In a world full of noise, chaos, and an overwhelming number of daily obligations, it’s no surprise that highly sensitive people (HSPs) might experience a heightened sense of stress. For these individuals who have an increased sensitivity to stimuli, navigating life can feel like walking barefoot on a path filled with pebbles.
That’s why we’ve come up with a list of 19 things that really stress out HSPs the most. We hope this article will help you to better understand and support the highly sensitive people in your life. By identifying and avoiding these common triggers, you may create a calmer environment for HSPs so they can thrive.
Sensory Stressors, Social Situations And Emotional Rollercoasters
If you’re someone who feels like the world is constantly overwhelming, then buckle up because we’re about to get real about the stressors that make us want to run for the hills (or at least retreat to our cozy, safe spaces).
Get ready to nod your head in agreement, chuckle at the absurdity, and maybe even shed a tear or two as we explore what makes highly sensitive people tick.
1. Sirens, Construction Noises, And Car Alarms – Oh My! Highly Sensitive People Can’t Handle The Decibels
When it comes to high-pitched, loud noises, highly sensitive people can feel overwhelmed and frazzled. Noises like car alarms, construction work, and sirens are common culprits. It’s not just a matter of preference – these sounds can cause real distress for HSPs.
2. Bright Lights
Another sensory stressor is bright lights, which can lead to migraines, eye strain, and overall discomfort in highly sensitive individuals. Dimmer environments or sunglasses can help, but dealing with bright artificial lights at work or in public spaces can become a daily battle for HSPs.
3. Being In A Room With Strong Smells Or Perfumes
Strong odors are a third sensory issue HSPs often struggle with. Whether it’s a heavily perfumed coworker or a potent cleaning solution, these pervasive smells can make it difficult for HSPs to concentrate and feel at ease.
4. Itchy Tags On Clothes
If you’ve ever met someone who obsessively cuts tags out of their clothing, they might be a highly sensitive person. Itchy, scratchy fabric textures or tags can feel unbearable, causing HSPs to seek out more comfortable clothing options.
5. Dropped Wi-Fi Connections
While perhaps not as directly sensory as the other stressors, dropped Wi-Fi connections are still exceedingly aggravating to many HSPs. The loss of a stable internet connection can interrupt work and other important tasks, leading to increased stress and frustration.
6. The Torture Of Being Stuck In A Meeting With A Loud Chewer Or A Pen Clicker
It’s not always easy to sit through a meeting without being distracted by that colleague who gnaws away at their lunch or relentlessly clicks their pen. For highly sensitive individuals, these seemingly innocuous sounds can be torture.
7. Awkward Small Talk
Whether it’s chatting with strangers at a networking event or making conversation with distant relatives, small talk can be cringe-worthy for highly sensitive people. They often prefer more in-depth dialogues about meaningful topics.
8. Overbearing Huggers
Some people love giving bear hugs to just about anyone they encounter, but for highly sensitive individuals, too much physical contact – especially from an acquaintance or stranger – can be off-putting and overwhelming.
9. Public Speaking Perils
While many people dread public speaking, it can be particularly nerve-wracking for highly sensitive people. They might feel more self-conscious and anxious about making mistakes or being judged by an audience.
10. Attend A Social Event With A Mandatory Dress Code And Feeling Like A Fish Out Of Water
Dressing appropriately for an event can be a guessing game that elicits stress in even the most seasoned party-goers. Highly sensitive people may feel particularly uncomfortable and judged when they feel out of place in their chosen attire.
11. Crowded Public Transportation And Feeling Like A Sardine In A Can
For someone who is highly sensitive, navigating crowded buses or trains can be a challenge. The close proximity to strangers, the noise, and the hustle of people in transit can create an overwhelming sensory overload.
12. Having To Wait In A Long Line Or A Crowded Waiting Room
Waiting in line or a packed waiting room can be a test of patience for anyone. But for highly sensitive people, the constant chatter, lack of personal space, and delay in reaching their destination can be particularly taxing.
13. The Frustration Of Being Interrupted Mid-Sentence Or Not Being Listened To
Feeling valued and heard is a universal desire. But for highly sensitive individuals, being interrupted or having their thoughts brushed aside can be deeply discouraging and may cause an emotional response.
14. Last-Minute Cancellations
Sudden cancellations can be a real headache for highly sensitive people who have carefully planned their day. Whether it’s a meeting, a social engagement, or a doctor’s appointment getting canceled, these situations can leave them feeling anxious and frustrated.
15. Impromptu Plan Changes
Another source of stress for highly sensitive people is when there’s a sudden change in plans. For example, if a friend suggests an unplanned outing, it might be difficult for a highly sensitive person to adapt and feel comfortable with this unexpected turn of events.
- Regular communication with friends and family can help tackle this issue
- Discussing preferences for well-planned activities is essential
16. Unannounced Visitors
Lastly, unannounced guests at their doorstep can be particularly stressful for highly sensitive individuals who value their privacy and personal space.
| Ways to Handle Unannounced Visitors |
| 1. Communicate your need for advance notice to friends and family |
| 2. Set boundaries for when you are available to receive visitors |
| 3. Don’t be afraid to suggest rescheduling if a visit is really inconvenient |
Handling these surprise schedule switch-ups with clear communication and a flexible mindset can significantly reduce stress for highly sensitive people.
17. Can’t. Hold. Back. Tears.
Highly sensitive people are basically walking tear factories. A sad commercial, a heartfelt conversation, or a particularly beautiful piece of art might cause their eyes to well up in no time flat. This waterfall of emotion just adds to the outward rollercoaster, you know
18. Laughing Hysterically
On the flip side, these sensitive souls have a contagious sense of humor. They find joy in the smallest things, and their laughter spreads like wildfire. All it takes is a well-delivered dad-joke or a particularly cute kitten video to send them into peals of laughter.
19. Mood Swing Mania
Finally, the rapid mood changes of highly sensitive people can leave their peers feeling like they’re on a never-ending ferris wheel. One minute, they’ll be up, the next, they’ll be down, and who knows where the ride will go next.
Becoming a master of emotional navigation is no easy task, but it’s something HSPs learn through trial and error. They might not particularly enjoy the ups and downs, but they’ll always find a way to bounce back and keep going.
Key Takeaways
Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) can be both a beautiful gift and an everyday challenge. It’s essential to recognize the specific stressors that impact HSPs and learn how to cope with them effectively.
Some tips for navigating the world as an HSP include:
- Set healthy boundaries in relationships.
- Establish and maintain a self-care routine.
- Connect with fellow HSPs who can relate to your journey.
Always remember, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and balanced life as an HSP. Stay true to who you are and embrace your unique sensitivity.