10 Signs You Might Be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
Have you ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” “overthinking everything,” or that you “just need to toughen up”? If so, you may actually be part of the 20% of the population who are Highly Sensitive People (HSPs).
Being highly sensitive isn’t a weakness—it’s a personality trait. HSPs process the world more deeply, feel emotions more intensely, and notice subtleties that others miss. This sensitivity comes with incredible strengths—but it can also feel overwhelming without the right tools and support.
Here are 10 common signs you might be an HSP:
1. You Notice Subtle Details
While others might walk into a room and head straight to the food table, you notice tension between people, shifts in tone, or the fact that someone looks uncomfortable.
2. You Feel Deeply Moved by Beauty
Art, music, and nature don’t just please you—they move you. A piece of music or a sunset can bring you to tears.
3. You Need More Downtime
After social events or busy environments, you feel drained and need quiet alone time to recharge.
4. You’re Sensitive to Stimuli
Bright lights, strong smells, scratchy fabrics, or loud noises can easily overwhelm your system.
5. You Process Things Deeply
You don’t just skim the surface—you think deeply about decisions, experiences, and conversations. Sometimes this looks like replaying situations in your head.
6. You Absorb Others’ Emotions
If someone around you is anxious or upset, you often feel it in your own body as if it’s happening to you.
7. You Struggle With Criticism
Even small or well-intentioned feedback can hit hard and take a long time to process.
8. You Crave Meaningful Connections
Surface-level small talk leaves you drained. You thrive on authenticity, depth, and real connection.
9. You’re Highly Empathetic
You naturally notice and care about how others are feeling. People often tell you they feel “seen” by you.
10. Busy Environments Overwhelm You
Crowds, multitasking, and chaotic environments quickly leave you stressed and overstimulated.
The Gift (and Challenge) of Being an HSP
If you see yourself in this list, you might be an HSP. That means you likely have incredible empathy, intuition, and creativity. But it also means you may struggle with overwhelm, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and setting boundaries.
The good news? Being highly sensitive is not something to “fix.” It’s something to understand, honor, and work with.
With the right tools and support, HSPs can move from feeling overstimulated and self-critical to feeling grounded, empowered, and deeply connected to their strengths.
Ready to Honor Your Sensitivity?
As an HSP myself, I know the difference it makes to have a therapist who truly gets it. In therapy, we can explore what it means for you to be highly sensitive, heal old wounds, and help you design a life that supports your sensitive nervous system instead of overwhelming it.
📅 Book your free 15-minute consultation here → Start Now