High sensitivity is not a trauma reaction

Last week, someone I have been working with for over a year – Let’s call her “Liz” – Treatment A room that was absolutely defeated. Before asking one question, Liz got into a full-bodied sob. Together, we began to explore this feeling. I was curious as to why this relationship, which ended 20 years ago, is approaching right now. Apparently, while sloping in the lobby before our session, Liz was Instagram Lille says that a very sensitive person (HSP) like herself is always a victim of trauma. This thrown claim caused Liz’s false connection, portraying the pain of that past relationship as the root of her sensitivity.

oof. It’s not the first time I’ve heard that misunderstanding, it makes me hairy. Not only am I a very sensitive person (HSP), but I am also an HSP therapist, so I have great feelings about people who make sensitivity equivalent to trauma. To set the record straight: High sensitivity is not caused by trauma.

This popular traumatic myth is problematic for three reasons:

1. It’s simply not true. the study High sensitivity (or indicates that there are similar components like Sensitive processing sensitivity (sps)) is a characteristic that HSPs are born and carried.
2. It can lock you into a useless, backward-facing story. Revisiting your worst experiences and getting upset with the hypothetical “What ifs” will only create more pain than you are in the present.
3. If HSPS is due to trauma in sensitivity, they are more likely to overlook many beneficial aspects of their advanced capabilities.

Research will tell you about sensitivity

Very sensitive people (HSP) are unique Neurological wiring. Elaine Aron and colleagues (2012) reported, “In the sample, usually 10% to 35% fell into the highly sensitive category, depending on the sample.” These researchers also suggest that over 100 animal species have the properties of being more perceptive and responding to the environment.

Many components explain the quality of being more sensitive (or responsive) to the environment. High sensitivity, Sensitive processing sensitivity, Biological sensitivity to contextand Environmental sensitivity. When studying dog structure, this characteristic is Sensitivity of dogs.

Over 20 years Academic Research If you are very sensitive, it indicates that you are probably born very sensitive. You didn’t become an HSP overnight. You’ve always done this.

HSP and chronic genocide

Many HSPs grow in environments where caregivers repeatedly misunderstand their natural sensitivity. This unfortunate pattern is called chronic genocide. From a statistical perspective, it is easy to see why this is common, as about 65% to 90% of HSP parents and teachers are not as sensitive as themselves.

Depending on their authentic experience Emotional responsesensitive children often hear scorn from adults, such as “not a big deal”, “enhancing”, “stop being so dramatic”. When someone experiences chronic ineffectiveness (their experiences are said over and over again) they are likely to believe something is wrong, leading to a oppressive tendency. Self-esteemand increases anxiety and depression.

This is not a chicken or egg situation. Those Self-concept and Emotional regulation The problem was that it didn’t produce sensitivity. They were born out of abuse.

Where trauma appears

The frequent confusion regarding the interaction of sensitivity and trauma is certainly understandable. Being an HSP is not due to trauma, but difficult life experiences are amplified by high sensitivity.

Differential sensitivity theorysuggesting that individuals are differently sensitive to environmental impacts, and may help them understand the relationship between sensitivity and trauma. HSPs handle stimuli more strongly and are more negatively affected by criticism, chaotic environments and emotional negligence than non-HSPs. In other words, highly sensitive individuals find themselves affected more trauma experience.

It is also important to recognize the other side. Yes, HSPs respond to negative experiences and feel more deeply Make more profit More than others from encouragement, enrichment, emotional validation. Research shows that HSPs in environments that cultivate and affirm environments are superior to non-HSPs in domains Creativity and Emotional intelligence.

I’ll move forward

If you are an HSP who has experienced trauma, know that both are true: you are sensitive to nature, and You have had a difficult experience that affects how you relate to that sensitivity. Working with therapists who understand HSPs can help you to unravel these interrelated truths and develop strategies that honor innate traits and living experiences.

To find a therapist Visit Psychology Today Therapy Directory.