Do you know someone — or are you someone — who feels emotions very deeply and intensely?
For some, the mind is like sunburned skin: everything that touches it feels heightened or painful. This kind of feeling can be temporary and occasional, for example, in girls or women influenced by their menstrual cycle or when something significant and time-consuming is happening in life.
Some people are naturally more sensitive than others. They react strongly to both joy and sorrow. Many sensitive people learn to live with this trait and recognize their own limits. They know that, for example, large crowds, bright lights, loud noises, or strong tastes can be overwhelming. Some cannot tolerate certain types of clothing or materials — they simply feel unpleasant on the skin.
Although sensitivity can sometimes feel heavy, it also comes with strengths. Sensitive people see shades of life that others may not always notice. Being with them can be especially rewarding for others — especially when their enthusiasm is contagious and makes life feel deeper.
The Roots of Sensitivity: Inborn Trait or Life Experience?
Sensitivity can be an innate trait, but it can also be shaped by life experiences. Unsafe, threatening, or traumatic situations in childhood — or too little support during difficult times — can make the mind more sensitive in adulthood.
For example, someone might fear the dark because they lacked safety as a child. Another may startle at loud noises because of a frightening experience they might not even fully remember. Someone else may have lived a long time with great worry and uncertainty, and when the situation eases, emotional outbursts flood out even in small situations — like a pressure cooker.
What Can Help a Person Who Feels Strongly?
- Understanding and Accepting Loved Ones
Choose to be around people who do not try to change you.
- Small Experiments Outside the Comfort Zone
Still, dare to try new things cautiously: could I watch a show I usually wouldn’t like together with someone else? What if I went to a noisy café with trusted company if it’s important to them?
- Predictable Daily Life and Clear Routines
Structure in everyday life brings security and can ease overstimulation.
- A Sensory Environment Suited to Your Nervous System
Soothing music, gentle videos, or favorite soundscapes can bring relief and stability during the day.
What If These Feelings Take Over Daily Life?
If intense emotional experiences start to significantly interfere with everyday life or relationships, it’s important to seek help. A healthcare professional can help figure out where the sensitivity comes from and how to learn to live more balanced with it.
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