Do you ever feel like your emotions are on overdrive? That small comments, situations, or even subtle social cues can send your feelings spiraling? If so, you might be what psychologists call a highly sensitive person (HSP)—someone who experiences emotions more intensely and is more reactive to emotional triggers.
Being highly sensitive isn’t a flaw—it’s a trait. HSPs often have deep empathy, creativity, and intuition. But with these gifts comes a challenge: emotional dysregulation. Emotional dysregulation occurs when feelings become overwhelming, making it hard to respond calmly or logically. For highly sensitive people, this can show up as sudden anxiety, irritability, sadness, or even physical symptoms like tension and fatigue.
Common emotional triggers for highly sensitive people include:
- Criticism or perceived judgment
- Conflict or tension in relationships
- Sensory overload (noise, crowds, or bright lights)
- Emotional distress in others
Tips for managing emotional sensitivity:
- Recognize your triggers. Awareness is the first step. Journaling your reactions can help identify patterns.
- Pause before reacting. Take deep breaths or count to ten. A small pause can prevent a strong emotional response from taking over.
- Set boundaries. Protect your energy by saying no to situations or people that consistently overwhelm you.
- Practice self-soothing. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or calming routines can help regulate emotions.
- Seek support. Therapy, support groups, or coaching can provide guidance in managing intense emotions.
Being highly sensitive can feel exhausting at times, but it also comes with profound strengths—deep connections, compassion, and insight. Learning to navigate your emotional landscape doesn’t mean suppressing your sensitivity; it means honoring it while finding balance.
Contact: patti.pike@canaminterventions.com
