Just how sensitive are you?

Sensitive: It can be good (caring) or bad (touchy) and not just emotional, but also physical. Sensitivity is not a new concept in human understanding; Carl Jung coined the term "innate sensitiveness" in the early 1900s. He believed some people can't help but react more strongly to physical and emotional stimuli, likely from birth.

This hypersensitivity idea met a resurgence of interest after 1996 when psychologist Elaine Aron defined it in her bestselling book series, "The Highly Sensitive Person." Psychologists have both lauded and criticized the HSP concept; either way, it's picking up speed.

According to Aron about 15 to 20 percent of the population are HSPs, responding differently to their environments. These are people for whom lifelong, strong sounds and harsh lights are harder to tolerate and can physically hurt. Quiet and calm are more desperately needed.

They can be more easily depressed or anxious, but the "highs" can be higher, too. Common physical sensations, like temporary hunger or minor aches, feel harsher and are more distracting. HSPs relate to others differently, so self-understanding and being understood can improve their relationships.

Aron offers a self-test at Hsperson.com, including qualities such as:

* Easily overwhelmed by sensory input (bright lights, sounds, rough fabrics, strong odors, pain)

* Aware of subtleties in the environment; affected strongly by others' moods; often know what others need without being told

* Uncomfortable with/stressed by loud noises and violent TV, yet more easily cheered by beauty and nature

* Feel more easily frazzled and have to go off alone; dislike too much going on

* Dislike/perform worse in competition or when being observed

Susan Biali, M.D., offers 10 survival tips for HSPs in her blog, "Prescriptions for Life," recognizing the physical-mental connections. Chief among them are adequate sleep, eating small portions throughout the day with limited caffeine, planned "decompression" time daily, low lighting and sound-reducing headphones, and creating a calming and clutter-free space for quick retreat at home.

HSPs tend to feel less happy in relationships, especially when misunderstood. HSPs pick up on and "feel" more subtleties, tiny changes in their partners, and react to these at the same time the partner considers it "no big deal" (if the partner even noticed). This can spell trouble if both partners don't understand their differences. Of course, that's true in all relationships.

Lifelong I've been both complimented for and accused of being unusually sensitive. All our light bulbs are low-watt and my poor family must listen to TV and music both less often and at barely audible volume. Husband says I can smell things from a mile away. When he heard about HSPs, he said, "That's my wife!" and suggested the column.

I can only add this: it's true life is often overwhelming when I feel it shouldn't be. I've also noticed I can enjoy it, in its simplest forms, more than many others. I regularly feel so happy I could burst, even when there is plenty wrong.

Conclusion? The highs of sensitivity are well worth the lows. When I figured that out, I stopped trying to change.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email [email protected].