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You are not the only one who probably wonders why you are so sensitive at times. Often, people are very emotional: they feel happy and carry the emotions of others, or get stressed, criticized, or involved in a conflict. Most people misinterpret sensitivity, and they tend to view it as weakness or simply dismiss it as overreacting, but psychology narrates a different tale.
Our biology, personality, environment, and life experiences can influence emotional sensitivity. It is closely associated with empathy, awareness, and depth of emotion. Knowing the origin of sensitivity can aid you in dealing with the heart of overwhelming feelings and start to perceive this quality as an object to admire and not conquer.
Why Am I So Sensitive? Exploring Emotional Depth
Sensitivity is the degree to which an individual reacts emotionally, socially, or sensitively to a certain experience. Sensitive people are often deep thinkers, and they notice details that others may overlook. Such a degree of processing may make the effects of emotional intensity and control more difficult.
Emotionally sensitive people can:
- Quickly and intensely feel.
- Get easily influenced by the moods of others.
- Be highly sensitive to stress or conflict.
- Need more time to grieve.
Sensitivity is on a continuum. It is not a disease or a defect – it is a difference in character and workings of the nervous system.
The Science of Highly Sensitive People
Studies on Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) indicate that approximately 15-20% of the population is more sensitive in their nervous system. This implies that emotional information and sensory information are processed fully in their brains.
The research of brain imaging reveals that highly sensitive individuals have more activity in empathy, awareness, and emotional meaning areas. This increased processing is the reason why emotions, environments, and relationships can experience an increased intensity.
Genetics and Biology Behind Sensitivity
Sensitivity is not a personality trait, but the biological and genetic background of the sensitivity of people to emotions has a foundation. Genetic variation affects the nervous system’s reaction to emotional and social stimuli, brain information processing, and the body’s response to stress. It is these biological factors that explain why some individuals tend to experience things more than others.
Although biology is a factor, this does not imply that sensitivity is pre-programmed and something that cannot be changed. Rather, genes interact with life events, stress, environment, and coping abilities to influence the way in which sensitivity will be expressed and dealt with as time goes by. Let us have a closer look at the biological aspect of the emotional richness.
Genetic Contributions and Nervous System Reactivity
Researchers have determined that emotional and sensory sensitivity is genetic, that is, certain individuals are genetically predisposed to being more sensitive to their surroundings and relationships. The trait is commonly researched under the name of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS).
- The percentage of highly sensitive individuals, a topic of interest in personality studies, is approximately 15-20 percent and is linked to genetic and biological variations in the way people process emotions.
- Other studies propose that genetic factors account for a significant portion – approximately 50% – of the variation in individual sensitivities, with the remaining 50% attributed to environmental effects, such as upbringing and exposure to stress.
Brain Function and Neurochemical Sensitivity
It is also genetically determined that neurotransmitters (chemical messengers such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin) have an effect on the way the brain functions. Differences in such systems have an effect on the intensity of emotions, empathy, and reaction to stress.
For example:
- There has been some association between certain gene variations involving the oxytocin receptors and differences in emotional responsiveness and response to social stress.
- Empirical evidence on sensitivity features demonstrates that individuals who are more sensitive to the environment or their emotions might experience more neural activity in the regions of the brain that are related to emotion and social processing.
How Environment and Upbringing Shape Emotional Responses
Although the foundation comes as a result of biology, the environment influences the expression of sensitivity. Childhood experiences teach individuals the level of safety in terms of expression, control, and expression of emotions.
The positive climate makes sensitive people flourish, and an invalidating or anarchic climate may make emotions feel overwhelming or insecure.
Environmental factors that affect sensitivity include:
- Patterns of communication in the family.
- Emotional confirmation or reproach.
- Exposure to chronic stress
- Attitudes of cultures regarding feelings.
Childhood Experiences and Lasting Impact
Past experiences in childhood influence emotional sensitivity. Emotionally dismissive and unpredictable/stressful environments in which children are brought up tend to make them more emotionally alert as one of their protective mechanisms.
To others, being sensitive is only learned as a means of prognosing danger, conflict, or rejection. This increased awareness can be carried into adulthood, which would influence the way emotional experiences are felt and processed.
Sensitivity as a Strength, Not a Weakness
Sensitivity is taken in a negative context, however, it has numerous advantages. Emotionally sensitive individuals are fully empathetic, intuitive, and emotionally smart.
The strengths relating to sensitivity are:
- Powerful sensitivity and sympathy.
- Deep emotional insight.
- Creativity and imagination.
- Significant relations with people.
With proper support, sensitivity enables people to have a profound connection with themselves and other people. The difficulty does not lie in being sensitive, but in knowing how to handle such sensitivity in a world where emotional oppression is commonly encouraged.
Coping Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Emotions
Although sensitivity is a skill that does not require a fix, it is necessary to learn how to deal with overbearing emotions to be emotionally healthy. The regulation skills assist sensitive individuals in preserving their energy and balance.
Categories of challenges and helpful strategies are presented in the table below:
| Emotional Challenge | Helpful Coping Approach |
| Emotional overload | Quiet time and grounding |
| Absorbing others’ emotions | Clear emotional boundaries |
| Stress sensitivity | Relaxation and routine |
| Self-criticism | Self-compassion practices |
Embrace Your Sensitivity With Treat Mental Health
It may be tiresome to live a life without emotional support. Should sensitivity cause anxiety, stress, or emotional burnout, professional direction will assist you in knowing and managing your own emotional world more efficiently.
Treat Mental Health is an evidence-based and compassionate care provider to those experiencing emotional sensitivity, stress, anxiety, and trauma. The therapy may assist in changing the sensitivity such that it is experienced as overwhelming to something it can empower.
If emotional sensitivity is adversely impacting your life, contact Treat Mental Health for help.
FAQs
How Does Emotional Sensitivity Shape One’s Personality?
Sensitivity to emotion has an impact on the intensity of emotion and its processing. It tends to play a part in empathy, creativity, and emotional awareness.
In What Ways Does Empathy Heighten Emotional Sensitivity?
This is because high empathy enables people to experience the feelings of others. It can strengthen relations, and it can also bring emotional exhaustion beyond limits.
Can Stress and Anxiety Increase Emotional Sensitivity?
Yes, stress and anxiety increase the alertness of the nervous system. This may amplify emotions and make them more challenging to control.
How Does Trauma Affect Emotional Sensitivity Over Time?
Emotional alertness is a defensive mechanism that can be raised by the impact of trauma. Such a high sensitivity can be maintained until the nervous system becomes safe again.
Are Genetics Responsible for Inherited Emotional Sensitivity?
Genetics is a factor in the responsiveness of the nervous system. The family tends to be sensitive, but the environment also creates the sensitivity.
