I am a HSP and empath too. It’s like you never switch off, your mind is constantly going. I have really intense vivid dreams so I wake up drained. It’s a double edged sword; I love how receptive and attentive I am, but that comes with a price
I'm very empathetic and really sensitive to tone and people's emotions so it irritates the crap outta me when people lie and don't tell me what's wrong (even though they totally have that right and it's none of my business) I feel like people are acting shady or hiding stuff alot especially if I know how they normally act and are being different. I'm veryyyy observant and that makes me paranoid sometimes as well. Like if something been moved around and none says they've done it or been in that are. Idk sometimes it makes me feel crazy or others give me that "your crazy" look. Ugh.
Rayne Shadow I totally understand that! Like I get that it’s none of my business if my friend or partner is upset about something but it bugs the hell out of me when I know something is wrong and they say there isn’t. Even if they just said “yeah somethings bothering me but I don’t want to talk about it”, that would bother me less. It’s the fact that I know someone is lying to my face saying they’re fine when I know they’re not and most of the time they know that I know. I’ve had arguments with exes about this and it’s really bothered them that I could feel their emotions and that I’m very observant about any chances in their behaviour
*you're And yeah. Like...why can't people just say it? I'm autistic and revving engines scare me so badly. I hate Ybor city at night. And it's bad enough that I'm horrible at reading social situations and voice tones but the same people who tell me to "figure it out" mislead me on purpose. Tell me how that makes sense.
Same. I overthink a lot. Like to the point where it's kind of unhealthy. I'm always nervous about everything and what people think of me. Just constantly overthinking and bullying on top of that does NOT help what so ever. Why are some people such assholes? Like it's a genuine question that I wish someone had a straight forward answer instead of "I don't know". I always have this small feeling my friends hate me or I'm annoying or they don't want me around. And when people play around and are like "You're crazy" like you said, I take everything so seriously. Sorry for my rant 💖
Thank you. All my life i’ve been “sensitive”, so much that my own family have told me that i should learn how to handle situations and myself and that i should not be “weak” and a “brat”. Honestly it is so hard because i can’t control it, i just get overstimulated by things. Everything you said about thinking to yourself “why can’t i do it” resonated so much with me, man life is just hard sometimes. You’re not alone, we are not alone. Thank you again for this video, lots of love from Mexico ❤️
I always described myself as over- emotional, or a cry baby. But I can relate to so much of what you talk about in this video, all the worries and insecurities and the wish to be "normal" and just have normal reactions. 😕
Thank you for this 💛 I can relate, especially with noise. I’m so sensitive to loud noises (I HATE noise pollution/revving engines/sirens), and with some sounds I get a strange vibrating sensation in my ear - maybe that’s like the glass thing you mentioned. I’m also a very jumpy person. For example, I get startled if someone just quietly says my name while I’m at my desk at work lol
I have this as well, when I hear a siren or a car pull-up or something I could literally cry, sometimes I even get tears in my eyes and really have to focus on holding in the tears
kchoi I wouldn't consider myself a highly sensitive person, but I HATE loud sounds and strong smells. As a kid, if a truck would drive by, I'd start singing, because it felt like I was the one controlling the noise and I could stop it at any moment (Yeah, I know. It's weird) When people wear a strong perfume I'm about to throw out and I Can taste the perfume in the back of my throat for most of the Day.
Im an HSP/empath, with anxiety and depression. Even the smallest bad interaction can set me spiraling. Sometimes I don't leave the house for days because I know I can't handle it. I can tell when people want me to shut up, I can tell when someone is trying to hide their dislike for me. It's brutal sometimes. I can't walk down the laundry soap isle because it's so fragrant and it hurts to breath, and normal noise levels make my ears feel like they are gonna bleed. I can't do loud music and also have ear plugs for smoke alarm testing. My husbands voice kills me in cars for some reason, it's just like you described like the glass noise. I could go on forever about the things that bother me. I've been this way since I was a child, and I find it hard to not completely become a shut in. It's a choice I have to make everyday to keep pushing even when it's uncomfortable. Thank you for making a video about this. I find HSP people are very misunderstood and mislabeled as overdramatic.
I feel like I'm pretty opposite from you. I have a lot of trouble empathizing with people and my emotions are super steady and I don't often feel strong emotions. Its so cool how people can have such different predispositions to things like the way they experience emotions.
Girl, I cannot tell you how much I relate. I graduated from my Psychology degree with the realisation that I might be too sensitive to work in that field, one-on-one, at least for now. I also feel like I'm ~delayed~ in life due to a myriad of things, mostly my high sensitivity to things. It's crazy, I hope we can get rid of that feeling that society imposes about timelines for twenty-seomthings. Anyway, wonderful video. Sending you love 💛
I’ve never felt so understood in my entire life! Thank you so so much for making this video. I cry so often and for so many reasons and I get so overwhelmed so quick. I think sound and like other people’s energies are the most impactful to me.
as someone with autism this is like 60% of what's up like hypersensitivity and hyper-empathy are two very big symptoms of autism (obviously there's more to it but I just found this overlap interesting)
I hate the stigma that autistic people lack empathy because I've noticed that it's usually the opposite. About 80% of my friends are autistic and they are all one of the most empathetic and emotionally connected people I know. They usually just have either a different way of expressing it or are just having a hard time actually showing it but once you get to know them they're absolutely super caring and super sweet
@@jestfullhypnotist705 I have autism. And I'm extremely empathic, there's literally people saying that I need to think about my own shit more instead of always helping others. All what autistic people do is express differently, think and sometimes act differently. Other than that, we're pretty normal.
Can I just say, thank you so much for putting my feelings into words. I always thought it was just a "me thing" but reading all these comments and hearing your experiences have really helped. I like to keep my feelings to myself too because otherwise I'll complain of every little thing that triggers my sensitivity. The question, "are you ok?" for example sends me into a sob and I don't know why. When I get blood drawn I can feel it moving and leaving my body. I get dizzy so easily that I have to sit down immediately after. Thank you for bringing awareness to this so I can look into it further. Love the videos Sarah, keep up the amazing work!
I'm so pleased that you spoke about that subject Sarah and I can relate to a lot of things said here and below: Loud sounds that I don't choose can make me verbally aggressive easily ("it has to stop, please shut up now! ") and it get worst with age, high sense of smell, picky with food (but love to eat), feeling shitty because you had a talk with someone and over-worry that you handled it wrong/overthink what you want to say even though not saying it at all, being perfectionist and can't succeed to what you expected (and obviously, feeling sooo frustrated and sad about it), constant reassessment of my acts and my needs/ideas "why can't I handle this/why can't I do this like "normal people" ?! ". I often feel like a stranger in humanity with all my feeling making me choke. This sensitivity is a gift in the sense of I love people, I love to feel in empathy with them and i'm really enthusiastic/optimistic for everything but it burns me as well. I cry a lot, sometimes I don't exactly know what triggers me, I just need to evacuate my flow of emotions. I dealed with a bit of that anxiety in therapy but let's be realistic, I have to live with that everyday and even if I tend to manage it quite well, sometime I feel overwhelmed by its power :) I hope some other people will find your video and don't feel anymore like monster/stranger/shit/whatever. I believe we deserve a special place in this word, because we have so much potential !
I literally screamed with joy when I saw this video pop up on my feed! HSP is something I've only recently been introduced to but it has helped me understand myself so much more. For me the biggest and aspect of being an HSP I deal with is my extremely turbulent emotions. I can go from happy and excited running around the room to almost in tears and not wanting to leave my bed in a split second. The weather has a huge impact on how I feel as well. If it's raining I know I'm going to have a bad day but if it's sunny, when something bad does happen I can usually bounce back from it a lot faster. Another thing I've also recently noticed is I absolutely hate being around really drunk people. I think it's the idea that they are unpredictable that rattles me, along with the empath side of things. Anyway, I could rattle on but the main reason for commenting is to say thank you! It's so nice to hear other people talking about being an HSP and actually being able to relate
I was just introduced into the world of HSPs... I didn't know it was a thing until my therapist suggested I might be one and recommended a book to me. I'm a couple chapters in, and everything makes so much more sense now. I was so glad to see you did a video on the subject. Thank you!! EDIT: I just finished watching your video. Everything hit home for me except the shower thing. As an HSP, I have trouble handling small, repetitive noises or vibrations. It can make test-taking really difficult (if someone is fidgeting or tapping something, I become frustrated and overwhelmed). My sense of smell is also extremely heightened. Soap in public washrooms can have an overstimulating chemical fragrance that gives me trouble breathing or makes it hard for me to think. The book I'm reading about HSPs is by Ted Zeff; he has a PHD and the advice he has given so far has been really helpful. He also includes a self-test with what I assume would be some scientific backing! I hope that you find ways to cope with your sensitivity so that it doesn't control you. It's nice to know that someone else feels the way I do, and is going on the same journey. If you feel alone, just know that I'm one of likely many subscribers of yours who deals with a similar struggle every day. Good luck :)
I totally get you. If there is a couple of things wrong for example my trousers are uncomfortable cause they don’t fit, I have a headache and I’m nervous about doing something then I won’t do that thing. If I’m already anxious about something it takes what others would perceive as small things to set off an attack or make me avoid situations. I get really grumpy and tired when I have been in a loud place for ages (not with loud music but like lots of people). If my husband is in a bad mood I always think it’s my fault and can’t think about anything else... it is exhausting and I feel just abnormal. Basically, I feel you. You are not alone. It helped that you shared this so I didn’t feel alone xxxxx
I have Sensory Processing Disorder and I can relate to this video so so so much. I'm also an empath and it's extremely draining. To the point where it's made me... numb? I don't know if that's the right term but it's how I feel. Almost everything you said in this video is me. I can't handle people rubbing my skin. It hurts. I can't listen to more than one person talking at a time. Two or more people talking in a room gives me massive anxiety. It's gotten worse the older I get. Being around people for a few hours makes me so tired I have to recuperate for days because I'm so drained. And I don't feel normal.
Oh my god, I can totally relate to this. I've been this way my entire life and most of the time people tell me to stop being so sensitive, and it's like if I could I would!! I have issues with sounds and breathing, they can just set me off. I'm super particular about fabrics and lighting as well, lighting can literally effect my mood. I've also had to really work on not taking on other people's feelings - I've had friends who are verbal processors and I've had to put boundaries in place so I don't take too much of their stuff on. It feels good to hear other people talk about this because I don't know anyone else like this and a lot of the time I just feel like I'm being overly difficult. Everything you're saying about the frustration and pairing it with being a late bloomer who moves at their own pace really hits home. It's just so hard when your own system feels like it's fighting against you. I've been working in therapy to see the positives and accept that this aspect of me isn't the negative I was raised to believe it was, but it's an ongoing process haha.
something i like to do is picture myself in almost like a forcefield of light (because sunlight on my skin is my favorite feeling, but picture whatever you want) and as other energies come into my radius, i picture them bouncing off or dissipating into the light. i also make sure to clear my mind and feel how i am feeling before i go into any social situations. i feel like this just grounds me and makes me more calm because i can differentiate between what i am feeling and what im picking up on from others. hope this helps xx
It's so nice to hear you talk about it. I am a HSP and empath, too, and for me emotions are the hardest part to deal with, whether it be my own ones or someone elses. Yes, sometimes it can be helpful and I was able to help some people through very difficult phases and situations in their lives, but mostly I find it just draining. I don't like to talk about it to much cause I find many people, like my parents, don't believe HSP exist and tell me I make it up or just overreact. Well, it was so nice to watch his video. Thank you so so much for what you do and for what you stand. Love from Germany
Oh my gosh. I'm sorry to hear about your panic attack and can understand how that would happen in that situation. I relate to all of this so much! When I was younger I felt like I was so tough but recently have realized I was living in a constant state of anxiety from holding so much in. I get the frustration of wanting to be more like other people that can just be themselves. I feed off the people around me so much it can alter my entire day. I also do not like heat or warm showers!! It's nice to hear of someone else feeling the same sensitivities. It can sometimes be too much to handle.
i can 100% relate to literally "feeling" other peoples emotions. i've always been incredibly sensitive to vibes and i take on the stresses of others so often. it can be draining - but it's important to contextualize. you are you. they are them. your feelings are yours and they can handle theirs. i hope you are able to find some answers through therapy, much love
This makes me feel so much more normal, thank you for sharing. I’m always frustrated by how easily I get sensory overload and feel exhausted from just “existing” some days.
