Am I a Highly Sensitive Person? Take the HSP Quiz
Calling all deep feelers—this one is for you.
You may have found this page because you have wondered:
Why do I feel everything so deeply?
Why do I get overwhelmed more easily than other people?
Am I “too sensitive”?
If you’ve asked yourself these questions (or ones like them), you’re not alone.
Many highly sensitive people feel out of place in a world that is busy, fast-paced, and full of external stimulation. It can be confusing to understand why you feel exhausted after being in a loud, crowded environment while others seem to crave settings like this. Even people who enjoy being social might need extra time to rest in quieter environments after more intense interactions.
The good news is: if you are someone who feels is sensitive to your environment, there is nothing wrong with you.
Sensitivity is a strength, not a weakness. While it can make it harder to function in systems that are built around constant stimulation and distraction (and there are SO many of those these days), it is a trait that many people have and can find benefit from.
What Is a Highly Sensitive Person?
A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is someone with a more responsive nervous system, meaning they tend to process emotions, environments, and experiences more deeply.
Research suggests that high sensitivity isn’t just a personality trait—it’s linked to how the nervous system is wired. Highly sensitive people tend to have a more finely tuned sensory processing system, and register and respond to subtle information in their environment. It effects people who are both neurotypical and neurodivergent.
This can look like feeling deeply affected by other people’s emotions, becoming overwhelmed in busy environments, needing more time to recharge, or noticing subtle details others might miss.
Take the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Self-Test
Curious if you are a Highly Sensitive Person? One of the most well-known self-assessments was developed by psychologist Elaine Aron.
You can take the test here:
https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/
If your results suggest you might be highly sensitive, you can learn more about the research on HSP traits or check out my Highly Sensitive Person therapy page.
The Strengths of Being Highly Sensitive
As I mentioned earlier, there really are positives to being a sensitive person. You might more easily notice and take in the beauty of nature through all five senses. You might be a natural counselor to your friends and family, offering understanding and support even if it isn’t your profession. You might be highly creative and artistic with a vivid imagination. You might crave and cultivate deep, authentic relationships, encouraging others to engage in meaningful connections as well. You might also notice small details that others overlook, bringing attention and excellence to your work. Experiencing life more deeply has many benefits.
When Counseling Can Be Helpful
For many people, learning about high sensitivity brings a sense of relief.
The knowledge that your nervous system takes in and processes more can be helpful information to learn how to work with it, not against it.
Yet, there can still be challenges. Those who are highly sensitive might be more prone to burnout, notice excessive anxiety in their daily lives, or have more deeply felt traumatic experiences. Therapy can be a helpful space to explore these experiences and understand your nervous system.