High Sensitive People
Years ago, I wrote an article titled “Sensitive People in an Insensitive World.” Now, I feel the need to elaborate further on the subject. Why? Because sensitive people are often misjudged, misunderstood, or criticized by the majority.
Why by the majority? Because only 15–20% of the world population are considered Highly Sensitive People (HSPs).
Who are among this small percentage? Mainly creative individuals—those with vivid imaginations—who are often labeled as timid, lacking confidence, too shy, or overly sensitive.
What Makes Creative Individuals Highly Sensitive?
Research shows that HSPs have increased activity in:
Secondary visual areas
Visual association areas
Visual-motor coordination areas
They also have a heightened sensitivity in their central nervous system and a deeper cognitive process when responding to physical, emotional, social, and perceptual stimuli—both internal and external. Simply put, their brains process information more deeply than the majority, which often leads them to feel overwhelmed or overstimulated more quickly.
Creativity and Emotion
Studies have found that expressions of creativity—such as art, music, or writing—profoundly move HSPs. These creative outlets stir their emotions so deeply that they become entirely absorbed in the experience. Because HSPs are keenly aware of others’ judgments, their performance may suffer in public. However, they often excel when working privately.
HSPs also have a unique ability to sense when others are uncomfortable, often going out of their way to make people feel at ease.
Strengths and Misconceptions
The majority often warn about the risks associated with being highly sensitive—namely anxiety and depression. However, research suggests that HSPs tend to have behavioral resilience when it comes to managing stress.
They are also deeply conscientious, guided by a strong inner compass of what is right and wrong, and they typically reject all forms of violence.
Sadly, HSPs are often misunderstood as being weak, having low self-esteem, or being introverted, timid, or shy. But being a highly sensitive person is not a disorder. Rather, it means noticing and sensing subtle details that others may overlook.
Recognizing oneself as an HSP is a powerful step toward greater self-awareness and understanding—not just of oneself, but of others as well.
A Final Thought
Emotional and mental overstimulation leads HSPs to process experiences more deeply. This often results in wiser reactions, profound empathy, and greater understanding.
So, why are we so quick to judge others when we rarely know their full story?
The journey of learning about ourselves and the universe is endless. Both are among the most intricate creations imaginable. The best we can do is seek out the goodness in each other and nurture it—because only love allows that to grow.
©Mona Youssef
