Too sensitive, too emotional?

Have you ever been told that you're just too sensitive or too emotional and wondered what was wrong with you?

Have you felt that you notice things or see things that others just don't?

Are you easily affected by other people's moods and emotions?

Are you easily overwhelmed by noise, smells, light, lots of people, shopping centres?

There is nothing wrong with you. Being highly sensitive is a gift to be nurtured and cherished. You may be one of the 20% of the population who, according to research published in a brilliantly helpful book*, is a highly sensitive person (HSP). If you are an HSP you are probably also gifted with a keen intelligence, great intuition and a vivid imagination.

HSP's often struggle with depression, shyness or low self-confidence as it's difficult to be heard, to express yourself in a society that's dominated by excess and stress. Particularly at work, where you may find it difficult to be noticed and may suffer extreme stress, it's very important to recognise your gifts and to find ways of coping in a world that you find overly stimulating.

*The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron