Why Highly Sensitive People Overdevelop Their Sensitivity

Highly sensitive people (HSPs) are often born with this unique trait that sets them apart from others. While many individuals may wish they didn't have such a pronounced sensitivity, HSPs have to navigate a world that might not always be attuned to their needs. This article explores the reasons behind why HSPs tend to overdevelop their sensitivity, the impact it can have on their mental and physical well-being, and how they can find peace and productiveness in their environments.

The Nature of High Sensitivity

Highly sensitive people can be categorized into different types, each with varying degrees of sensitivity. Some can find ways to reduce some of these sensitivities so as to blend more smoothly with less sensitive individuals. However, a truly highly sensitive person tends to experience a deeper and more intense response to the world around them. They feel environments, social settings, and atmospheres very intensely. For them, finding the right environment that allows them to live peacefully and productively can be a challenge. Most HSPs are profoundly misunderstood, leading to various challenges in their lives.

The Roots of Sensitivity

High sensitivity can be influenced by both nature and nurture. Some people are predisposed to being highly sensitive due to genetics, while others overdevelop their sensitivities as an adaptive mechanism. When a person grows up in less favorable living conditions, they might overdevelop their sensitivity as a survival mechanism. If the environment is chaotic, unpredictable, or generally unsafe, a highly sensitive person might learn to be hyper-vigilant in order to stay alert to any potential dangers. This survival instinct can lead to heightened sensory and emotional sensitivity.

Survivalism and Sensitivity

Sensitive individuals might not only be hyper-vigilant, but they might also develop the ability to detect subtle cues in their environment that others might miss. For example, a child might learn to predict and prevent emotional storms at home by picking up on subtle signs and red flags. This can include recognizing when a situation is brewing and making changes to avoid potential conflict or discomfort. Over time, these survival instincts can lead to a highly sensitive individual being attuned to a wide range of stimuli.

Impact on Mental and Physical Health

The heightened sensitivity of HSPs can have a profound impact on their mental and physical health. Those who are subjected to cold-hearted or abusive environments, especially during childhood, can suffer from long-term emotional and psychological damage. Consistent degradation and mockery can lead to a profound sense of worthlessness, while excessive childhood sexual abuse can have devastating consequences on self-esteem and overall well-being. In such cases, the risk of suicide, self-abuse, and poor self-care is higher than in individuals who do not experience such trauma.

Healing and Productivity

However, not all HSPs fall into this trap. Those who can access healthy and productive healing can become a powerful force for change in their society or community. Their unique sensitivity can provide them with a deep understanding of others, making them valuable in fields that require empathy and intuition. While normal 9-to-5 jobs might be challenging for HSPs, they can thrive in environments that allow them to express their sensitivity, such as creative or therapeutic professions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the overdevelopment of sensitivity in HSPs is often a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Those who grow up in less favorable living conditions are more likely to develop heightened sensitivity as a survival mechanism. While the heightened sensitivity can bring both challenges and advantages, those who can navigate and heal from the challenges can use their sensitivity to positively impact their lives and the lives of those around them.