Same, and I often feel bad about not being productive but my body can hardly handle just existing. It’s difficult when what you want to do just doesn’t fit with your body
this is an almost two year old video but I relate to this soooo hard omg, I'm glad (or, I mean, I feel comforted) knowing other people have the same experience.
Oh my god. It's so crazy, everything you described is literally me. I feel everything you said. Everything. I so understand how you feel. You are not alone, in the slightess. Thank you for sharing. Venting is helpful. Keep on going. Just breathe and don't worry about what "normal" people would do. Just be cool with the fact that you are doing the best you can to deal with things that frustrate you.
Hearing your story really opened my eyes to other people, I’m learning to me more patient with people who are more sensitive than me bc I have a hard time feeling empathetic. You and I are probably complete opposites and sometimes for me it’s hard to understand people who are really sensitive but I’m learning and it’s thanks to you and your videos! Thank you for your honesty!
Same here! The book "the Highly Sensitive Person" helps so very much! I've become especially sensitive to noise and light, but also other's emotions, being an Empath. It's nice to feel everything so deeply, but it can be so painful as well.Love makes it worth while, I think at least, and I can't help but feel so much. Hard to explain, but I hope you know what I mean!
So glad somebody else is talking about this!!! I find out I was a HSP from a psychologist when I was 15. Actually has made my life a lot easier because it makes my weird experiences and feelings growing easier to understand and identify. Thanks for this video ❤️
Yet another great video, girl. I, along with many others, totally relate to being a highly sensitive individual. There are coping mechanisms that help jumpstart a good mindset, but some days are harder than others. I think it's pretty safe to say that all of us love you and the content you continue to give us--you deserve to share rants and no matter what, we'll listen. Stay strong
I relate so strongly to the shower thing. Heat and humidity in gerneral are somehow really horrible for me. And same as you now I struggled so much with panic attacks, simply because I am so overwhelmed. My best decision in decreasing my attacks was moving - since I lived in the inner city at that time and could not take it. Same as with you, my mum is also highly sensitive. Neither of us is an emphat tho. We both have real struggles with loud sounds and strong smells (doesn't matter if good or bad). I wish you all the best with your attacks. Embrace who you are and learn about yourself - these are the things that get you through.
Hey! I was officially diagnosed as an HSP about a year ago. Watching videos and reading books that are written by/about HSP really helped me understand, accept, and in many ways "explain" myself to other people. This video was no exception. I think that the media is so convoluted by both people claiming to have a mental illness (even though they don't they just want attention so they self diagnose based off of flimsy symptoms) or people who actually have serious mental illnesses that have the full attention of everyone else. So, it's really pleasant to see verified youtubers represent us and our community, especially since it impacts us so greatly.
i really relate to a lot of the things you mentioned. i’m very sensitive to noise, loud noises freak me out (especially loud talkers) and can make me feel really worried. i’m also very overly sensitive, i have been my whole life. thank you, i have found great happiness in your videos. thanks for making me feel less alone :)
i don't want this to sound annoying or preachy but i've dealt with anxiety, depression, hypersensitivity, and mental illnesses for 10 years now and i related SO much to this video...everything you said -- the #1 thing helping me [really the first thing that's ever helped] is meditation and yoga. reading The Power of Now. I KNOW it's easier said than done and it took me 10 years to even give it a try but it's life-changing [for me, at least]. it really helps you feel grounded in the moment and let go. sending u love + understanding, girl, I totally get how you've been feeling
I never realized there was a word for this.. I have always been very sensitive as well & i relate so much to what you said. If it takes you longer than "normal" to acheive something then it just does, you are doing the best you can and i am proud of you for all that you overcome every day. :)
Since you did ask for people to comment, I wanna say thank you for posting this! I definitely identify with feeling/taking on other people's emotions whether good or bad, but I also find myself feeling like crying or laughing at the drop of a hat too because of so many emotions I end up feeling at once. I probably need to go back to therapy because I think a lot of this has to do with anxiety but I definitely do take on other's emotions, and if I'm in a relationship with someone I feel like I'm always on the same wavelength which can be good but also exhausting because sometimes it feels like I, myself am feeling one thing when my partner is feeling the opposite so it's almost as though there's a war going on inside me which ends up just making me want to have a mental breakdown 24/7. Sometimes I'm sensitive to light, heat, the cold, sound, etc. but not always. The emotional sponge thing is a constant though and it's also getting worse(stronger?) as I get older. It's exhausting and makes me not want to go out often or to just put a wall up to where I'm only focusing on myself. That's the only way I've really found to keep myself from taking on other people's emotions, just focusing on myself. Butttt then it's like I'm not connected to anyone and I feel like I'm being selfish because I'm not really present with them if that makes sense? This whole subject is just confusing and exhausting.
This resonates with me so much. I can remember from a super young age getting upset easily and crying over seemingly minor things. I was always told to suck it up and stop being a crybaby; people just never really got it. I grew up being so ashamed of how sensitive I was and just wanted to stifle the stuff i was feeling so much. I manage it a lot better now and have embraced it as a part of myself, but I still don’t have anyone in my life that I know has this too. Some things that tend to affect me are busy social situations and environments, along with loud noises and driving. It’s good to see that other people have this as well, it makes me feel less alone! ❤️ But overall I think being an ESP has blessings too, like the world could use a lot more empathy lol
Thank you for making this video! It's such a relief knowing there are other people out there who feel the same and go through similar things. I see being a HSP and an empath as a blessing and also something to be careful about. Sending lots of love 💜💜💜
Girl I feel you on so many levels.. I am not even sure what is my worst trigger, I think it's larger amounts of people and all of them talking over each other. So shopping malls, movie theaters etc are not the most fun for me. And for the empathy, I feel like I am doing better than I did before, but living with my boyfriend is still not easy because of me being such an emotional sponge 😂 Thank you for sharing this, it always helps me to know that I am not alone. Today I had a denist appointment and later this day I have another doctors appoiment so my anxiety is out to party. I already had one panic attack at night and I always feel so stupid and I just wanna be "normal". So thanks again for sharing your story with us 💕
I'm a highly sensitive person but it's really inconsistent what will upset me. Like I love really really hot showers and loud music that I like. But loud music that isn't something I like really agitates me to the point where I feel like crying and the person who is playing the music always thinks I'm being mean when I ask them to turn it off or down. I also HATE being surprised. If somebody sneaks up on me I don't really mind as long as they don't make a loud noise or touch me. Jump scares in movies and stuff send me over the edge.
Yes! The loud music thing I can relate to! It's like something snaps and suddenly you can't keep on track of your thoughts so you have to ask them to lower it so you can concentrate again.
I'm so sorry you had your first panic attack. I've suffered from panic attacks since I was little and every time I get one I feel like I got hit by a train after and I literally don't have energy to put effort into anything for the rest of the day. Panic attacks suck. Anyway, thanks for making this video. I really enjoy hearing you vent about things like this and I'm sure a lot of others also find peace within themselves knowing that they aren't alone!
Thank you for talking about this, I know I'm a HSP but I had never met or seen anyone who is like this. The empathy thing has to be one of the biggest problems for me, there are some people that just really suck up my energy or sometimes if I'm in a room where the general mood is down I get panic attacks and kind of absorb the whole room's emotion. I also get startled really easily and it takes a while for me to calm down. For me, the sense I get overwhelmed really easily with is the smell, like, if I don't like a certain smell and I'm forced to be around it for a long period, I feel the urge to puke. Again, thank you for making this, I totally understand the need of being like everyone else.
I HEAR YOU, I have always taken others emotions,onboard,sometimes ,to my detriment,too aware of people being honest[or not],how I feel ,and overthinking,as well as not being able to express myself verbally,or in writing,too aware of [when in a group,peoples lack of tolerance/understanding.This is when I am trying to relate to others ,empathise,and give support when it seems they never return these qualities,it goes so much deeper when I lose someone,or am rejected ,being over aware of others attitudes,just keeps me on edge.
Wow, I’m sorry to hear that you do struggle with this but I’m also so relieved to know it’s not just me! I pick up on other people’s emotions so quickly it’s exhausting, when people are in a good mood it’s great because I bounce off them and replicate the positivity. But when they are in a bad mood, it can be horrific. I’m trying to be there for them and keep positive but I can’t help but also feel really down and it sometimes confuses me how I can suddenly switch my emotions like that... you explained it perfectly by saying it’s frustrating and exhausting! Being around people for too long can sometimes drain me, especially after spending all day at work in a noisy office... I come home so tired and can never fathom why. I also notice I have high sensitivity to loud sounds, people’s voices etc. Although we do differentiate when it comes to loud music, I actually love having my music loud in the car but then I think I’m more sensitive to noises I can’t control rather than just in general if that makes sense, like thunder for example just scares the crap out of me and makes me feel so tense whenever it occurs.
Oh my gosh I totally feel the way you do. I cried the first time my manager told me she was disappointed in a certain task I didn’t do right and it scared me. Luckily she was very understanding and supportive but some managers think differently. I feel I’m known at work for being the sensitive cry baby. It’s harder to be taken seriously I think. My current job is overwhelming I’m in retail and it’s too much stimulation for me. Trying to get out of retail but it’s all I have experience in. Wanting to stay home more and just be in a quiet environment and I fear I’ve lost some of my friends since college cause they don’t understand the way I am. It’s tough being an highly sensitive INFJ in this extroverted world.
I relate to this so much it’s absolutely exhausting. It’s affected every part of my life. Being an empath has affected my previous relationships because the women I was with didn’t like the fact that I could feel their emotions and see that they were upset or angry or whatever before they even realised it themselves. And you know when you know someone’s upset and you ask them what’s wrong and they say “nothing”, when you’re so empathetic it’s so hard to let go and continue your day with them because you know that there’s something wrong but they don’t want to talk about it and you can feel it and it affects you so much you want to help but they don’t want the help and it takes its toll on your relationship. Also sounds have affected me my entire life. As a baby I had extremely sensitive ears and got ear infections a lot and had to get surgery to remove my tonsils and to get grommets in my ears. The movies are absolute hell for me, I don’t know why they feel the need to be so loud, I feel like even non sensitive people find it annoying. Concerts are another thing as well. The last 2 concerts I’ve been to I’ve had panic attacks at and now I’m scared of crowds. On the other hand being highly sensitive has its perks. When you feel good things, they feel extremely good, you go into a completely euphoric state. But yeah we need to find coping mechanisms to help us through the hard stuff
Sarah thank you so much for making this, I didn't know this was a thing that other people had and I feel so much better knowing I'm not the only person who is so sensitive and over empathetic. Good luck with your journey dealing with this :)
I'm also a HSP and it hurts like hell! I also have a driving phobia, which is problematic because of my current situation. Dental phobia, loud screaming voices and grocery stores set me off too. I also can't stand crowds, loud parties, bars, crowded cities.... Growing up as a HSP was torture because people just thought I was " weird", but alas, there was a reason for the way I was/ am. There are many, many times that I wished that I was an everyday person, because life would be so much easier and my soul would be less tormented........ I enjoy your videos and so many of them speak to me. Thank you...
