How To Treat Highly Sensitive People?

Highly sensitive people perceive and process emotional information differently. Discover some keys to avoiding conflicts and misunderstandings by connecting with these people.

Some people have a special sensitivity that can complicate their day-to-day life  if they don’t learn how to deal with it. And especially if they are not understood by those around them. So here we want to show you how to treat highly sensitive people.

It is estimated that around 20% of the population has this high sensitivity, so it is likely that you know someone with these characteristics or have them yourself. They are very emotional, intuitive and empathetic people.

They perceive a greater amount of sensory information, more quickly and at a deeper level. Therefore,  their reactions are also different.

How to identify highly sensitive people?

The high sensitivity of these people has a biological basis. It was found that their central nervous system was more responsive than in the rest of the population. Furthermore, associated genetic markers have been identified.

We must add, to this innate temperament, life experiences and environmental influences: we then get what we know as  highly sensitive people. Here are some of their main features.

Deep thinking

The highly sensitive person perceives a greater amount of information but also  tends to process it much more deeply than the rest of the people. Thus, the tendency to reflect and analyze is common to fully understand every aspect of reality.

Introversion

Since they have a system sensitive to sensory and emotional stimulation, these people  may feel overloaded or over-stimulated. Loud noises, bright lights and crowds exhaust, annoy and stress them.

This is why they display a tendency to introversion, appreciate solitude and need these moments of calm to regain energy.

Strong sensitivity

With this special sensitivity, they easily capture nuances and emotional subtleties that go unnoticed by others. They perceive the emotions of others more strongly and sense or express their own emotional states with intensity.

In addition, they are very empathetic and get very involved in their emotional relationships  with others. They may also have difficulty setting boundaries.

Tips for treating highly sensitive people

Since 80% of the population does not have this trait, one can see difficulties when it comes to understanding the reality of highly sensitive people  and relating  to them. We are therefore going to give you some tips to follow to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.

1. Show understanding

First of all, we must realize that highly sensitive people feel things with greater intensity. Therefore,  avoid judging them or accusing them of being  dramatic. 

Don’t invalidate their feelings. This will cause them to suppress their emotions, make them feel misunderstood, and they may even exhibit psychosomatic problems.

Also,  remember that this is not a defect  and therefore do not try to change them. Their perception of the world is different from yours but just as valid.

2. Show yourself sensitive to their needs

We have already determined that these people can feel suffocated when the external stimulation is too much. So,  try not to raise your voice  and choose quiet environments to spend time with them.

These people are also very attentive, generous and empathetic with the emotions of others. However, they also need this listening and support from those around them.

Let them express themselves and give them a safe space  to share their concerns and feelings. Avoid being rigid or cold in your interactions or advice.

3. Honesty is a good policy

We humans sometimes have a tendency to hide what we think, what we feel, and what worries us. We put on a mask and pretend we’re fine.

Highly sensitive people are able to perceive the internal states of others  and will notice the slightest variation in your mood. Therefore, if they ask you questions, it is better to answer them sincerely.

Otherwise, they will try to analyze and think in order to understand you and this may hurt them.

Sensitivity is part of us

If you know someone who is highly sensitive,  you may find it difficult to understand their form of perceiving the world, expressing yourself  and feeling things. You may also be surprised by her need to be alone, her slowness in processing information, her indecision or her sensitivity to criticism.

Nonetheless, all of these traits are part of her personality and you have to accept her as she is. You will discover that its qualities are many and wonderful: kindness, human warmth, generosity, loyalty.

If you are a highly sensitive person, you may need to learn to deal with some of your reactions  and emotions so as not to suffer. Setting limits and taking care of yourself is necessary. But do not try to suppress or hide your sensitivity: appreciate it and value it for it is part of you.