FAQs for Highly Sensitive People

Q1: How do I know if I'm a highly sensitive person?

A: Common signs include becoming easily overwhelmed in busy or loud environments, being deeply affected by other people's moods, needing alone time to recharge after social interactions, being bothered by bright lights or strong smells, feeling things deeply (both positive and negative emotions), noticing subtle changes in your environment that others miss, and being more affected by caffeine or medications than others. If several of these resonate with you, you may be an HSP.

Q2: What's the difference between being overwhelmed and experiencing burnout?

A: Overwhelm is a temporary state of feeling overloaded that typically improves with rest and reduced stimulation. Burnout is a prolonged state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that develops over time from accumulated stress. Burnout includes symptoms like emotional numbness, persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, detachment from previously meaningful activities, and physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues. Burnout requires more comprehensive recovery than simple overwhelm.

Q3: How can a health and wellness coach help highly sensitive people?

A: A health and wellness coach can help HSPs identify energy patterns and triggers, create sustainable daily routines that honor sensitivity, develop personalized self-care strategies, set and maintain boundaries, navigate lifestyle changes that support wellbeing, and create accountability for implementing new habits. Coaches focus on practical implementation and sustainable lifestyle design specifically tailored to the needs of highly sensitive people.

Q4: Do highly sensitive people need more sleep than others?

A: Many highly sensitive people find they need more sleep than average—often 8-10 hours—to fully process the day's experiences and restore their nervous systems. Because HSPs process more information throughout the day, their brains need additional recovery time. Quality sleep is essential for managing sensitivity effectively, and many HSPs notice significant improvements in overwhelm when they prioritize adequate rest.

Q5: Can you be a highly sensitive person and an extrovert?

A: Yes, approximately 30% of highly sensitive people are extroverts. These individuals enjoy social interaction and gain energy from meaningful connections but still need downtime to process experiences and can become overstimulated in busy social environments. Highly sensitive extroverts often prefer smaller gatherings or one-on-one conversations over large parties and need recovery time even after enjoyable social events.

Q6: Is being a highly sensitive person the same as having anxiety?

A: No, high sensitivity and anxiety are different. High sensitivity is a neurological trait present from birth involving deeper processing of information. Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear. However, highly sensitive people may be more prone to anxiety if they don't manage overwhelm effectively, and the two can occur together. Individual therapy can help distinguish between the two and address anxiety if present.

Q7: When should a highly sensitive person seek therapy?

A: Consider individual therapy if you're experiencing persistent burnout or emotional exhaustion, difficulty setting boundaries that protect your wellbeing, anxiety or depression that interferes with daily life, trouble distinguishing your emotions from others', relationship challenges related to your sensitivity, or if you want professional support in developing coping strategies. Therapy with someone who understands high sensitivity can be transformative.

Q8: What's the difference between being overwhelmed and experiencing burnout?

Q9: How can a health and wellness coach help highly sensitive people?

Q10: Do highly sensitive people need more sleep than others?

Q11: Can you be a highly sensitive person and an extrovert?

Q12: Is high sensitivity genetic?

A: Research suggests high sensitivity has a genetic component, with studies indicating heritability rates around 47%. If you're a highly sensitive person, there's a good chance you have family members with similar traits. However, environmental factors and life experiences also influence how sensitivity manifests and how well individuals learn to manage it. Understanding that sensitivity is innate rather than chosen can reduce self-criticism.

Q13: How do I explain my sensitivity to others who don't understand?

A: Focus on being matter-of-fact and specific rather than apologetic. Explain that you process information differently and need certain accommodations to function at your best—just as someone might need glasses to see clearly. Give concrete examples: "I need quiet time after work to recharge" or "I work better in spaces without fluorescent lighting." Most people respond well to clear, non-defensive communication. Avoid over-explaining or seeking permission for your needs.

Still have questions? Write them in the comments section below or reach out to us for individual counseling or wellness coaching specifically targeted to HSPs.