I am the same way and find myself wishing I could feel "normal" as well, and I know how frustrating it can be. I feel I'm constantly trying to adapt and cope with things that "shouldn't" upset me or give me issues, and this only frustrates me more because it's very draining. I hope things get better for you Sarah, you're awesome for sharing this with us! It's comforting knowing I'm not alone
thank you so much for saying all this, a lot of your experiences resonated with me too. i'm highly sensitive as well and loud noises bother me the most. one of the biggest things i struggle with is people raising their voice at me/chastising me. even if it's something miniscule, i immediately burst into tears and withdraw into myself. its very difficult because my family tells me not to be so sensitive but now i know that its just a part of who i am. so thanks for sharing your story, i love your videos!
this really hit home with me. I am very sensitive. The hardest part for me is trying to not complain to people about what is bothering me. Like “omg the music is too loud” and “ugh its too bright in here”. And thats all I can think about until it goes away. I’m also a very light sleeper just like you and have to wear earplugs at night or small noises will wake me up. Thank you so much for this Sarah, I straight up thought I was crazy for being this way and i’m so happy that i’m not alone ♥️♥️♥️
It feels so good to know that I am not the only hsp who has had panic attacks because of it! My biggest sensitivity is my inner life, also motion and light. I always get car sick after 2 seconds in a car! Love this video❤ Keep on going, it will get easier!
I feel ALL of that so hard. Every time I’ve gotten out of a relationship I’ve had to go find myself again because i just really soak in everything that everyone is around me. I’m also suuuuppper sensitive to light and I used to be sensitive to sounds (still am depending which situation I’m in) but I work at a theatre so I got used to crazy noises pretty quick. I’ve actually had a panic attack because I got stuck behind a counter for 5 hours just traying up drinks at a restaurant bar and I felt so confined and nervous that when someone didn’t say they were coming around the counter and I bumped into them (spilling their drink) I just burst into tears and had to go sit down in the break room for a good 30 minutes till I could even get myself back together again. I’m working on it all and slowly getting better at it so I hope you make a breakthrough soon! I know how refreshing it can be for sure.
This is probably one of the most relatable videos I've seen in a while. I know this is an older video, so I hope you've gotten a handle on some of your worries and stressors. ❤️
i can relate to a lot of things you’re saying. loud noises overwhelm me, im super sensitive to heat. i overheat sooo easily. i’m also an empath. the only things i dont relate to is the pain and the shower. but im so glad to see someone else struggles with this whole high sensitivity thing. OH MY GOODNESS I HAD A FEAR OF DRIVING FOREVER. everyone thought i was so juvenile and i’m so glad to see someone else had this issue.
!! YES GIRL. I'm also an empath and I was able to handle it more in high school but now I feel drained 24/7 at 23 years old. (Granted, I also have BPD which makes it worse, but.) And sounds are really bad for me too! Loud music is too much, and I'm learning (while sharing a room with someone else, especially) that eVERY SOUND is painful. I'm extra sensitive to eating sounds (which enrage me), and sometimes even when my roommate laughs while watching youtube with headphones or anything like that, it's insane. Idk. It gets really frustrating, especially because a lot of the time I can't separate when it's because of personal issues or when they're actually being irritating or whatever.
I’ve been a hsp my whole life, which has only been worsened since I developed fibromyalgia. The feelings of frustration and exhaustion are so real; everything you said in this video sounds like it came from my brain. Thank you for helping me feel less alone, I’ve had a hard day and I needed to hear this. 😊
Finally someone I can relate to! I'm also a highly sensitive person and I've been struggling with it when I got older. Also I think this sensitivity gave me MS in a way :D Thank you so much for sharing, it means a lot to other people!
I can definitely relate to this! I'm mostly aural and tactile sensitive, so I know what you mean when you said that movie theaters, certain voices, etc. are too much. I've been bringing ear plugs when I go see a movie in theaters, because even with the ear plugs in (or just one ear plug in my dominant ear) I can still hear the movie just fine. Things like this really help me be able to stay out longer and enjoy whatever I'm doing more and it also is a form of pain management for me. I deal with chronic pain and being overstimulated can manifest into pain flares for me really easily (loud noises can trigger headaches or migraines). I also use ear defenders in public when there is just too much going on, which are really convenient, easy to travel with, and usually pass as headphones (these are really common for autistic folks and/or people with sensory processing disabilities). Here is a link if you're curious (They're listed as being for kids, but some people reviewing them are adults who use them): www.amazon.com/Snug-Kids-Earmuffs-Hearing-Protectors/dp/B00CBDJ84S?th=1 I don't know if this has been mentioned in some of your other videos, but from the videos that I have been watching of yours, I realized I don't think I've heard you use the word ableism and I was wondering if ableism is a familiar word/concept for you or if you'd never heard of it before? You talk a lot about mental illness/mental health and psychology (and have even talked about disability and ableism before just not using those specific words) and a lot of what you cover is very relevant to ableism. In some of your videos you've opened up about what you can't control and your feelings of isolation or even like something is wrong with you (internalized ableism, which I can definitely relate to). I can relate to that especially as a disabled person whose disabilities include both physical and mental/developmental, chronic pain (EDS) and neurodivergence (anxiety, depression, ptsd, and being autistic), and society really causes me to feel isolated because it wasn't designed with disabled folks in mind. I mention this because dealing with disability and ableism without support and/or a way to articulate those experiences/feelings can be even more frustrating and isolating and knowing others are dealing with similar things can really lessen pressure. There is a world of activism, acceptance, and language surrounding all of this that most have no clue about and my understanding of myself and sense of community has only improved since I realized I was included in the disability community and learned that a lot of my frustration/isolation was due to ableism (internal and external) and just that general lack of understanding. If you don't know much about ableism and disability justice/activism, you should check out Autistic Hoya, Lydia (they/them) is an autistic activist and they provide a lot of general resources about disability. Here is a link that is my go-to for introducing people to the concept of ableism if they aren't already familiar, it's a good starting point (like I mentioned there are lots of other resources on here, including one about how ableism is so commonplace in our society): www.autistichoya.com/p/ableist-words-and-terms-to-avoid.html I hope this all made sense. I really enjoyed this video and hope to see more like it!
Having you talk about this made a few things click in my head. I've never been diagnosed as highly sensitive and I don't think I particularly am, but I do have BPD which brings it's own struggles. That click in my head made me realize that some things may be more than just it being me or my personality. I don't like loud noises myself most of the time, at least if they aren't gradual, or I can't control it. I jump from dogs barking, cinema's get too loud sometimes that I'm jumping every second (even if it's not a horror), bass from music being too heavy, ... Something I always thought of myself was that I wasn't empathetic, that I had a difficult time being empathetic, but then my psychologist said she saw that I was and could be. I thought that part of that was my moodswings from my BPD and that those just take over. Now I also realize that if the people closest to me are in a bad mood, I end up in a bad mood myself, but I don't have that with everyone, and I feel that to some degree my brain is suppressing a lot of those bad emotions, kind of like a part of me shuts down because it's too big of an emotion and I can't deal with it. I also don't do crowds well, or too many things at once. I guess that there are a lot of people who can't handle too many things at once (which is why we say TOO MANY things at once), but I find it very hard to get through those moments. Makes me feel all antsy and it gets difficult to breathe properly or to calm down whatsoever. I'd love to be able to at least tone a few things down. At the very least once in a while so I can get a break and kind of relax and recharge. I'm learning how to do that at the moment, but it's really difficult to do that when it's always this underlying thing that can pop up at any time.
Thank you for making this video, Its nice to know that I'm not alone because it feels like everyone around me doesn't understand about me being extremely sensitive and empathetic.
I wish I couldn’t relate to you so much, but the highly sensitive to emotions + overly empathetic part is literally me. It’s really only with negative emotions. Like it’s so extreme that watching tv shows & reading books literally interferes with my emotional state on the daily. I can walk past someone in the hall at school and literally feel their pain. If someone else is having anxiety, my anxiety will become stronger and it’s not something I can control. It’s so exhausting. It’s like you constantly have the weight of the world on you and you never get a break. I feel you, I really do.
thank you so much for this. i’m highly emotionally sensitive but also highly sensitive in basically all other aspects... and i’ve always felt like something is wrong with me. but now i understand that it’s not just me!
I teared up when you were talking about wishing to be able to live like normal people. I wish that every day of my life. I'm trying so hard to see my sensitivity in a positive light, but it's so hard when its so difficult for people like us to simply exist!
Hey I loved your video on this! I actually did a video like this a while back and for me it is so important that people understand that being sensitive like you and I are does not mean that we are weak. I have been following you for a little bit (not nearly long enough) but knowing what I've seen from you I know that you are so powerful in who you are. For me, its been a while since I did the video on it, but since I've found that I can't take medication that affects my mood at all (like at all - birth control pills are a no go) and I've found that affirmations and breathing exercises and writing in a journal to sort out my feelings really help me out. I know you might not need help but maybe someone reading the comments might - Thank you for making this video it was so nice
Thank you for this!! This has seriously helped me understand my partner on a new level he is HIGHLY SENSITIVE and has described most everything you've talked about here and more and has a difficult time enjoying anything outside of being home which honestly frustrated me at times, although I struggle with general anxiety and being overloaded by others emotions. Thank you again and I would love to see the more elaborate version of this video and how you deal with it day to day especially within a relationship. Seriously so much love for you, you are one of my absolute favorites!! ❤❤
I'm highly sensitive person too. I often got hurt and upset about nonsense, especially about what other people think about me. Year after year I was getting worse and feeling more isolated. Then I got panic attack, anxiety disorder, depressions and problems with health. I was also putting on weight because of my constant stress. I was afraid of literally all people, even friends. SO I started understand that I'm not living my life. I buried my OWN dreams and desires and always listened to other people. Then I started to not giving fuck what people think about me (kinda always show them my middle finger) and getting rid of my stereotypes. Now I'm learning to think critically and build boundaries between me and other people. And the most important is being true: listen to your heart, which says what life you want ti live. So I still keep working. Sometimes I can be afraid, but I no longer believe to stressful thoughts. I treat with such moments as it's not real me, I'm not just those miserable thoughts. But I'm getting much more better. Kinda feel free.
Loved this video. I’m a highly sensitive person and empath as well. Don’t worry, you’re not alone 💕 Just recently discovered you on TH-cam and you’re starting to become my new fave! I really enjoy your videos and you as a person in general ☺️
I used to think I was so lazy as a teenager, because unlike my friends I never felt like doing anything after a long day of school. When I talked to my mum about it she mentioned the possibility of me being an HSP and instantly I realised I wasn't being lazy, just over stimulated...
I’m right there with you girl. Literally the same, haha it has caused me a lot of anxiety in the past but I have learned how to deal with it in a healthy way. It only makes us wiser and more unique. Love you!
