9 unique struggles that highly sensitive people deal with every day

Being a highly sensitive person isn’t easy. We feel things more deeply, react more intensely, and often need time alone to recharge.

But there’s a flip side to this coin. Alongside the joys of sensitivity, we face unique daily struggles that others may not understand.

In this piece, we’re going to explore these challenges – nine unique difficulties that come with being a highly sensitive person.

Get ready for a deep dive into our world, where you’ll learn what it’s like to walk in our shoes, and hopefully gain some insight into how you can support the highly sensitive people in your life.

1) Overwhelm from sensory input

Being highly sensitive isn’t just about emotions. It extends to our sensory perception too.

For us, the world can often be an overwhelming place. The hum of fluorescent lights, the scratch of a woolen sweater, or the smell of strong perfume – these can all be too much for us to handle.

Imagine stepping into a room and being assaulted by every sound, smell, and texture. That’s often our reality.

This heightened sensitivity to sensory input means we often need to take steps to manage our environment. It could be as simple as using earplugs, wearing soft clothing, or avoiding crowded places.

Understanding this struggle can go a long way in helping you empathize with a highly sensitive person’s experience. It’s not that we’re being fussy or over-dramatic; it’s just how our brains are wired.

2) The emotional rollercoaster

One of the most prominent features of being a highly sensitive person is the depth of our emotional experiences. We feel joy and sorrow more intensely than others might.

Let me give you an example from my own life. When my best friend moved away to a different city, I was devastated. It felt like a part of me had been ripped away. For days, I could hardly eat or sleep. Others around me couldn’t understand why I was taking it so hard.

But for me, every memory, every shared laugh, every conversation was deeply felt and remembered. Their departure wasn’t just a goodbye; it felt like a loss.

This emotional intensity is a double-edged sword. On one hand, we experience love, joy, and beauty on a profound level. On the other hand, sadness, disappointment, and loss can feel overwhelming.

It’s all part of being highly sensitive — we’re on an emotional rollercoaster that never seems to stop. And while it can be exhausting, it’s also what makes our lives rich and meaningful.

3) Need for solitude

Highly sensitive people often need time alone to recharge and process their experiences. This isn’t an optional luxury for us – it’s a necessity.

Despite living in an extroverted world that values constant social interaction, solitude is vital for our well-being. Research shows that highly sensitive people can become overstimulated and drained if they don’t get enough alone time.

And this isn’t because we’re anti-social or shy. In fact, many of us love being around others. But, just like a battery, we need to recharge after a day of sensory and emotional stimulation.

Understanding this need for solitude can help others respect our boundaries and give us the space we need to thrive.

4) Deep empathy

As highly sensitive people, we don’t just understand the emotions of others – we feel them.

This deep empathy allows us to connect with people on a profound level. We can often sense when someone is upset, even if they’re trying to hide it. We’re the ones who notice when a friend is quieter than usual, or when a colleague is not their usual self.

This makes us excellent friends, partners, and confidants. But it can also be draining. Feeling the weight of others’ emotions can sometimes leave us feeling heavy and overwhelmed.

However, this deep empathy is a part of who we are. We wouldn’t trade it for anything – even if it comes with its own set of challenges.

5) Criticism cuts deep

For highly sensitive people, criticism can feel like a punch to the gut. We don’t just hear the words; we feel them deeply.

This is because we process information more deeply than others. So, a casual remark from a colleague or a comment from a friend can stick with us for days, even weeks.

It’s not that we’re overly sensitive or can’t take feedback. We understand its value and even welcome it. But we need it to be delivered with kindness and respect.

The challenge for us is learning not to let criticism define our self-worth. We’re more than a single comment or mistake, and it’s important for us to remember that.

6) The beauty in the details

In a world that often feels rushed and superficial, highly sensitive people have a gift for seeing the beauty in the details.

We notice the way sunlight filters through leaves, the intricate patterns of frost on a window, or the melody of a bird song that others might miss. We feel moved by a beautiful piece of music or a heartfelt line in a book.

These experiences aren’t just pleasing to us; they touch our souls. They remind us of the beauty and wonder that exist in this world, even amidst all its chaos and noise.

This ability to see beauty where others don’t is one of the joys of being highly sensitive. It’s our reminder that life is not just about surviving, but about finding moments of joy and wonder in our everyday lives.

7) The struggle with self-doubt

Highly sensitive people often grapple with self-doubt. Our sensitivity leads us to question ourselves and our place in the world.

I remember a time when I was given a leadership role at work. While others would have seen it as an opportunity, I found myself plagued with doubt. Was I good enough? Could I handle the responsibility? Would my sensitivity be a hindrance?

This self-doubt is something many highly sensitive people wrestle with. We are acutely aware of our strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes, this awareness can feed into our insecurities.

But over time, I’ve learned that my sensitivity is not a weakness. It’s a strength that allows me to connect with others on a deeper level, to empathize, and to lead with compassion. And that’s something worth celebrating.

8) Absorbing other’s stress

As highly sensitive people, we have a knack for picking up on the emotions of those around us. This can be a blessing when it comes to empathizing with friends or loved ones, but it can also mean that we absorb other people’s stress like a sponge.

Imagine sitting next to a friend who’s anxious about an upcoming job interview. Even if they don’t say a word about it, we can sense their tension and start feeling anxious ourselves.

While this emotional absorption allows us to connect deeply with others, it can also leave us feeling drained and stressed. It’s not always easy, but learning to set boundaries and protect our emotional energy is a crucial part of being a highly sensitive person.

9) We wouldn’t change a thing

Despite the challenges that come with being highly sensitive, if you asked us, most of us wouldn’t change a thing.

Our sensitivity allows us to experience life in a way that others might not. We feel deeply, love deeply, and see beauty in places that others may overlook.

Yes, it can be tough. Yes, we struggle with things that others might not understand. But our sensitivity is also our strength. It’s what makes us who we are – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Final thoughts: Embrace the sensitivity

Our sensitivity allows us to experience the world in a way that others might not. It’s like seeing in color in a world that is often black and white.

Scientific research suggests that highly sensitive people have a heightened activity in empathy-related brain regions when observing others’ emotions. This empathy allows us to understand and connect with people on a deeper level.

Despite the struggles we face, our sensitivity is our strength. It allows us to feel more deeply, love more deeply, and see beauty in places where others may overlook.

So, if you are a highly sensitive person, or if you know someone who is, remember to cherish this gift. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. After all, it’s this sensitivity that makes us who we are – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Picture of Tina Fey

Tina Fey

I've ridden the rails, gone off track and lost my train of thought. I'm writing to try and find it again. Hope you enjoy the journey with me.

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