I can cry if I want to
Being highly sensitive in an overstimulating world with Jenn Granneman + Sensitive book giveaway
Are you a highly sensitive person? I am guessing you are. Let’s call it a hunch. I am. I was SUPER young – it was before I can remember – when I was labeled Sensitive. It was akin to difficult. I think it was used in place of “hard.” My sister was the easygoing kid, the fun-loving social kid, and I was, well, sensitive and shy. I cried a lot. I still cry most days. I am crying as I write this.
This week, I am talking to Jenn Granneman about her new book, Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World, and viewing our sensitivities as literal superpowers. Starting with feeling strange and different at a young age, but actually, 30% of the human population falls into the category of extra sensors.
The term Highly Sensitive Person was coined in the 90’s by Elaine Aron to describe neurodivergent folks who display notable sensitivity to certain stimuli. People who had a heightened awareness of their surroundings such as fabrics, light, noises, textures, emotions, etc. They are super empathetic, often have strong intuitive powers, and can be easily overstimulated. They can read a room, pick up on subtle vocal cues, read facial expressions, and taste the subtle differences in flavors.
Curious if you are an HSP? Take the quiz here.
This is not an illness, but an evolved trait that is useful in the early detection of danger, connecting with people, and thinking deeply and creatively. HSP’s are much more attuned to their environment and often experience information fatigue.
Have you ever been told to suck it up, stick it out, stay strong, etc.? That you are overreacting. I get that a lot. Northwestern American European culture seems to value the perception of being strong, masculine, and resilient over soft, tender, and sensitive. Things that are louder, brighter, and extraverted are associated with strength. Sensitivity often is coupled with introversion and weakness.
Granneman talks about the Toughness Myth - this was new to me. It is the idea that mental toughness is about ignoring feelings and emotions, assuming they will just go away if we tell them to. But actually, that is not how emotions work, we have to find helpful ways to express our feelings, the good and the bad, and learn to cope. Toughness is about learning how to use your strong emotions as tools to understand what your body needs.
We also talk about the genetic origins of trauma that can be measured in sensitive people, how depression affects HSPs, the three types of sensitivity in people, and so much more.
Sensitive humans go into the world with open hearts. What a beautiful, tender way to look at the sweetness of being a human who feels things deeply.
Thanks so much for being here with me. I love doing this, meeting new people, searching for meaning, trying to feel comfortable in my own skin. I feel so lucky to do it with you. If there is a topic you want to talk about, or a question, comment here (this will also put you in the book giveaway).
I learned about HSP’s last year and suddenly everything clicked. It’s just been another piece of the puzzle to understanding myself
Loved this discussion, it definitely resonated! Learning about HSPs in the past few years has been so empowering.