Thank you so much for this video! I‘m pretty sensitive as well, but you talking about it made me realized, that I‘m not so sensitive in a lot of areas (sound, pain, phobias, weather) and I‘m rather thankful for that. I had panic attacks though and I get physically ill when I‘m emotionally drained. Plus I can’t drink anything else than water. Things like coffee that make people more awake make me have a panic attack. And I‘m also sensitive when it comes to certain topics... I can’t talk about people getting crazy f.e. Makes me feel like I lose my own mind. I love your content and wish you all the best ❤️ greetings from switzerland 🇨🇭
This is soooo relatable to me. I hate hot days in the summer, I also hate when it is sunny after a snowy day because everything is so bright. Noise gives me migraines and if I listen to an argument (like neighbors arguing) I feel like like shit. When I was doing exams (as a teacher assistant) I felt sooo much of the students' anxiety and fear that I felt like I had to take the exam myself!!! I also feel that the city in itself is a burden to me (many sounds, many people, less nature, so much poverty and arguments in the streets), maybe I feel it more because I used to live in a small village in the mountains before... I feel exhausted most of the days.
Yes👏 i think a lot of us needed this video, the other day a coworker told me I complained a lot (when she invites me places, i ask a lot of questions because i need to know if i'll be able to handle the environment and be comfortable) but you know what, there is nothing wrong with knowing yourself and trying to feel comfortable at the end of the day, if i know i'll be uncomfortable i just avoid it.
I can relate a lot! My current situation is worrying about wether I am able to do anything in my life as I will that (also as a late bloomer) my life is running away from me. Everything around me is moving so fast and I cannot keep up. My sensitivities are related to other people and animals emotions, but I have actually learned myself to distance from it by (ironically enough) putting my headphones on when I'm in a crowd. I have those noise canceling ones. I am sensitive to pain and fears (and have a lot of phobias and fears that keep me from moving forward in my life). I am sensitive to specific noises that shake me to the core and physically hurts, they are usually high pitched sounds like chairs dragged on the floor, chalk on chalkboard, cutlery against dishes and so on. I get nauseous and dizzy a lot, and am sensitive to smell, taste and touch. I am really sensitive to unfair treatment. And showers and temperature! Oh boy, I actually hate showers, but to me it's the opposite. I am very sensitive to the cold, but I think it has something to do with living in Norway and it's cold here all the time. I am sensitive to things like fire, stoves (I hate stoves and being around flames), but for me it's the cold that is the worst. When it comes to showers, it's how cold I get afterwards that makes me hate it. Also, I have actually found out something about my sensitivity that is positive for me! I get more out of music, and in contrast to you, I am kind of addicted to music and listen to it all the time as I get so positively affected by it. And touch gives me so much more also, like being stroked, hugged or cuddled. I found that my empathy helps in building relationships, but now I have the luxorious problem of having too many good people in my life, and I can't handle them all. That makes me sad. I often think I am an introvert, but I need to remind myself that I am actually a rare exotrverted HSP.
Thank you for sharing. I have to tell you, I'm a speech therapist in a school..I also consider myself an HSP. I've found that being highly sensitive gives me an advantage at my job. There are days that I'm overwhelmed, sure. However, I really believe that being sensitive and empathetic MAKES a good therapist. I bet you will be able to help so many people!
I don’t comment on a lot of TH-cam videos but this one has really helped me today. I struggle with mental health and I can get anxious rather quickly. I relate well with going to the movies and feeling anxious. I love the movies but I sometimes start to get antsy before going. I also get anxious about a lot of other things but I just wanted to say thank you. It feels nice to know that I’m not alone ❤️
I’m constantly over stimulated by sound, people and the noises they make, light, and I’m also a huge empath. I thought I was just too sensitive and that i just needed to get over myself but this really resonates and I’m glad I’m not the only one but also I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone. ❤️
That's me. I always felt weird and different. People called me a cry baby but now I realize I don't deal well with lots of stimulation and can often times feel overwhelmed. In conjunction with being overly emotional it's really tough to keep my anxiety under control. Thank you for making this video, it really validates the way I have felt my whole life. Sounds are seriously the biggest thing for me. They set me off to a full on anxiety attack which people don't get most times and think I'm insane.
Thank you I relate to this a lot. I’ve always been really sensitive, physically but mostly emotionally, I get these things my dr calls “empathy seizures” where if I see someone endure something awful (the first time I was watching actual video of a real ice pick lobotomy) I have a seizure, or i saw a kids arm break and it happened. And they’re full out siezures it’s kind of a mess. But it’s sucks. I’m grateful for people like my boyfriend and best friend who will cover my eyes when someone so much as stubs their toe in a scary movie but it’s kind of a weird weakness to have. Also when ANYONE cries or is mad I’m right there with them. I didn’t know this was a real thing people took seriously thanks again
In the process of ordering a book on this before this video has even ended. I always assumed something was "wrong" but it is such a weight off my chest to know other people feel things as vividly as I do. Thank you.
I COMPLETELY feel you. I think a lot of it has to do with our age - we are in limbo of adolescence and adulthood. Considering we are all super connected these days, feeling pressure is easier and more common.
One tip that I have when I comes to feeling other people’s emotions and energies: it helps if you can try to stay aware of it as much as you can, and check in as much as possible and ask, “is this mine?” If you can recognize in the moment that the emotion or energy isn’t yours, it helps to alleviate the heaviness of it. Then you can check in and ask, “how am I feeling?” I can really relate, especially having lived with several boyfriends. It can be really tricky to separate yourself from their stuff. I don’t do this often, but you can also envision a shield of light around you, which can help you remember the boundaries between you and your environment/other people.
I’m also a highly sensitive person and I also have anxiety. But thank you for making this and hopefully more people will understand it’s not just for attention! 💛
I feel a lot of those things you described, I had already noticed I'm just super sensitive, to everything really. I have brown eyes and am more sensitive to light than anyone I know. Also the loud noises, sometimes, if it's a song or something, it's like I can feel my own tympanic membrane going BAM with the louder beats or something, following the rythm. It happens with just normal random sounds too. Thank you so much for this video, I love your channel so much, you make it easier to understand myself in so many ways and in so many videos. Thank you for everything, Sarah
I relate to this. I always knew I was highly sensitive but oddly I never equated that with the overstimulation I experience. I can't handle loud music and bright, intense cartoons are a lot to handle. Florescent lighting is awful, too! I can feel you. I have come to see it as a gift, like I'm an Xman or something. Though I've felt that my differences in experiencing the world has left me feeling separate at times, I feel like society needs us and it's a good thing. I cry very easily, but at beautiful things, not just sad things. Perhaps my capacity to experience a deep profound sense of joy is just one of the (many!) tradeoffs to being a HSP.
No way! I literally just read about this last night and I was planning on looking more into it because I’m like 99% sure that I am a highly sensitive person and then you post this video. I totally didn’t know there was a way to define being like me.
Thank you so much for making this video! So many things that I experience make sense now. I definitely understand you on the empathy thing. I have figured out that I am a huge empath and no matter where I am or who I'm with, I absorb all feelings and emotions. It's draining, especially when most of the people around me are dealing with depression and anxiety. It tends to spike my own anxiety and depression even if I was feeling fine before. Also this video helped me understand why I get so irritable in certain situations! It's definitely the sensitivity to overwhelming situations or places with things I'm not used to. This helped me understand myself better and I want to again, thank you ❤
I relate to most of these! Especially the noise...I work in a bowling alley and sometimes all the combined noises send me into a frenzy. I also love coffee but am highly sensitive to caffeine. It makes the heightened awareness even more so. I can also totally relate to the empath//feeding on others energy. It's very draining! But I feel like it can also help connect with people on a deeper level. All in all thanks for this video!
And my biggest sensitivities are probably discomfort, sound and emotions. I hate being forced to wear uncomfortable clothing or just generally stay in a situation that's physical uncomfortable. Loud music really overwhelms me if I'm not in the mood for it. Also, I soak up people's moods and emotions like a sponge.
Thank you so much for this! I've always not accept myself as an HSP, and I did not know how to put it into terms. Now I know that I am not alone! I can very much relate to the sounds. There are certain voices or sounds that frustrates me, it's like tingle after tingle. Even if I lower down the volume, it still gets inside my head. And if the that does not stop I'll be in a bad mood. People's opinion or story easily affects my mood, I can't protect my emotions from it. I can't guard my emotions from other people's emotion. Yes I can emphatisze but at the same time it feels like other people's emotions transfer within me. Also when there's a lot of work to do I tend to shut down, I need to space out and do nothing. Babies are also triggering for me. Because of the sounds they make when they're eating liquid, and how messy they eat. When someone chews loudly, it starts to get in my nerves. Ugh there are a lot more. My MDD and Anxiety and Gender Dysphoria makes it 10x worse. Even when I'm sleeping I can feel when the lights turn on or hear sounds. i hate spontaneous loud noises, I fear that the most. I get easily frightened. There are a lot more but I don't know how to properly put into words. I think I should talk to my psychiatrist about this.
i totally feel you with the empathy and light sensitivity is especially bad for me. i can’t even sleep in my own room because my curtains don’t block out enough light
So i can definitely relate to this in certain ways - the strongest being how much i feel other's emotions. I've noticed it's a great blessing and a "curse" at the same time. When i'm stable and doing well, it works out fine and it's a great and positive for everyone involved (i.e. because of empathy), but when i'm stressed out or having a hard time myself, it affects me very negatively as well as takes away from what i can give to others. Also, i generally dislike loud music and sounds. It often makes me feel anxious. I think a lot of things i am sensitive to, which include these two as well as mental stimulation from everything going on around me (when there are a lot of interactions for me to process, emails to go through, etc.), are aspects of who i am that i can and should acknowledge. However, to put it in my mom's words: "we all got something" and i think trying to actively overcome these obstacles to a happier and healthier life is the best way to proceed. For example, i am currently the president of this big and very active organization at my college. Not only that, but i was president-elect of this same organization last year. Believe me when i tell you i have never had to talk to so many people, have so much social interaction, answer so many emails, be able to accept that anyone can come up to me at anytime and ask me a question or make a comment on anything relating to this organization or otherwise, and so on and so forth... than ever before in my life. And i struggled with it for such a long time. I mean, and this is a two-year commitment cause i was voted in as president-elect which i did for a year and was guaranteed presidency the next. I mean, child... it was so much for me to handle personally. But, with time, i have learned to adjust and it's gotten a whole lot easier. Now, not to say we should all force ourselves into situations such as this one to try and overcome these types of issues. But, i do think there is value in taking steps to do so, even if they are small. Though i have had some really hard times dealing with my sensitivities being prodded and poked by me holding this position, it has been worth it in the end. I have learned that a lot can be overcome, and also that maybe not all of it can, which is okay. Honestly, we are all different, just as God intended it to be. And i think accepting what is hard for us while at the same time doing what we can to not let it hold us back is the best way to go ~
I am a HSP and empath too. It’s like you never switch off, your mind is constantly going. I have really intense vivid dreams so I wake up drained. It’s a double edged sword; I love how receptive and attentive I am, but that comes with a price
I'm very empathetic and really sensitive to tone and people's emotions so it irritates the crap outta me when people lie and don't tell me what's wrong (even though they totally have that right and it's none of my business) I feel like people are acting shady or hiding stuff alot especially if I know how they normally act and are being different. I'm veryyyy observant and that makes me paranoid sometimes as well. Like if something been moved around and none says they've done it or been in that are. Idk sometimes it makes me feel crazy or others give me that "your crazy" look. Ugh.
