Tuesday, August 30, 2016

The Drawbacks of Being # Highly Sensitive.

Life is stressful enough these days without adding an unwarranted burden to our minds. But we do exactly that when we react excessively to external stimuli,ponder reflectively over everything,experience emotions strongly,and take little things to heart.

Those who fit this description have been termed as highly Sensitive People or HSP by Dr.Elaine Aron who has been researching this trait since 1991.This is not a disorder but an innate tendency found in 15 to 20% people according to her.She says they are born,not made.You can check her site to judge for yourself whether or not you too,are highly sensitive.

The HSP have many admirable qualities.They are empathetic,caring,conscientious,creative and methodical,but being highly sensitive can sometimes also be detrimental.

*It is a given that now and then our plans will be foiled,we shall be defeated,and we may also suffer mishaps or setbacks. Such things sadden everyone,but if we accept them and move forward  it is one problem left behind. On the other hand,if we give undue importance to a negative event then we carry that negativity along with us,much longer than is good for us.

*In this way we accumulate more stress than is mandated by the circumstances. It not only affects our composure but could also morph into an anxiety disorder.

*When we pay excessive attention to a negative element in our lives,we lose sight of other positive aspects.Life appears dark and dreary and we become unduly morose.

*Moreover,when we allow run-of-the-mill instances to overwhelm us,it is possible to lose sight of other pressing matters which might really be important.

*Emotions cloud our reasoning faculties and distort perceptions. Naturally,this obviates problem-solving and leads to more stress in our lives.

*Too much sensitivity can cause loneliness.It is not uncommon to be rejected, cheated,betrayed or humiliated by someone.If we obsess about such episodes and retreat into our shells,we will cut ourselves off from many people.Others too will be wary of stepping on our toes and steer clear of us.

*The greatest danger in reacting strongly or experiencing emotions too deeply lies in the realm of relationships.A chance utterance,criticism,or an angry retort can mark the end of a relationship for those who hurt easily.It is best to give some margin to those who really matter,who could lighten our burden,who want to be with us,and without whom we too would be unhappy,otherwise that relationship could come to a sorry end,and then we would really have something to worry about.

In order to be happy,it is essential to view everything in its proper perspective.Difficulties,obstacles or unsavory incidents cannot be ruled out,but by allowing even negligible events to influence us hugely,we perpetuate tension and preclude serenity.

A related post:--
http://jeeteraho.blogspot.in/2015/10/switching-from-despondent-disposition.html

32 comments :

  1. Viewing things in proper perspective is the key as you rightly surmised Induji!

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  2. Oh yes! Such an insightful post, Indu. I have people in my life who are hypersensitive and I completely agree with what you have written.

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    1. Very happy that you agree with me Rachna. See,all wise women think alike;).

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  3. If they are born with it, it's not a choice is it? But you are right, it's not doing them good. Nothing is permanent should become the motto and things may appear easier

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    1. Jaishree I have sen over the years that it is possible to change innate tendencies through consistent efforts.But one has to be motivated enough to do it.

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  4. You've put it so well. At times, we get drained in life but we should stop for a while or go with the flow.

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    1. Yes Vishal, over sensitivity does drain one.Thanks for coming over.

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  5. It's a scary place to be in and no one can help you but your self-will.

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    1. Agree with you Purba,thanks for stopping by.

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  6. I have suffered anxiety and fought my way out...there is no complete solution but knowing the triggers and working patiently helped me...still i get bouts but its much better....I relate the article the most...

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    1. The fact that you could relate to it is very satisfying for me Shweta.
      Have a splendid day and life :).

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  7. I agree..I have seen some people over analysing everything and finding something negative in everything.

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    1. Hi Renu.Such people gather unwarranted stress for themselves,but they are not amenable to advice from others too.
      Sad.

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  8. I admit I come in this category of HSP:( and am hence suffering:(
    Your post may help me Indu ma'am:) Thank you:)

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  9. True, the world is not meant for touch-me-nots.

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    1. Yes,today it is all about I,me and my own.
      Thanks a lot for giving your view.

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  10. It is a tough life actually to be hyper-sensitive. People around you tend to get uncomfortable around you and it further exacerbates things for you. Requires a lot of will-power to get over it.

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    1. Yes Suresh,people leave you when they become uneasy or are made to feel like culprits.

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    2. Yes Suresh,people leave you when they become uneasy or are made to feel like culprits.

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    3. इंदु जी, सही कहा आपने। ज्यादा संवेदनशील होने से इंसान का स्वयं का ही बहुत नुकसान होता है। इंसान को व्यवहारिकता अपनानी आनी चाहिए।

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    4. इंदु जी, सही कहा आपने। ज्यादा संवेदनशील होने से इंसान का स्वयं का ही बहुत नुकसान होता है। इंसान को व्यवहारिकता अपनानी आनी चाहिए।

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    5. Thank you Jyoti,jeeteraho par aapka swagat hai:)

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    6. Thank you Jyoti,jeeteraho par aapka swagat hai:)

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  11. I have seen close family members who are hypersensitive. Sometimes, their attitude, precisely extreme fear and anxiety lead to unwanted situations. A very insightful post, Indu.

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    1. Yes Mani it disrupts the family ambiance.
      Thank you for giving your POV.

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  12. I know of no one who hasn't gone through this phase.....Maturity helps one to get ver it .....

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