Are You an HSP?

Those in the know will know I’m not referring to Hispanics, but in fact a highly sensitive person. Like a lot of things we’re still learning about inside that tricky brain of ours, there has been a lot of misunderstanding about this subject over the years. But there’s now a doctor in the house!

In her post titled, funny enough, “Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)?“, psychology professor Dr. Andrea Dinardo explains that HSP is not a choice; it’s biological (she’s got cool pictures to back this up, too). As she puts it:

“Brain scans show that HSP’s have ‘heightened activity in empathy-related brain regions‘ including the anterior insula (insular cortex), highlighted in the brain scan below.

[image error]

Definitely take time to visit Dr. Dinardo’s site, but if you’re curious whether you’re not just uber sensitive/hysterical/overly emotional, and actually HSP, check out the following self test:

Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?