What’s Special About Sensitive People, Now That Sensitivity is Linked to Mental Illness?

Sensitive people process information deeply, making them more likely to develop mental health problems, according to a new study.

Citing a meta-analysis published in Clinical Psychological Science, Psychiatrist.com reported that sensitive people are more likely to have anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The risk comes from the sensitive person’s heightened distress in environments with bright lights, noise, or overwhelming smells.

The authors of the sweeping review recognized a gap in research pertaining to a possible correlation between sensitivity and mental health. They then sought out to review existing literature and studies (33 to be exact), hoping to find more information.

The studies found that sensitive people had notably negative responses to adversity but experienced profound benefits from being in supportive, positive environments. The research also noted a significant activation in brain regions associated with empathy, sensory processing, and reflective thinking.

The condition a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) experiences is known as sensory processing disorder (SPD). The symptoms include sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, and certain foods. Extreme irritability in response to stimuli is possible. Highly sensitive people may struggle with balance or coordination. They may be hesitant or withdrawn in social situations due to overstimulation, which occurs when the nervous system is overloaded with information.

Further research shows sensitivity is a normal survival instinct. However, a study from four years ago shows approximately 20% to 30% of adults have sensory processing disorder

Despite the challenges, highly sensitive people have strong personality traits. Their unique strengths and abilities come from the fact that their brains function differently, known as neurodivergence. True, neurodivergent people face academic, professional, and personal challenges but they also have strengths. In fact, sensitive people tend to make great friends, co-workers, and relatives.

Having a highly sensitive person in class or in the workplace can provide an uplifting experience for others. The minds of sensitive people are flexible, giving them an edge in both relationships and group-focused work.

Highly sensitive people are diligent in quiet environments. They tend to be deep in their minds, reflecting, analyzing, and feeling. Their ability to excel in quiet places makes them adept at school and office-like settings, where their minds are put to the test.

Highly sensitive people are great at showing empathy and tend to be introverted listeners who function well with the team. Their sensitivity allows them to better appreciate their co-workers. While everyone else takes a turn, sensitive people may wait, contribute later, and look to build up their teammates,

The ability for deep reflection means sensitive people can process information thoroughly with great critical thought. They look deeper, analyzing situations from multiple angles, applying varying approaches to problem-solving that make them an asset to any group.

Highly sensitive people enjoy beauty and nature. They see sights, hear sounds, and embrace life’s smaller gifts at a deeper level. The way their brain functions makes them exceptional creators. Due to enhanced information processing, highly sensitive people have extraordinary visualization capabilities.

Highly sensitive people spend their lives feeling overstimulated. They’re emotionally resilient because they have always bounced back after being overly stressed. By processing information deeply, sensitive people see ways to make positive things happen despite negativity.

The research showing sensitivity’s link to mental health problems may stir up anxiety, but highly sensitive people have personality traits that make them extraordinary and special. They make worthy friends who see life from other people’s perspective, and can enhance and empower any workplace or school simply by using their brains

Now that you’ve heard the news, what do you think is special about highly sensitive people? Please leave a comment below.