How to live well with your hypersensitivity?

Hypersensitivity is often characterized by hyperreactivity to the environment with an emotional outburst sometimes unsuited to the situation. Often ignored by the people themselves, it is however by putting words on what we feel and by getting to know each other that we can make an ally of it.

How do I know if I’m hypersensitive?

If the help of a professional psychologist or psychiatrist can of course be very useful to make the diagnosis, certain situations can be revealing of a form of hypersensitivity. This is most often the case in relationships with others, where the hypersensitive person finds it difficult to analyze their emotions, make decisions and reacts emotionally disproportionately. As the details are more obvious to her, she is very attentive and observant, she may find it difficult to take a step back and not feel affected.

This is often explained in people who tended to want to please their parents in childhood, to the detriment of their own desires and who were very sensitive to the judgment of others. The consequences in adulthood are not negligible, however, because they can affect all areas: relational, professional or sentimental.

Can we treat it or do we have to live with hypersensitivity?

If there are no other associated psychological or psychiatric disorders, hypersensitivity is a personality characteristic that can be accompanied without being treated. To make it an asset on a daily basis, it is important to work on yourself to get to know yourself better.

For this, it is recommended to carry out an “interpersonal therapy” which helps to mentalize one’s emotions, one’s intentions and those of others. It seeks to help the expression of emotions through techniques for prioritizing needs and expectations by treating the lack of mentalization.

“Cognitive and behavioral therapy” can also be very effective in avoiding being overwhelmed by emotions by working on inappropriate interpretations. It can be complemented by mindful meditation.

Find out more: “Hypersensitive people – better understanding themselves, better accepting themselves: transforming hypersensitivity into an asset”, fromElaine N. ARON, Pocket marabout editions.