Rayne Shadow I totally understand that! Like I get that it’s none of my business if my friend or partner is upset about something but it bugs the hell out of me when I know something is wrong and they say there isn’t. Even if they just said “yeah somethings bothering me but I don’t want to talk about it”, that would bother me less. It’s the fact that I know someone is lying to my face saying they’re fine when I know they’re not and most of the time they know that I know. I’ve had arguments with exes about this and it’s really bothered them that I could feel their emotions and that I’m very observant about any chances in their behaviour
*you're
And yeah. Like...why can't people just say it? I'm autistic and revving engines scare me so badly. I hate Ybor city at night. And it's bad enough that I'm horrible at reading social situations and voice tones but the same people who tell me to "figure it out" mislead me on purpose. Tell me how that makes sense.
Same. I overthink a lot. Like to the point where it's kind of unhealthy. I'm always nervous about everything and what people think of me. Just constantly overthinking and bullying on top of that does NOT help what so ever. Why are some people such assholes? Like it's a genuine question that I wish someone had a straight forward answer instead of "I don't know". I always have this small feeling my friends hate me or I'm annoying or they don't want me around. And when people play around and are like "You're crazy" like you said, I take everything so seriously. Sorry for my rant 💖
Thank you. All my life i’ve been “sensitive”, so much that my own family have told me that i should learn how to handle situations and myself and that i should not be “weak” and a “brat”. Honestly it is so hard because i can’t control it, i just get overstimulated by things. Everything you said about thinking to yourself “why can’t i do it” resonated so much with me, man life is just hard sometimes.
You’re not alone, we are not alone. Thank you again for this video, lots of love from Mexico ❤️
Mariana Vázquez i feel you so much right now. My parents are always telling me that im weak and not capable of anything. It really pushes me down...
I relate, I had a anxiety attack in a Costco once because there were so many people there and my mom called me a drama queen
@@peacelovergirl1998 oh my god Costco is a nightmare
I always described myself as over- emotional, or a cry baby. But I can relate to so much of what you talk about in this video, all the worries and insecurities and the wish to be "normal" and just have normal reactions. 😕
Thank you for this 💛 I can relate, especially with noise. I’m so sensitive to loud noises (I HATE noise pollution/revving engines/sirens), and with some sounds I get a strange vibrating sensation in my ear - maybe that’s like the glass thing you mentioned. I’m also a very jumpy person. For example, I get startled if someone just quietly says my name while I’m at my desk at work lol
Me too! especially the loud noise part. I tend to become quite weary as well.
same! x
I have this as well, when I hear a siren or a car pull-up or something I could literally cry, sometimes I even get tears in my eyes and really have to focus on holding in the tears
kchoi I wouldn't consider myself a highly sensitive person, but I HATE loud sounds and strong smells. As a kid, if a truck would drive by, I'd start singing, because it felt like I was the one controlling the noise and I could stop it at any moment (Yeah, I know. It's weird) When people wear a strong perfume I'm about to throw out and I Can taste the perfume in the back of my throat for most of the Day.
Me too!!!! Especially with being jumpy and people are always so thrown off and telling me to calm down and I’m like...I literally can’t help it 😂
Im an HSP/empath, with anxiety and depression. Even the smallest bad interaction can set me spiraling. Sometimes I don't leave the house for days because I know I can't handle it. I can tell when people want me to shut up, I can tell when someone is trying to hide their dislike for me. It's brutal sometimes. I can't walk down the laundry soap isle because it's so fragrant and it hurts to breath, and normal noise levels make my ears feel like they are gonna bleed. I can't do loud music and also have ear plugs for smoke alarm testing. My husbands voice kills me in cars for some reason, it's just like you described like the glass noise. I could go on forever about the things that bother me. I've been this way since I was a child, and I find it hard to not completely become a shut in. It's a choice I have to make everyday to keep pushing even when it's uncomfortable. Thank you for making a video about this. I find HSP people are very misunderstood and mislabeled as overdramatic.
I feel like I'm pretty opposite from you. I have a lot of trouble empathizing with people and my emotions are super steady and I don't often feel strong emotions. Its so cool how people can have such different predispositions to things like the way they experience emotions.
Girl, I cannot tell you how much I relate. I graduated from my Psychology degree with the realisation that I might be too sensitive to work in that field, one-on-one, at least for now. I also feel like I'm ~delayed~ in life due to a myriad of things, mostly my high sensitivity to things. It's crazy, I hope we can get rid of that feeling that society imposes about timelines for twenty-seomthings.
Anyway, wonderful video. Sending you love 💛
I’ve never felt so understood in my entire life! Thank you so so much for making this video. I cry so often and for so many reasons and I get so overwhelmed so quick. I think sound and like other people’s energies are the most impactful to me.
as someone with autism this is like 60% of what's up like hypersensitivity and hyper-empathy are two very big symptoms of autism (obviously there's more to it but I just found this overlap interesting)
I hate the stigma that autistic people lack empathy because I've noticed that it's usually the opposite. About 80% of my friends are autistic and they are all one of the most empathetic and emotionally connected people I know. They usually just have either a different way of expressing it or are just having a hard time actually showing it but once you get to know them they're absolutely super caring and super sweet
@@jestfullhypnotist705 I have autism. And I'm extremely empathic, there's literally people saying that I need to think about my own shit more instead of always helping others. All what autistic people do is express differently, think and sometimes act differently. Other than that, we're pretty normal.
Can I just say, thank you so much for putting my feelings into words. I always thought it was just a "me thing" but reading all these comments and hearing your experiences have really helped. I like to keep my feelings to myself too because otherwise I'll complain of every little thing that triggers my sensitivity. The question, "are you ok?" for example sends me into a sob and I don't know why. When I get blood drawn I can feel it moving and leaving my body. I get dizzy so easily that I have to sit down immediately after. Thank you for bringing awareness to this so I can look into it further. Love the videos Sarah, keep up the amazing work!
Exactly!! Thank you for putting this so perfectly
me too I feel the blood being drawn, it's terrible, and then I have to focus so much on not thinking about it to not faint.
same - the one time I got my blood drawn I fainted and my parents got angry at me for that???
I'm so pleased that you spoke about that subject Sarah and I can relate to a lot of things said here and below:
Loud sounds that I don't choose can make me verbally aggressive easily ("it has to stop, please shut up now! ") and it get worst with age, high sense of smell, picky with food (but love to eat), feeling shitty because you had a talk with someone and over-worry that you handled it wrong/overthink what you want to say even though not saying it at all, being perfectionist and can't succeed to what you expected (and obviously, feeling sooo frustrated and sad about it), constant reassessment of my acts and my needs/ideas "why can't I handle this/why can't I do this like "normal people" ?! ". I often feel like a stranger in humanity with all my feeling making me choke.
This sensitivity is a gift in the sense of I love people, I love to feel in empathy with them and i'm really enthusiastic/optimistic for everything but it burns me as well. I cry a lot, sometimes I don't exactly know what triggers me, I just need to evacuate my flow of emotions. I dealed with a bit of that anxiety in therapy but let's be realistic, I have to live with that everyday and even if I tend to manage it quite well, sometime I feel overwhelmed by its power :)
I hope some other people will find your video and don't feel anymore like monster/stranger/shit/whatever.
I believe we deserve a special place in this word, because we have so much potential !
You look really beautiful in this video.
Loved watching this video!! Thank you for putting your story out here!!
I literally screamed with joy when I saw this video pop up on my feed! HSP is something I've only recently been introduced to but it has helped me understand myself so much more. For me the biggest and aspect of being an HSP I deal with is my extremely turbulent emotions. I can go from happy and excited running around the room to almost in tears and not wanting to leave my bed in a split second. The weather has a huge impact on how I feel as well. If it's raining I know I'm going to have a bad day but if it's sunny, when something bad does happen I can usually bounce back from it a lot faster. Another thing I've also recently noticed is I absolutely hate being around really drunk people. I think it's the idea that they are unpredictable that rattles me, along with the empath side of things. Anyway, I could rattle on but the main reason for commenting is to say thank you! It's so nice to hear other people talking about being an HSP and actually being able to relate
I was just introduced into the world of HSPs... I didn't know it was a thing until my therapist suggested I might be one and recommended a book to me. I'm a couple chapters in, and everything makes so much more sense now. I was so glad to see you did a video on the subject. Thank you!! EDIT: I just finished watching your video. Everything hit home for me except the shower thing. As an HSP, I have trouble handling small, repetitive noises or vibrations. It can make test-taking really difficult (if someone is fidgeting or tapping something, I become frustrated and overwhelmed). My sense of smell is also extremely heightened. Soap in public washrooms can have an overstimulating chemical fragrance that gives me trouble breathing or makes it hard for me to think. The book I'm reading about HSPs is by Ted Zeff; he has a PHD and the advice he has given so far has been really helpful. He also includes a self-test with what I assume would be some scientific backing! I hope that you find ways to cope with your sensitivity so that it doesn't control you. It's nice to know that someone else feels the way I do, and is going on the same journey. If you feel alone, just know that I'm one of likely many subscribers of yours who deals with a similar struggle every day. Good luck :)
I totally get you. If there is a couple of things wrong for example my trousers are uncomfortable cause they don’t fit, I have a headache and I’m nervous about doing something then I won’t do that thing. If I’m already anxious about something it takes what others would perceive as small things to set off an attack or make me avoid situations. I get really grumpy and tired when I have been in a loud place for ages (not with loud music but like lots of people). If my husband is in a bad mood I always think it’s my fault and can’t think about anything else... it is exhausting and I feel just abnormal. Basically, I feel you. You are not alone. It helped that you shared this so I didn’t feel alone xxxxx
I have Sensory Processing Disorder and I can relate to this video so so so much. I'm also an empath and it's extremely draining. To the point where it's made me... numb? I don't know if that's the right term but it's how I feel. Almost everything you said in this video is me. I can't handle people rubbing my skin. It hurts. I can't listen to more than one person talking at a time. Two or more people talking in a room gives me massive anxiety. It's gotten worse the older I get. Being around people for a few hours makes me so tired I have to recuperate for days because I'm so drained. And I don't feel normal.
Kelly Marie omygodh same i cannot concentrate when two people talk at once it hurts my head and if it’s a crowded room it gives me a headache
same
Same! Before I got my SPD diagnosis I thought I was just a highly sensitive person
Oh my god, I can totally relate to this. I've been this way my entire life and most of the time people tell me to stop being so sensitive, and it's like if I could I would!! I have issues with sounds and breathing, they can just set me off. I'm super particular about fabrics and lighting as well, lighting can literally effect my mood. I've also had to really work on not taking on other people's feelings - I've had friends who are verbal processors and I've had to put boundaries in place so I don't take too much of their stuff on. It feels good to hear other people talk about this because I don't know anyone else like this and a lot of the time I just feel like I'm being overly difficult. Everything you're saying about the frustration and pairing it with being a late bloomer who moves at their own pace really hits home. It's just so hard when your own system feels like it's fighting against you. I've been working in therapy to see the positives and accept that this aspect of me isn't the negative I was raised to believe it was, but it's an ongoing process haha.
something i like to do is picture myself in almost like a forcefield of light (because sunlight on my skin is my favorite feeling, but picture whatever you want) and as other energies come into my radius, i picture them bouncing off or dissipating into the light. i also make sure to clear my mind and feel how i am feeling before i go into any social situations. i feel like this just grounds me and makes me more calm because i can differentiate between what i am feeling and what im picking up on from others. hope this helps xx
It's so nice to hear you talk about it. I am a HSP and empath, too, and for me emotions are the hardest part to deal with, whether it be my own ones or someone elses. Yes, sometimes it can be helpful and I was able to help some people through very difficult phases and situations in their lives, but mostly I find it just draining. I don't like to talk about it to much cause I find many people, like my parents, don't believe HSP exist and tell me I make it up or just overreact.
