Understanding Highly Sensitive People: ACompassionate Approach

​Hey everybody, Dr. Rick here again! Today, I want to talk about a very real and increasingly recognized phenomenon: Highly Sensitive People (HSPs). You might be one yourself or know someone who fits this description. Let’s dive into what it means to be a highly sensitive person and how it impacts our lives

What is a Highly Sensitive Person?
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) react strongly to subtle stimuli in their environment, both internally and externally. This heightened sensitivity can manifest in various ways:

• Light Sensitivity: HSPs might need to wear sunglasses or tinted lenses indoors or in office buildings because bright lights are overwhelming.
• Noise Sensitivity: Sudden or loud noises can startle HSPs, triggering a fight-or-flight response.
• Smell Sensitivity: Certain smells, like those in the laundry aisle of a supermarket, can make HSPs feel sick.
• Environmental: EMF’s (electromagnetic frequency’s) can have a profound impact as well as toxins in their environment.
  

HSPs are also typically emotionally sensitive, often picking up on emotions and energy that others might miss. They can walk into a room and immediately sense the atmosphere or the feelings of those present. While many of us have this ability, HSPs are particularly attuned to it.

The Connection to My Practice
Over the years, I’ve realized that my practice is uniquely suited to care for highly sensitive people. One specific subset of HSPs that I often encounter are those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). This condition is a real, physiological, and neurological phenomenon. It’s not “all in their heads,” as many unfortunately hear.

Understanding Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
MCS can cause severe reactions to even minimal exposure to certain chemicals. Here are a few examples of what this looks like:

• walking by someone wearing scented perfume or using scented laundry soap can make them feel sick or gag. For some, the reaction is so intense that it can lead to convulsions. 
• experiencing headaches or altered mind states when exposed to VOCs,  the particles present when products are off gassing. 

Compassion and Care for HSPs
​It’s crucial to bring awareness to the struggles of HSPs and those with MCS. They live in a world where they constantly face potential triggers, making it a challenge to navigate everyday life. Imagine not being able to go into a supermarket, as these are full of potential triggers! As a community, we need to show understanding and compassion.

How You Can Help

1. Awareness: Understand that highly sensitive people and those with MCS are dealing with real challenges. Their reactions are not exaggerated or imagined.
2. Support: Offer a safe and supportive environment. Avoid wearing strong scents or using scented products around them.
   
3. Empathy: Listen to their experiences and respect their boundaries. A little empathy can go a long way in making them feel understood and accepted.

You're Not Alone
​To all the highly sensitive people out there, know that you're not alone. There are moreof us out there, and there is help available. My practice is dedicated to providing the care and support you need. If you or someone you know struggles with these sensitivities, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let's continue to build a community that values and supports each other, understanding that our sensitivities make us unique and valuable. Together, we can create a safer and more compassionate world for everyone. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more insights and support on this journey of understanding and empathy.