Those who are highly sensitive are significantly impacted by the world around them. Sensory processing sensitivity involves deeper levels of processing, subtleties in someone’s environment and high levels of empathy. These traits have a positive impact when highly sensitive people are in nursing and nurturing environment. They are likely to thrive and flourish.
It’s more challenging when a highly sensitive person experiences, toxic, chaotic, traumatic environments. This is especially difficult in Highly sensitive children. Children are like sponges, they absorb the energy, emotions, and behaviors of others. People who grow up in dysfunctional environments that are highly sensitive experience nervous system dysregulation, resulting in mental, emotional, or physical challenges later in life. This can include symptoms of depression, anxiety, or physical tension in the body.
While there are still many unanswered questions between the relationship between trauma and highly sensitive people. There are books that explore how experiences of trauma and being highly sensitive can lead to significant spiritual and psychological awaking.
For years I tried to cover my sensitivity with addictive substances, I used dissociation, so I didn’t have to feel. Because I was told it was weird, or that something was wrong with me. It took me years to understand what was really happening. I lived in a state of prolonged disconnect.
I saw my sensitivity as a weakness, not a strength. I feel everything. The energy that comes from others saps the energy right out of me. Because of the trauma I have experienced it has amplified my highly sensitive traits.
For years I was told I was broken turns out as an emotionally neglected child I was wired differently from the start.
From Pity to Praise 