Well, it was so nice to watch his video.
Thank you so so much for what you do and for what you stand.
Love from Germany
Oh my gosh. I'm sorry to hear about your panic attack and can understand how that would happen in that situation. I relate to all of this so much! When I was younger I felt like I was so tough but recently have realized I was living in a constant state of anxiety from holding so much in. I get the frustration of wanting to be more like other people that can just be themselves. I feed off the people around me so much it can alter my entire day. I also do not like heat or warm showers!! It's nice to hear of someone else feeling the same sensitivities. It can sometimes be too much to handle.
i can 100% relate to literally "feeling" other peoples emotions. i've always been incredibly sensitive to vibes and i take on the stresses of others so often. it can be draining - but it's important to contextualize. you are you. they are them. your feelings are yours and they can handle theirs. i hope you are able to find some answers through therapy, much love
This makes me feel so much more normal, thank you for sharing. I’m always frustrated by how easily I get sensory overload and feel exhausted from just “existing” some days.
Same, and I often feel bad about not being productive but my body can hardly handle just existing. It’s difficult when what you want to do just doesn’t fit with your body
this is an almost two year old video but I relate to this soooo hard omg, I'm glad (or, I mean, I feel comforted) knowing other people have the same experience.
Oh my god. It's so crazy, everything you described is literally me. I feel everything you said. Everything. I so understand how you feel. You are not alone, in the slightess. Thank you for sharing. Venting is helpful. Keep on going. Just breathe and don't worry about what "normal" people would do. Just be cool with the fact that you are doing the best you can to deal with things that frustrate you.
Hearing your story really opened my eyes to other people, I’m learning to me more patient with people who are more sensitive than me bc I have a hard time feeling empathetic. You and I are probably complete opposites and sometimes for me it’s hard to understand people who are really sensitive but I’m learning and it’s thanks to you and your videos! Thank you for your honesty!
Same here! The book "the Highly Sensitive Person" helps so very much! I've become especially sensitive to noise and light, but also other's emotions, being an Empath. It's nice to feel everything so deeply, but it can be so painful as well.Love makes it worth while, I think at least, and I can't help but feel so much. Hard to explain, but I hope you know what I mean!
So glad somebody else is talking about this!!! I find out I was a HSP from a psychologist when I was 15. Actually has made my life a lot easier because it makes my weird experiences and feelings growing easier to understand and identify. Thanks for this video ❤️
Yet another great video, girl. I, along with many others, totally relate to being a highly sensitive individual. There are coping mechanisms that help jumpstart a good mindset, but some days are harder than others. I think it's pretty safe to say that all of us love you and the content you continue to give us--you deserve to share rants and no matter what, we'll listen. Stay strong
I relate so strongly to the shower thing. Heat and humidity in gerneral are somehow really horrible for me. And same as you now I struggled so much with panic attacks, simply because I am so overwhelmed. My best decision in decreasing my attacks was moving - since I lived in the inner city at that time and could not take it. Same as with you, my mum is also highly sensitive. Neither of us is an emphat tho. We both have real struggles with loud sounds and strong smells (doesn't matter if good or bad). I wish you all the best with your attacks. Embrace who you are and learn about yourself - these are the things that get you through.
I am also a highly sensitive person.
anna6830 anna6830 yes I agree
Hey! I was officially diagnosed as an HSP about a year ago. Watching videos and reading books that are written by/about HSP really helped me understand, accept, and in many ways "explain" myself to other people. This video was no exception. I think that the media is so convoluted by both people claiming to have a mental illness (even though they don't they just want attention so they self diagnose based off of flimsy symptoms) or people who actually have serious mental illnesses that have the full attention of everyone else. So, it's really pleasant to see verified youtubers represent us and our community, especially since it impacts us so greatly.
i really relate to a lot of the things you mentioned. i’m very sensitive to noise, loud noises freak me out (especially loud talkers) and can make me feel really worried. i’m also very overly sensitive, i have been my whole life. thank you, i have found great happiness in your videos. thanks for making me feel less alone :)
i don't want this to sound annoying or preachy but i've dealt with anxiety, depression, hypersensitivity, and mental illnesses for 10 years now and i related SO much to this video...everything you said -- the #1 thing helping me [really the first thing that's ever helped] is meditation and yoga. reading The Power of Now. I KNOW it's easier said than done and it took me 10 years to even give it a try but it's life-changing [for me, at least]. it really helps you feel grounded in the moment and let go. sending u love + understanding, girl, I totally get how you've been feeling
I never realized there was a word for this.. I have always been very sensitive as well & i relate so much to what you said. If it takes you longer than "normal" to acheive something then it just does, you are doing the best you can and i am proud of you for all that you overcome every day. :)
Since you did ask for people to comment, I wanna say thank you for posting this! I definitely identify with feeling/taking on other people's emotions whether good or bad, but I also find myself feeling like crying or laughing at the drop of a hat too because of so many emotions I end up feeling at once. I probably need to go back to therapy because I think a lot of this has to do with anxiety but I definitely do take on other's emotions, and if I'm in a relationship with someone I feel like I'm always on the same wavelength which can be good but also exhausting because sometimes it feels like I, myself am feeling one thing when my partner is feeling the opposite so it's almost as though there's a war going on inside me which ends up just making me want to have a mental breakdown 24/7. Sometimes I'm sensitive to light, heat, the cold, sound, etc. but not always. The emotional sponge thing is a constant though and it's also getting worse(stronger?) as I get older. It's exhausting and makes me not want to go out often or to just put a wall up to where I'm only focusing on myself. That's the only way I've really found to keep myself from taking on other people's emotions, just focusing on myself. Butttt then it's like I'm not connected to anyone and I feel like I'm being selfish because I'm not really present with them if that makes sense? This whole subject is just confusing and exhausting.
This resonates with me so much. I can remember from a super young age getting upset easily and crying over seemingly minor things. I was always told to suck it up and stop being a crybaby; people just never really got it. I grew up being so ashamed of how sensitive I was and just wanted to stifle the stuff i was feeling so much. I manage it a lot better now and have embraced it as a part of myself, but I still don’t have anyone in my life that I know has this too. Some things that tend to affect me are busy social situations and environments, along with loud noises and driving. It’s good to see that other people have this as well, it makes me feel less alone! ❤️ But overall I think being an ESP has blessings too, like the world could use a lot more empathy lol
Thank you for making this video!
It's such a relief knowing there are other people out there who feel the same and go through similar things.
I see being a HSP and an empath as a blessing and also something to be careful about. Sending lots of love 💜💜💜
Girl I feel you on so many levels.. I am not even sure what is my worst trigger, I think it's larger amounts of people and all of them talking over each other. So shopping malls, movie theaters etc are not the most fun for me.
And for the empathy, I feel like I am doing better than I did before, but living with my boyfriend is still not easy because of me being such an emotional sponge 😂
Thank you for sharing this, it always helps me to know that I am not alone. Today I had a denist appointment and later this day I have another doctors appoiment so my anxiety is out to party. I already had one panic attack at night and I always feel so stupid and I just wanna be "normal". So thanks again for sharing your story with us 💕
I'm a highly sensitive person but it's really inconsistent what will upset me. Like I love really really hot showers and loud music that I like. But loud music that isn't something I like really agitates me to the point where I feel like crying and the person who is playing the music always thinks I'm being mean when I ask them to turn it off or down. I also HATE being surprised. If somebody sneaks up on me I don't really mind as long as they don't make a loud noise or touch me. Jump scares in movies and stuff send me over the edge.
Yes! The loud music thing I can relate to! It's like something snaps and suddenly you can't keep on track of your thoughts so you have to ask them to lower it so you can concentrate again.
MowgliNHazel i pretty much never like loud music, even music i like. i don't even like concerts very much.
omg jump scares get me every single time, even when I can see it from a mile away. It's so embarrassing lol
I'm so sorry you had your first panic attack. I've suffered from panic attacks since I was little and every time I get one I feel like I got hit by a train after and I literally don't have energy to put effort into anything for the rest of the day. Panic attacks suck. Anyway, thanks for making this video. I really enjoy hearing you vent about things like this and I'm sure a lot of others also find peace within themselves knowing that they aren't alone!
So it’s not just me.
Thank you for talking about this, I know I'm a HSP but I had never met or seen anyone who is like this. The empathy thing has to be one of the biggest problems for me, there are some people that just really suck up my energy or sometimes if I'm in a room where the general mood is down I get panic attacks and kind of absorb the whole room's emotion. I also get startled really easily and it takes a while for me to calm down. For me, the sense I get overwhelmed really easily with is the smell, like, if I don't like a certain smell and I'm forced to be around it for a long period, I feel the urge to puke. Again, thank you for making this, I totally understand the need of being like everyone else.
I HEAR YOU, I have always taken others emotions,onboard,sometimes ,to my detriment,too aware of people being honest[or not],how I feel ,and overthinking,as well as not being able to express myself verbally,or in writing,too aware of [when in a group,peoples lack of tolerance/understanding.This is when I am trying to relate to others ,empathise,and give support when it seems they never return these qualities,it goes so much deeper when I lose someone,or am rejected ,being over aware of others attitudes,just keeps me on edge.
Wow, I’m sorry to hear that you do struggle with this but I’m also so relieved to know it’s not just me! I pick up on other people’s emotions so quickly it’s exhausting, when people are in a good mood it’s great because I bounce off them and replicate the positivity. But when they are in a bad mood, it can be horrific. I’m trying to be there for them and keep positive but I can’t help but also feel really down and it sometimes confuses me how I can suddenly switch my emotions like that... you explained it perfectly by saying it’s frustrating and exhausting! Being around people for too long can sometimes drain me, especially after spending all day at work in a noisy office... I come home so tired and can never fathom why.
I also notice I have high sensitivity to loud sounds, people’s voices etc. Although we do differentiate when it comes to loud music, I actually love having my music loud in the car but then I think I’m more sensitive to noises I can’t control rather than just in general if that makes sense, like thunder for example just scares the crap out of me and makes me feel so tense whenever it occurs.
Oh my gosh I totally feel the way you do. I cried the first time my manager told me she was disappointed in a certain task I didn’t do right and it scared me. Luckily she was very understanding and supportive but some managers think differently. I feel I’m known at work for being the sensitive cry baby. It’s harder to be taken seriously I think. My current job is overwhelming I’m in retail and it’s too much stimulation for me. Trying to get out of retail but it’s all I have experience in. Wanting to stay home more and just be in a quiet environment and I fear I’ve lost some of my friends since college cause they don’t understand the way I am. It’s tough being an highly sensitive INFJ in this extroverted world.
I relate to this so much it’s absolutely exhausting. It’s affected every part of my life. Being an empath has affected my previous relationships because the women I was with didn’t like the fact that I could feel their emotions and see that they were upset or angry or whatever before they even realised it themselves. And you know when you know someone’s upset and you ask them what’s wrong and they say “nothing”, when you’re so empathetic it’s so hard to let go and continue your day with them because you know that there’s something wrong but they don’t want to talk about it and you can feel it and it affects you so much you want to help but they don’t want the help and it takes its toll on your relationship.
Also sounds have affected me my entire life. As a baby I had extremely sensitive ears and got ear infections a lot and had to get surgery to remove my tonsils and to get grommets in my ears. The movies are absolute hell for me, I don’t know why they feel the need to be so loud, I feel like even non sensitive people find it annoying. Concerts are another thing as well. The last 2 concerts I’ve been to I’ve had panic attacks at and now I’m scared of crowds.
