Do you find it difficult to relax, because you always feel overwhelmed with racing thoughts or emotions? Do you feel paranoid and afraid of opening up in social situations, fearing what people might think about you? Do you feel disconnected from your body or your needs? Do you fear that you are incapable of thriving in this world?
A psychiatrist might say you have anxiety disorder, bipolar depression, or even schizophrenia. They may medicate you for your eccentricities.
Before we go to that extreme, I’ll propose a different hypothesis: you might be a Highly Sensitive Person.
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are categorized by having more sensitivity to physical, emotional or social stimuli than the general public. Energetically speaking, HSPs are hard-wired to perceive subtle energetic information in ways that many people are not. This can create nervous system overwhelm & mental or emotional imbalances on a regular basis.
I had no idea I was an HSP until after I started withdrawing from psychiatric medication at 22 years old. It became clear over time that I take in life a lot more deeply than many people.
Being an HSP explains why I struggle to feel safe in social situations. Without trying, I energetically feel out everyone in the room to see if they are safe and non judgmental. I’m also hyper aware of my past social traumas. This creates overwhelm, exhaustion and a need to disconnect.
Being an HSP also explains why I have a natural gift for energy healing and spiritual practice. I’ve always sensed subtle energies, but never had the words for what I was perceiving. Now I can utilize my skills to help other people, and help myself feel more balanced and confident.
Being an HSP is definitely a gift. But as you’re likely aware, this temperament comes with unique challenges:
⭐ Tendency toward chronic depression, anxiety, or bipolarity (because of how deeply you feel emotions even if you don’t realize it)
⭐ Moderate to Severe Social Anxiety
⭐Feeling disconnected from yourself
⭐Difficulty managing “normal” jobs or responsibilities (e.g. 9-5 job)
⭐Difficulty maintaining regular self-care routines
I understand all of these struggles too well. Fortunately, it is possible to understand why you have these struggles, and how to get yourself back to center. It’s also possible to be financially and emotionally taken care of without sacrificing your authenticity.
In my healing practice, I help highly sensitive people who are struggling to maintain mental or emotional balance to self-regulate, recharge & reconnect to themselves. Many skills are required to help you thrive as an HSP: emotional regulation, self-soothing, self-care, setting boundaries, identifying your needs, & owning your needs with communication.
Most importantly, through knowing yourself better, you can start to unlock the gifts inherent in your sensitivities. We need caring, loving, deep people like you leading in this world. So let’s liberate you from your vicious cycles. It’s time for you to live, empowered & joyful.
Does this resonate with you? If so, I’ve got a few available free sessions to connect deeper – Let’s chat! https://go.etherealecology.com/intro-session
Ethereal Ecology 