Just stumbled on to the knowledge and science regarding HSP last night due to a documentary on a streaming platform. I am in my late 50s and was told over and over that I was "too sensitive" and that I would "over think things". I held back observing others, never dove into social situations quickly, hated being in, working in large groups and on.
I ticked off all but the roller coasters in the list. Naturally - growing up in the 60s and 70s, my parents weren't supportive so I just shrank into the back ground and self labeled as an "introvert" as a way to cope. My mother often told me I was "weak", little does she know the fact I am still alive indicates other wise, she is a borderline narcissist.
Being so misunderstood caused me to supress my desire to socialize and I felt "less then". Well -that's a lot of years of pain but at least I understand myself better and know that I am not alone. Probably too late for me because I am too inured due to years of supressing and struggling with the misperceptions and negative protrayals of my sensitive nature - but younger folks, so glad they will have a deeper understanding and will be (hopefully) told they are wonderful, strong, understanding and thoughful people.
(I do wish there was a different name for this though, especially in the current times where sensitivity, empathy and kindness are viewed as flaws and weakness - I can just hear the responses should I tell some I know that I am probably "Highly Sensitive".....*sigh* "F* your feelings snowflake" is the common refrain. I do live in an extremely conservative area which does not help. How about Highly Intuitive or Highly Sensing instead? I think that's how I will roll with it just because I am tired.)
L. (not verified)says...
Just stumbled on to the knowledge and science regarding HSP last night due to a documentary on a streaming platform. I am in my late 50s and was told over and over that I was "too sensitive" and that I would "over think things". I held back observing others, never dove into social situations quickly, hated being in, working in large groups and on.
I ticked off all but the roller coasters in the list. Naturally - growing up in the 60s and 70s, my parents weren't supportive so I just shrank into the back ground and self labeled as an "introvert" as a way to cope. My mother often told me I was "weak", little does she know the fact I am still alive indicates other wise, she is a borderline narcissist.
Being so misunderstood caused me to supress my desire to socialize and I felt "less then". Well -that's a lot of years of pain but at least I understand myself better and know that I am not alone. Probably too late for me because I am too inured due to years of supressing and struggling with the misperceptions and negative protrayals of my sensitive nature - but younger folks, so glad they will have a deeper understanding and will be (hopefully) told they are wonderful, strong, understanding and thoughful people.
(I do wish there was a different name for this though, especially in the current times where sensitivity, empathy and kindness are viewed as flaws and weakness - I can just hear the responses should I tell some I know that I am probably "Highly Sensitive".....*sigh* "F* your feelings snowflake" is the common refrain. I do live in an extremely conservative area which does not help. How about Highly Intuitive or Highly Sensing instead? I think that's how I will roll with it just because I am tired.)