On the other hand being highly sensitive has its perks. When you feel good things, they feel extremely good, you go into a completely euphoric state.
But yeah we need to find coping mechanisms to help us through the hard stuff
Sarah thank you so much for making this, I didn't know this was a thing that other people had and I feel so much better knowing I'm not the only person who is so sensitive and over empathetic. Good luck with your journey dealing with this :)
I'm also a HSP and it hurts like hell! I also have a driving phobia, which is problematic because of my current situation. Dental phobia, loud screaming voices and grocery stores set me off too. I also can't stand crowds, loud parties, bars, crowded cities.... Growing up as a HSP was torture because people just thought I was " weird", but alas, there was a reason for the way I was/ am. There are many, many times that I wished that I was an everyday person, because life would be so much easier and my soul would be less tormented........ I enjoy your videos and so many of them speak to me. Thank you...
This whole video makes sense. I'm pretty sure I am a highly sensitive person. I'm with you, Sarah. xx
I am the same way and find myself wishing I could feel "normal" as well, and I know how frustrating it can be. I feel I'm constantly trying to adapt and cope with things that "shouldn't" upset me or give me issues, and this only frustrates me more because it's very draining. I hope things get better for you Sarah, you're awesome for sharing this with us! It's comforting knowing I'm not alone
thank you so much for saying all this, a lot of your experiences resonated with me too. i'm highly sensitive as well and loud noises bother me the most. one of the biggest things i struggle with is people raising their voice at me/chastising me. even if it's something miniscule, i immediately burst into tears and withdraw into myself. its very difficult because my family tells me not to be so sensitive but now i know that its just a part of who i am. so thanks for sharing your story, i love your videos!
this really hit home with me. I am very sensitive. The hardest part for me is trying to not complain to people about what is bothering me. Like “omg the music is too loud” and “ugh its too bright in here”. And thats all I can think about until it goes away. I’m also a very light sleeper just like you and have to wear earplugs at night or small noises will wake me up. Thank you so much for this Sarah, I straight up thought I was crazy for being this way and i’m so happy that i’m not alone ♥️♥️♥️
It feels so good to know that I am not the only hsp who has had panic attacks because of it! My biggest sensitivity is my inner life, also motion and light. I always get car sick after 2 seconds in a car! Love this video❤ Keep on going, it will get easier!
I feel ALL of that so hard. Every time I’ve gotten out of a relationship I’ve had to go find myself again because i just really soak in everything that everyone is around me. I’m also suuuuppper sensitive to light and I used to be sensitive to sounds (still am depending which situation I’m in) but I work at a theatre so I got used to crazy noises pretty quick. I’ve actually had a panic attack because I got stuck behind a counter for 5 hours just traying up drinks at a restaurant bar and I felt so confined and nervous that when someone didn’t say they were coming around the counter and I bumped into them (spilling their drink) I just burst into tears and had to go sit down in the break room for a good 30 minutes till I could even get myself back together again. I’m working on it all and slowly getting better at it so I hope you make a breakthrough soon! I know how refreshing it can be for sure.
This is probably one of the most relatable videos I've seen in a while. I know this is an older video, so I hope you've gotten a handle on some of your worries and stressors. ❤️
i can relate to a lot of things you’re saying. loud noises overwhelm me, im super sensitive to heat. i overheat sooo easily. i’m also an empath. the only things i dont relate to is the pain and the shower. but im so glad to see someone else struggles with this whole high sensitivity thing. OH MY GOODNESS I HAD A FEAR OF DRIVING FOREVER. everyone thought i was so juvenile and i’m so glad to see someone else had this issue.
!! YES GIRL. I'm also an empath and I was able to handle it more in high school but now I feel drained 24/7 at 23 years old. (Granted, I also have BPD which makes it worse, but.) And sounds are really bad for me too! Loud music is too much, and I'm learning (while sharing a room with someone else, especially) that eVERY SOUND is painful. I'm extra sensitive to eating sounds (which enrage me), and sometimes even when my roommate laughs while watching youtube with headphones or anything like that, it's insane. Idk. It gets really frustrating, especially because a lot of the time I can't separate when it's because of personal issues or when they're actually being irritating or whatever.
I’ve been a hsp my whole life, which has only been worsened since I developed fibromyalgia. The feelings of frustration and exhaustion are so real; everything you said in this video sounds like it came from my brain. Thank you for helping me feel less alone, I’ve had a hard day and I needed to hear this. 😊
Finally someone I can relate to! I'm also a highly sensitive person and I've been struggling with it when I got older. Also I think this sensitivity gave me MS in a way :D Thank you so much for sharing, it means a lot to other people!
I can definitely relate to this! I'm mostly aural and tactile sensitive, so I know what you mean when you said that movie theaters, certain voices, etc. are too much. I've been bringing ear plugs when I go see a movie in theaters, because even with the ear plugs in (or just one ear plug in my dominant ear) I can still hear the movie just fine. Things like this really help me be able to stay out longer and enjoy whatever I'm doing more and it also is a form of pain management for me. I deal with chronic pain and being overstimulated can manifest into pain flares for me really easily (loud noises can trigger headaches or migraines). I also use ear defenders in public when there is just too much going on, which are really convenient, easy to travel with, and usually pass as headphones (these are really common for autistic folks and/or people with sensory processing disabilities). Here is a link if you're curious (They're listed as being for kids, but some people reviewing them are adults who use them): www.amazon.com/Snug-Kids-Earmuffs-Hearing-Protectors/dp/B00CBDJ84S?th=1
I don't know if this has been mentioned in some of your other videos, but from the videos that I have been watching of yours, I realized I don't think I've heard you use the word ableism and I was wondering if ableism is a familiar word/concept for you or if you'd never heard of it before? You talk a lot about mental illness/mental health and psychology (and have even talked about disability and ableism before just not using those specific words) and a lot of what you cover is very relevant to ableism. In some of your videos you've opened up about what you can't control and your feelings of isolation or even like something is wrong with you (internalized ableism, which I can definitely relate to). I can relate to that especially as a disabled person whose disabilities include both physical and mental/developmental, chronic pain (EDS) and neurodivergence (anxiety, depression, ptsd, and being autistic), and society really causes me to feel isolated because it wasn't designed with disabled folks in mind. I mention this because dealing with disability and ableism without support and/or a way to articulate those experiences/feelings can be even more frustrating and isolating and knowing others are dealing with similar things can really lessen pressure. There is a world of activism, acceptance, and language surrounding all of this that most have no clue about and my understanding of myself and sense of community has only improved since I realized I was included in the disability community and learned that a lot of my frustration/isolation was due to ableism (internal and external) and just that general lack of understanding.
If you don't know much about ableism and disability justice/activism, you should check out Autistic Hoya, Lydia (they/them) is an autistic activist and they provide a lot of general resources about disability. Here is a link that is my go-to for introducing people to the concept of ableism if they aren't already familiar, it's a good starting point (like I mentioned there are lots of other resources on here, including one about how ableism is so commonplace in our society): www.autistichoya.com/p/ableist-words-and-terms-to-avoid.html
I hope this all made sense. I really enjoyed this video and hope to see more like it!
Having you talk about this made a few things click in my head. I've never been diagnosed as highly sensitive and I don't think I particularly am, but I do have BPD which brings it's own struggles. That click in my head made me realize that some things may be more than just it being me or my personality. I don't like loud noises myself most of the time, at least if they aren't gradual, or I can't control it. I jump from dogs barking, cinema's get too loud sometimes that I'm jumping every second (even if it's not a horror), bass from music being too heavy, ...
Something I always thought of myself was that I wasn't empathetic, that I had a difficult time being empathetic, but then my psychologist said she saw that I was and could be. I thought that part of that was my moodswings from my BPD and that those just take over. Now I also realize that if the people closest to me are in a bad mood, I end up in a bad mood myself, but I don't have that with everyone, and I feel that to some degree my brain is suppressing a lot of those bad emotions, kind of like a part of me shuts down because it's too big of an emotion and I can't deal with it.
I also don't do crowds well, or too many things at once. I guess that there are a lot of people who can't handle too many things at once (which is why we say TOO MANY things at once), but I find it very hard to get through those moments. Makes me feel all antsy and it gets difficult to breathe properly or to calm down whatsoever.
I'd love to be able to at least tone a few things down. At the very least once in a while so I can get a break and kind of relax and recharge. I'm learning how to do that at the moment, but it's really difficult to do that when it's always this underlying thing that can pop up at any time.
Thank you for making this video, Its nice to know that I'm not alone because it feels like everyone around me doesn't understand about me being extremely sensitive and empathetic.
I wish I couldn’t relate to you so much, but the highly sensitive to emotions + overly empathetic part is literally me. It’s really only with negative emotions. Like it’s so extreme that watching tv shows & reading books literally interferes with my emotional state on the daily. I can walk past someone in the hall at school and literally feel their pain. If someone else is having anxiety, my anxiety will become stronger and it’s not something I can control. It’s so exhausting. It’s like you constantly have the weight of the world on you and you never get a break. I feel you, I really do.
I honestly didn’t know this was something that other people felt so thank you for talking about this!
thank you so much for this. i’m highly emotionally sensitive but also highly sensitive in basically all other aspects... and i’ve always felt like something is wrong with me. but now i understand that it’s not just me!
I teared up when you were talking about wishing to be able to live like normal people. I wish that every day of my life. I'm trying so hard to see my sensitivity in a positive light, but it's so hard when its so difficult for people like us to simply exist!
Hey I loved your video on this! I actually did a video like this a while back and for me it is so important that people understand that being sensitive like you and I are does not mean that we are weak. I have been following you for a little bit (not nearly long enough) but knowing what I've seen from you I know that you are so powerful in who you are. For me, its been a while since I did the video on it, but since I've found that I can't take medication that affects my mood at all (like at all - birth control pills are a no go) and I've found that affirmations and breathing exercises and writing in a journal to sort out my feelings really help me out. I know you might not need help but maybe someone reading the comments might - Thank you for making this video it was so nice
Thank you for this!! This has seriously helped me understand my partner on a new level he is HIGHLY SENSITIVE and has described most everything you've talked about here and more and has a difficult time enjoying anything outside of being home which honestly frustrated me at times, although I struggle with general anxiety and being overloaded by others emotions. Thank you again and I would love to see the more elaborate version of this video and how you deal with it day to day especially within a relationship. Seriously so much love for you, you are one of my absolute favorites!! ❤❤
I'm highly sensitive person too. I often got hurt and upset about nonsense, especially about what other people think about me. Year after year I was getting worse and feeling more isolated. Then I got panic attack, anxiety disorder, depressions and problems with health. I was also putting on weight because of my constant stress. I was afraid of literally all people, even friends. SO I started understand that I'm not living my life. I buried my OWN dreams and desires and always listened to other people. Then I started to not giving fuck what people think about me (kinda always show them my middle finger) and getting rid of my stereotypes. Now I'm learning to think critically and build boundaries between me and other people. And the most important is being true: listen to your heart, which says what life you want ti live.
So I still keep working. Sometimes I can be afraid, but I no longer believe to stressful thoughts. I treat with such moments as it's not real me, I'm not just those miserable thoughts.
But I'm getting much more better. Kinda feel free.
Loved this video. I’m a highly sensitive person and empath as well. Don’t worry, you’re not alone 💕 Just recently discovered you on TH-cam and you’re starting to become my new fave! I really enjoy your videos and you as a person in general ☺️
I completely relate and I am so glad that you made this video because it makes me realize I’m not alone
sometimes i am genuinely blown away at how alike we are. your videos are like listening to my stream of consciousness on a daily basis.
