The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You

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This remarkable book . . . gives a fresh perspective, a sigh of relief, and a good sense of where we belong in society." —John Gray, author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus Since we’re in the heresies game, let’s try the biggest one. Is HSP real? “It’s unclear whether highly sensitive people warrant their own category – in scientific language, whether the difference is dimensional or taxonomic,” says Kane (whose PhD is in neuroimaging). “There are still few research groups dedicated to this, and a brain study often taken as definitive proof is too limited to generalise its results.” This doesn’t mean HSP isn’t real. All theories look for definitive, areas-of-the-brain-lighting-up proof, one that makes a good picture in the media. But “we can’t really do that with anything to be honest, despite spending billions of pounds on it.”

While you are reading this book, you will probably see everything in your life in light of being highly sensitive.That is to be expected.In fact, it is exactly the idea.Total immersion helps with learning any new language, including a new way of talking about yourself.If others feel a little concerned, left out, or annoyed, ask for their patience.There will come a day when the concept will settle in and you'll be talking about it less. This book is written specifically about highly sensitive people and their careers. If you find it difficult to fit into your company’s culture or you feel frustrated about finding a career that works for you, this book will give you a few pointers. First of all, I have to clarify for the record that The World is not, thankfully, (at least at this point in my life), "overwhelming" me.

In defining the Highly Sensitive Person, Dr. Aron provides examples of characteristic behaviors, and these are reflected in the questions she typically asks patients or interview subjects: A feature film, focuses on what perhaps matters most: how high sensitivity affects your relationships with loved ones. Talk about a powerhouse! This book uses proven therapeutic techniques to take on anxiety, stress and emotional overload — all presented in a thoughtful warm-hearted way. Author Julie Bjelland draws on years of clinical practice working specifically with HSPs. The book offers inspiration, self-insight and a hands-on method to reshape your brain. This book focuses in on what we all need: simple, realistic strategies for managing the tough parts of being a highly sensitive person. That includes dealing with overstimulating or “loud” environments, distractions, overwhelming emotions, and social situations — as well as getting to know your high sensitivity on a deeper level.

Elaine Aron's perceptive analysis of this fundamental dimension of human nature is must reading. Her balanced presentation suggests new paths for making sensitivity a blessing, not a handicap." —Philip G. Zimbardo, Ph.D., author of Shyness: What It Is, What to Do About It Another equally important part of growing up is no longer pretending we will be able to do absolutely everything. Life is short and filled with limits and responsibilities…” – Elaine N. Aron, PhD, TheHighly Sensitive Person Identifying which type of empath you are is essential for HSPs. It gives you a way to discern what kind of stimuli will affect you most. It also helps you to recognize your strengths. For instance, knowing you’re an emotional empath can guide you to help people who are compatible with your sensitivities while avoiding others who can be emotionally draining. I have known Mel for 17 years and she brings light and energy in all that she does. This book is an extension of that and will bring a huge insight to thousands of people.” —Alan Dudley, retired Principal Officer, HM Prison Service Psychologist Elaine N. Aron has produced several books on the subject of highly-sensitive people. This appears to have been her first and is, I suspect, her most commercial. In it, she attempts to introduce the theory that there exists a distinct set of human beings who are genetically wired with a heightened sensitivity to all things sensory. Unlike the introvert, who purportedly thrives in isolation and opts for solitude or smaller groups when given the choice, the highly-sensitive person has trouble withstanding the cacophony of the wider world and is constitutionally compelled to seek sanctuary when confronted with an abundance of stimulation - whether she wishes to or not. The distinction is a subtle one, and made all the more difficult to draw by the author's freshman approach to this sort of presentation. Much of the material has been dumbed down for the layman, couched in wildly-contradictory terms, and richly romanticized. Again, first book. One assumes lessons have been learned.Most of us feel overstimulated every once in a while, but for the highly sensitive person, it’s a way of life. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Elaine Aron, a highly sensitive person herself, shows you how to identify this trait in yourself and make the most of it in everyday situations.

