle of addictions! If the mere 20% were aware and healthy, the positive affect we could have on this world could be the shift needed for "peace on earth."

[@TheDcfcjord]

It's really warming to see this video. I always have been told, "your so sensitive, jord". I've always ignored it. I always thought I was just anxious, thinkinh too much about things all of the time

[@kevinnapier8996]

I typically WILL stand up for Others, but instead 'Weather The Storms' when being attacked. If I process an attack that is too close, within physical reach, then I create a defense that is BOTH bold & joking. I would risk my Life to save Another, but would not take a Life to save My Own. Doing this keeps fear at bay, while slipping in comical words in order to bridge gaps for de-escalation (agree to disagree moments). Emotionally bothered by Inequality. Not afraid to joke, seemingly off-cuff, in order to raise awareness about social issues like Race & Religion. Comedy is a good inlet for tougher Social points, and also good gateway to encouraging moments for conversation WITHOUT some waiting Level of pre-judgement.

[@user-ne4nz6hx2t]

I am glad people are finally talking about this. I knew I had this about ten years ago, but there was very limited information on it

[@Sheikh_Kanah]

wow what an awesome tips from betterhelp. you highly deserve credit

[@alexandrudraguna342]

This video is very useful. I simply love it!

[@insorte]

It's pretty high, 20% of people is HSP, your work is very important to help this kind of people

[@jisbinsanjose6231]

after watching this video, I've a strong feeling that some of the signs indicated here might apply to me. so, lot of thanks for giving clear solutions to address this situation.

[@sacsomacso5546]

very good info provided in this video. Thanks for mentioning the signs of HSP . Thanks for the share.

[@uathrhsalim]

I'm not that sensitive around my friends and siblings-people say I'm quite stoic and unemotional.But I'm veryyyy sensitive when it comes to my parents.The slightest mistake in choice of words by my parents I'll be sobbing alone in my room without my parents knowing.

[@sbcompilation8252]

Thank you very much for this great information about people's sensitivity I have benefited greatly from it

[@sumathir9540]

This was an awesome video ❤️❤️❤️

[@mag6521]

It’s a blessing and a curse... I think HSPs need to be with someone who is cognizant of their heart and emotions and protects them at all costs. Someone who will not exploit or take advantage of your nature. Probably someone who is similar to them... aka. NOT a narcissist who has no empathy. Just thought I would share - hope no one takes this negatively , not trying to offend anyone ❤️

[@RAHULSHARMA-yi8dh]

I am facing this problem from long time and want to recover from it so thanks very much to share priceless information with us.

[@carlosmendez3757]

This video would help them to recover and become stronger in life, Thank you for doing this kinda work

[@gutamnabil5144]

Very informative and useful video about Signs Of A Highly Sensitive Person..very well explained with detailed information.Thanks for sharing.

[@manikandan5591]

This video is very good information regarding Signs Of A Highly Sensitive Person and What To Do About It BetterHelp. Thanks for sharing and take the useful information.

[@omarrangel7625]

It is not a secret that everyone of us has to deal very often with challenging situations and this video offers us a great support to overcome them. Thanks for this valuable help.

[@games68775]

I fall into this category 100,000%. I meet pretty much every criteria in long lists.

[@michaelg914]

Thank you doctor wish more people would understand this

[@davidlocke5016]

thank you,you will never know how much video has helped

[@jenellejessop6933]

I was always told I took things too personally. And sometimes people said, take a joke.

[@gagansinghgolar6051]

I don't actually dislike this trait of mine but being soo sensitive all the time makes it so hard to actually "ignore" and "not care" about random emotion or action. Before watching this video I literally thought myself to be the only 1 with such hyper sensitivity lol

[@amirtharajrathinam391]

Many times we also criticize or sharply react to those people with HSP with out understanding them. This video helps me understand HSP and can deal with clients in amicable manner.

[@davidmaxwell6054]

I and my psychotherapist talked about my sensitivity last month. My psychotherapist thinks that I am partly a very sensitive person. By the way, great video!

[@gellethecat]

this made me realize that i really do have something going on in me because i couldn't agree more with all the points she said. people would always tell me i'm too sensitive even when i was younger & until now. i love that she keeps saying that this is mostly a positive thing to have but it does has its own downsides that come with it, ofcourse.

[@mariannapapapicco1482]

excellent advice to understand better how to recognize sensitive people and how to behave .. really useful guide

[@okatakyienanakofimakkavell8785]

BetterHelp, thanks very much for this Useful video about Signs Of A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) with enough information and details which is truly relevant. This review has taught me alot about how Often highly sensitive individuals like to be alone to recharge and get back to a place of balance. I'm really satisfied with this review.

[@jw8984]

This is me 100% and I’m 31 only just figuring things out 😪

[@denisf.1744]

i think all the videos you bring on can be helpfull in some ways because of information never knew about, and interesting,love Denny

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree4747]

Now I’m trying to balance and manage my gift to express and possibly help others

[@journeyoflovelight]

amazing explanation... Thank you

[@mentalhealthaddictionselfh6985]

I thank you again Dr.Sonya Bruner I have felt this way since I was a kid I always get looked at like I'm weird thank you for telling people about this so they can understand how we feel and think thaankyou

[@retr9796]

this describes me so much ty!

[@kenamira1633]

This is very helpeful.My wife has been having this problem for along time it almost ruined our marriage.we will use this to help each other stay together

[@rahulks6702]

The video is pretty useful because HSP are very common nowadays in this world.This video would help them to recover and become stronger in life.Thank you.

[@georgie6827]

Thank you so much😊 All my childhood I thought I was just way to sensitive for no reason🥺So thanks again🙃