I used to think I was so lazy as a teenager, because unlike my friends I never felt like doing anything after a long day of school. When I talked to my mum about it she mentioned the possibility of me being an HSP and instantly I realised I wasn't being lazy, just over stimulated...
I’m right there with you girl. Literally the same, haha it has caused me a lot of anxiety in the past but I have learned how to deal with it in a healthy way. It only makes us wiser and more unique. Love you!
Thank you so much for this video! I‘m pretty sensitive as well, but you talking about it made me realized, that I‘m not so sensitive in a lot of areas (sound, pain, phobias, weather) and I‘m rather thankful for that. I had panic attacks though and I get physically ill when I‘m emotionally drained. Plus I can’t drink anything else than water. Things like coffee that make people more awake make me have a panic attack. And I‘m also sensitive when it comes to certain topics... I can’t talk about people getting crazy f.e. Makes me feel like I lose my own mind.
I love your content and wish you all the best ❤️ greetings from switzerland 🇨🇭
This is soooo relatable to me. I hate hot days in the summer, I also hate when it is sunny after a snowy day because everything is so bright. Noise gives me migraines and if I listen to an argument (like neighbors arguing) I feel like like shit. When I was doing exams (as a teacher assistant) I felt sooo much of the students' anxiety and fear that I felt like I had to take the exam myself!!! I also feel that the city in itself is a burden to me (many sounds, many people, less nature, so much poverty and arguments in the streets), maybe I feel it more because I used to live in a small village in the mountains before... I feel exhausted most of the days.
Yes👏 i think a lot of us needed this video, the other day a coworker told me I complained a lot (when she invites me places, i ask a lot of questions because i need to know if i'll be able to handle the environment and be comfortable) but you know what, there is nothing wrong with knowing yourself and trying to feel comfortable at the end of the day, if i know i'll be uncomfortable i just avoid it.
I can relate a lot! My current situation is worrying about wether I am able to do anything in my life as I will that (also as a late bloomer) my life is running away from me. Everything around me is moving so fast and I cannot keep up. My sensitivities are related to other people and animals emotions, but I have actually learned myself to distance from it by (ironically enough) putting my headphones on when I'm in a crowd. I have those noise canceling ones. I am sensitive to pain and fears (and have a lot of phobias and fears that keep me from moving forward in my life). I am sensitive to specific noises that shake me to the core and physically hurts, they are usually high pitched sounds like chairs dragged on the floor, chalk on chalkboard, cutlery against dishes and so on. I get nauseous and dizzy a lot, and am sensitive to smell, taste and touch. I am really sensitive to unfair treatment. And showers and temperature! Oh boy, I actually hate showers, but to me it's the opposite. I am very sensitive to the cold, but I think it has something to do with living in Norway and it's cold here all the time. I am sensitive to things like fire, stoves (I hate stoves and being around flames), but for me it's the cold that is the worst. When it comes to showers, it's how cold I get afterwards that makes me hate it.
Also, I have actually found out something about my sensitivity that is positive for me! I get more out of music, and in contrast to you, I am kind of addicted to music and listen to it all the time as I get so positively affected by it. And touch gives me so much more also, like being stroked, hugged or cuddled. I found that my empathy helps in building relationships, but now I have the luxorious problem of having too many good people in my life, and I can't handle them all. That makes me sad. I often think I am an introvert, but I need to remind myself that I am actually a rare exotrverted HSP.
Thank you for sharing. I have to tell you, I'm a speech therapist in a school..I also consider myself an HSP. I've found that being highly sensitive gives me an advantage at my job. There are days that I'm overwhelmed, sure. However, I really believe that being sensitive and empathetic MAKES a good therapist. I bet you will be able to help so many people!
I don’t comment on a lot of TH-cam videos but this one has really helped me today. I struggle with mental health and I can get anxious rather quickly. I relate well with going to the movies and feeling anxious. I love the movies but I sometimes start to get antsy before going. I also get anxious about a lot of other things but I just wanted to say thank you. It feels nice to know that I’m not alone ❤️
I’m constantly over stimulated by sound, people and the noises they make, light, and I’m also a huge empath. I thought I was just too sensitive and that i just needed to get over myself but this really resonates and I’m glad I’m not the only one but also I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone. ❤️
That's me. I always felt weird and different. People called me a cry baby but now I realize I don't deal well with lots of stimulation and can often times feel overwhelmed. In conjunction with being overly emotional it's really tough to keep my anxiety under control. Thank you for making this video, it really validates the way I have felt my whole life.
Sounds are seriously the biggest thing for me. They set me off to a full on anxiety attack which people don't get most times and think I'm insane.
Thank you I relate to this a lot. I’ve always been really sensitive, physically but mostly emotionally, I get these things my dr calls “empathy seizures” where if I see someone endure something awful (the first time I was watching actual video of a real ice pick lobotomy) I have a seizure, or i saw a kids arm break and it happened. And they’re full out siezures it’s kind of a mess. But it’s sucks. I’m grateful for people like my boyfriend and best friend who will cover my eyes when someone so much as stubs their toe in a scary movie but it’s kind of a weird weakness to have. Also when ANYONE cries or is mad I’m right there with them. I didn’t know this was a real thing people took seriously thanks again
omg this is me...thanks for making this video, i don't feel so alone anymore.
In the process of ordering a book on this before this video has even ended. I always assumed something was "wrong" but it is such a weight off my chest to know other people feel things as vividly as I do. Thank you.
I COMPLETELY feel you. I think a lot of it has to do with our age - we are in limbo of adolescence and adulthood. Considering we are all super connected these days, feeling pressure is easier and more common.
One tip that I have when I comes to feeling other people’s emotions and energies: it helps if you can try to stay aware of it as much as you can, and check in as much as possible and ask, “is this mine?” If you can recognize in the moment that the emotion or energy isn’t yours, it helps to alleviate the heaviness of it. Then you can check in and ask, “how am I feeling?”
I can really relate, especially having lived with several boyfriends. It can be really tricky to separate yourself from their stuff.
I don’t do this often, but you can also envision a shield of light around you, which can help you remember the boundaries between you and your environment/other people.
I’m also a highly sensitive person and I also have anxiety. But thank you for making this and hopefully more people will understand it’s not just for attention! 💛
I feel a lot of those things you described, I had already noticed I'm just super sensitive, to everything really. I have brown eyes and am more sensitive to light than anyone I know. Also the loud noises, sometimes, if it's a song or something, it's like I can feel my own tympanic membrane going BAM with the louder beats or something, following the rythm. It happens with just normal random sounds too. Thank you so much for this video, I love your channel so much, you make it easier to understand myself in so many ways and in so many videos. Thank you for everything, Sarah
I relate to this. I always knew I was highly sensitive but oddly I never equated that with the overstimulation I experience. I can't handle loud music and bright, intense cartoons are a lot to handle. Florescent lighting is awful, too! I can feel you. I have come to see it as a gift, like I'm an Xman or something. Though I've felt that my differences in experiencing the world has left me feeling separate at times, I feel like society needs us and it's a good thing. I cry very easily, but at beautiful things, not just sad things. Perhaps my capacity to experience a deep profound sense of joy is just one of the (many!) tradeoffs to being a HSP.
No way! I literally just read about this last night and I was planning on looking more into it because I’m like 99% sure that I am a highly sensitive person and then you post this video. I totally didn’t know there was a way to define being like me.
Thank you so much for making this video! So many things that I experience make sense now. I definitely understand you on the empathy thing. I have figured out that I am a huge empath and no matter where I am or who I'm with, I absorb all feelings and emotions. It's draining, especially when most of the people around me are dealing with depression and anxiety. It tends to spike my own anxiety and depression even if I was feeling fine before. Also this video helped me understand why I get so irritable in certain situations! It's definitely the sensitivity to overwhelming situations or places with things I'm not used to.
This helped me understand myself better and I want to again, thank you ❤
I relate to most of these! Especially the noise...I work in a bowling alley and sometimes all the combined noises send me into a frenzy. I also love coffee but am highly sensitive to caffeine. It makes the heightened awareness even more so. I can also totally relate to the empath//feeding on others energy. It's very draining! But I feel like it can also help connect with people on a deeper level. All in all thanks for this video!
And my biggest sensitivities are probably discomfort, sound and emotions. I hate being forced to wear uncomfortable clothing or just generally stay in a situation that's physical uncomfortable. Loud music really overwhelms me if I'm not in the mood for it. Also, I soak up people's moods and emotions like a sponge.
Thank you so much for this! I've always not accept myself as an HSP, and I did not know how to put it into terms. Now I know that I am not alone! I can very much relate to the sounds. There are certain voices or sounds that frustrates me, it's like tingle after tingle. Even if I lower down the volume, it still gets inside my head. And if the that does not stop I'll be in a bad mood. People's opinion or story easily affects my mood, I can't protect my emotions from it. I can't guard my emotions from other people's emotion. Yes I can emphatisze but at the same time it feels like other people's emotions transfer within me. Also when there's a lot of work to do I tend to shut down, I need to space out and do nothing. Babies are also triggering for me. Because of the sounds they make when they're eating liquid, and how messy they eat. When someone chews loudly, it starts to get in my nerves. Ugh there are a lot more. My MDD and Anxiety and Gender Dysphoria makes it 10x worse. Even when I'm sleeping I can feel when the lights turn on or hear sounds. i hate spontaneous loud noises, I fear that the most. I get easily frightened.
There are a lot more but I don't know how to properly put into words. I think I should talk to my psychiatrist about this.
i totally feel you with the empathy and light sensitivity is especially bad for me. i can’t even sleep in my own room because my curtains don’t block out enough light
Thank you so much for this video!
- From one HSP to another
So i can definitely relate to this in certain ways - the strongest being how much i feel other's emotions. I've noticed it's a great blessing and a "curse" at the same time. When i'm stable and doing well, it works out fine and it's a great and positive for everyone involved (i.e. because of empathy), but when i'm stressed out or having a hard time myself, it affects me very negatively as well as takes away from what i can give to others.
Also, i generally dislike loud music and sounds. It often makes me feel anxious.
I think a lot of things i am sensitive to, which include these two as well as mental stimulation from everything going on around me (when there are a lot of interactions for me to process, emails to go through, etc.), are aspects of who i am that i can and should acknowledge. However, to put it in my mom's words: "we all got something" and i think trying to actively overcome these obstacles to a happier and healthier life is the best way to proceed. For example, i am currently the president of this big and very active organization at my college. Not only that, but i was president-elect of this same organization last year. Believe me when i tell you i have never had to talk to so many people, have so much social interaction, answer so many emails, be able to accept that anyone can come up to me at anytime and ask me a question or make a comment on anything relating to this organization or otherwise, and so on and so forth... than ever before in my life. And i struggled with it for such a long time. I mean, and this is a two-year commitment cause i was voted in as president-elect which i did for a year and was guaranteed presidency the next. I mean, child... it was so much for me to handle personally. But, with time, i have learned to adjust and it's gotten a whole lot easier. Now, not to say we should all force ourselves into situations such as this one to try and overcome these types of issues. But, i do think there is value in taking steps to do so, even if they are small. Though i have had some really hard times dealing with my sensitivities being prodded and poked by me holding this position, it has been worth it in the end. I have learned that a lot can be overcome, and also that maybe not all of it can, which is okay. Honestly, we are all different, just as God intended it to be. And i think accepting what is hard for us while at the same time doing what we can to not let it hold us back is the best way to go ~