Empath by Judy Dyer is an empowering read for anyone discovering their empathetic nature, encouraging you to embrace your gifts and turn your ability to tune-into the emotions and needs of others into “something beautiful.” Sensitive is the New Strong by Anita Moorjani offers insight into how to protect your energy, find your power, and live authentically as a person who experiences the sensory overload and emotional burden of high sensitivity. Who wouldn’t want to be HSP?” says Fergus Kane, clinical psychologist at the Maudsley, when I throw him the hot potato. “It’s an almost entirely positive set of attributes.” One possible downside, he says, might be missing a diagnosis in another area. Overstimulation overlaps with conditions such as ADHD and autism – female autism in particular is little understood (sensitivity researchers maintain there are key differences) – and a diagnosis might lead to alternative interventions, from meditation to medication. There is a non-clinical value to self-identification, Kane adds, understanding how we interact with the world, and having compassion for ourselves. I am paralysed by overthinking! Beset by self-doubt!’ Rhik Samadder finds he’s more fragile than he thought. Grooming by Juliana Sergot using Kiehl’s; trainers by camper.com. Photograph: Pål Hansen/The Observer Most of the world is geared for those who can handle high doses of stimulation at an almost constant pace and for those who are less so inclined are seen as over-sensitive, boring, or shy. This book is for those who often find themselves overwhelmed by the stimulation of the world and need some clarity of why this is, those who want to confront the lies they have been told about being sensitive.

In the workplace, HSPs are often the highest performers, yet the first to burn out. They can struggle in relationships, as they lean towards people-pleasing. “When you notice all the little hurts that happen with other people, how can you not?” points out Granneman. But the story is not a pessimistic one, she insists. The ability to connect is of huge value and higher sensitivity is linked with creativity, brilliance and higher IQ. The trait is shared by pioneers across science, business and the arts – anyone who notices details others don’t, makes connections they can’t. “I knew an HSP painter who saw 20 different shades of blue on a wall where others saw just one,” she says.

Ways to reframe your past experiences in a positive light and gain greater self-esteem in the process However, after the first three or four chapters, I felt that the book was repeating itself, saying the same things but merely changing the settings. "HSPs are sensitive as children. HSPs are sensitive as adolescents. HSPs are especially affected by puberty. HSPs are especially affected by trauma. HSPs are especially affected by relationships." Self-care for Empaths by Tanya Carroll Richardson is a simple, easy-to-digest (and therefore good for those days when you don’t feel like self care is even an option emotionally) book full of 100 activities to help you recharge and rebalance.Perhaps surprisingly, there's little to no discussion of that emotional sensitivity or touchiness over comments from others. Instead, Elaine Aaron's use of "sensitive" is actually "over arousal" in the nervous system: over-stimulation. Still, much of what she discusses applies to certain aspects of my personality: intuitive, sensitive to others' moods, pulled by inner conflicting voices (difficulty w/ decisions), conscientiousness, cautious, pleasing, worried about making mistakes. If these same traits resonate with you, I think you'd definitely find this book an excellent source of food for thought. The Empath’s Survival Guide by Judith Orloff wraps self-assessment exercises, practical tools and strategies, and resources for staying fully open and true to ourselves while building resilience for the challenges it presents in all areas: work, parenting relationships, intimacy. She defines being an Empath as, “We actually feel others’ emotions, energy, and physical symptoms in our own bodies, without the usual defenses that most people have.” Next, this book considers the impact of your sensitivity on your personal history, career, relationships, and inner life.It focuses on the advantages you may not have thought of, plus it gives advice about typical problems some HSPs face, such as shyness or difficulty finding the right sort of work. In this book, you will also find helpful HSP-related information about resolving your sleep problems, coping with your work environment, dealing with noisy neighbors, and creating harmonious relationships with others. It also explores Eastern philosophy and spirituality and provides relaxation and meditation techniques.