Stimulation enters all sensory channels: sights, sounds, smells, vibrations, touch.
HSPs generally respond strongly and quickly reach their natural level of tolerance in noisy, bright, or chaotic environments.
- Managing this type of overstimulation could be treated as a “glitch” of reducing ambient intensity or leaving it off when possible.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to “leave” an overstimulating environment.
- A sensitive child cannot leave a busy classroom…
- A worker cannot always afford to leave an intolerable workplace…
- A loving and sensitive mother cannot abandon her children when they are “overstimulated”
HSPs who are chronically overstimulated and feel unable to exert control over their environment may be at increased risk of developing feelings of helplessness, hopelessness…and then depression. Website design By BotEap.com (2) internal body stimulation Website design By BotEap.comHSPs are closely attuned to information and signals from their bodies. Internal sensations of hunger, thirst, overheating, physical exhaustion, insufficient rest… all of this is very pressing and obvious to them. As a result, HSPs sometimes become overly concerned about their health or frailty and may make urgent demands for care or support from those around them. Website design By BotEap.comThis heightened awareness of their human vulnerability can contribute to feelings of anxiety and a sense of vulnerability which again contributes to the growth of depressive feelings. Website design By BotEap.com(3) A rich and stimulating inner life.
Another set of stimuli arises in the form of fantasies, dreams and inner reflections… all those thoughts, anxious, critical or magical, that float in the background of our habitual conscious thought are more accessible, credible and interesting for the majority. HSP. Website design By BotEap.comThis detailed cognition about the possibilities of producing anxiety is carried out in order to anticipate and avoid potential problems… but it can easily become overwhelming and contribute to feelings of frailty and inadequacy and lead back to helpless and hopeless depression. Website design By BotEap.com(4) Interpersonal overstimulation
It is very stimulating to be around other human beings! Website design By BotEap.comAll human beings are constantly signaling their emotional states through tone of voice, posture, gestures, and eye contact. It is a natural human ability to respond empathically to these signals…understanding and “feeling together” with those around us. Website design By BotEap.comHSPs, with their porous stimulation barriers and detailed cognitive processing, are adept readers of conscious and unconscious interpersonal cues. As a result, they are often unknowingly struck and captured by the emotional states of those around them…or even by the plight of people in the news or in fictional portrayals. You may experience these resonances very strongly. Website design By BotEap.comIf an HSP lives near a depressed or mentally ill person or in a depressing environment, it can be very difficult for them not to become depressed. Website design By BotEap.com (5) Chemically related depressive responses
Since HSPs are highly attuned to their bodies, they notice the physical changes that occur in response to very low levels of environmental contaminants or very low doses of medication. Website design By BotEap.comSide effects that may be minor in others may be very prominent in sensitive individuals.
Some medications can have depression as a side effect:
- Medicines for high blood pressure and cholesterol can sometimes cause symptoms of depression, as can some medicines for heart disease, since these medicines affect both the brain and the rest of the body.
- Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement drugs can also affect mood.
- Anti-anxiety medications and mood stabilizers that are intended to reduce anxious tension also carry the risk of depression as a side effect.
- Strong prescription acne medications are known to cause depression in some people.
The intersection of these factors can create a “perfect storm” for some HSPs. Sensitivity to his own responses leads to feelings of fragility which, in turn, convince the individual that he cannot change or influence his environment. Anxious cognition also contributes to the feeling of helplessness, hopelessness that leads to depression. Contamination by depression or anxiety from others around you can add to your gloomy outlook. Website design By BotEap.comFeeling empowered helps…
Fortunately, studies have also suggested that sensitivity works both ways. Sensitive people are also particularly capable of pleasurable stimulation and benefit powerfully from the love, support, and concern of those around them. Website design By BotEap.comHSPs often quickly benefit from psychotherapeutic support that helps them reframe their experience into an equally detailed but more positive and empowered perspective on themselves, their abilities, and their potential to effectively control their environment. Website design By BotEap.comHigh sensitivity is part of the normal spectrum of human responsiveness. He comes bringing gifts of insight, intuition, conscientiousness, and empathy for others…qualities that are invaluable to human society. Unchecked and untreated depression in HSPs robs us of all the benefits of their special gifts. Website design By BotEap.comIf you or someone you love is highly sensitive and struggling with depression, it may be time to take action…to seek help and support.