Two people can experience the same event and have completely different reactions. Even weeks after a simple enough event, some people can still be traumatized by what others would have integrated and moved on from. I recently discovered the term Highly Sensitive People (HSP’s) in Zoe Kessler’s blog ADHD from A-Zoe who put me onto Elaine Aron’s book: Highly Sensitive People.
Two things have happened to me recently. In the first I ran into the back of another car at traffic lights and ended up with a headache and a sore arm. The other occupants got a jolt but were unharmed. The worst part was that the other car contained a child just out of hospital. I was far more upset by my inattentiveness than the actual event. In terms of car accidents it was a minor bingle, but I still feel sick thinking about how that scenario could have been much worse.
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Pueng HB
12:26 am on
July 23rd, 2010Hi Sonia,
I read your post and really love it, like you read my mind about what I always feel when those tragedy happen to me in my country.
I’m kind of pet lover, actually, animal lover. I may be counted to be HSP espeacially for animal.
you are correct .. ‘It’s not easy being highly sensitive in a highly insensitive world’
Hi Pueng HB,
I too love animals very much. I kept apologising to the owner and saying how sorry I was. I realised later he must have thought I hit the cat. I really want to ring back and tell him it wasn’t me but I think it might be inappropriate to do that and I should just let it be. They have enough to think about.
Sonia
Sheila
8:36 am on
July 23rd, 2010I think that HSP play an important part in this life. Our attention to details, the ability to see the possible consequences of events. It may not be healthy for us, but it helps us to keep our world safer. And only HSP will understand that sentence.
Yes, it is very difficult being a HSP in this world.
Melinda
5:50 pm on
July 27th, 2010Sonia…I completely agree with you. Sheila is right, too.
As a highly sensitive person, I find myself experiencing emotional ups and downs to an extreme.
I went to see a therapist today. I’m not sure what to make of this first session. She seems OK, but there seems to be a disturbing lack of empathy toward me.
I don’t expect her to baby me, but I do want to feel that I’m being treated with respect. Maybe I’m just overly sensitive, LOL!
She came off as being a bit harsh and, well, insensitive. She said that people should only care about themselves and no one else.
My sensitivity doesn’t allow me to have a selfish attitude toward others. I don’t believe that people should be indifferent to the suffering of others. We’re all connected in some way by virtue of living on this earth. We don’t walk through the world alone.
About the cat…I know how you feel. I hate it when people or animals are hurt. Most people are too involved with their own lives to care about others who may be in need of a friend.
Hi Melinda,
I would be doing a bit of therapist shopping before settling for one that does not fit in with what you believe. In Buddhism which I like very much, the most important person is the one you are with. Without empathy it is difficult to attach and connect with others. It sounds as though this therapist has been desperately hurt in her own life and is perhaps in need of a loving relationship herself.
Sonia
Melinda
8:25 pm on
July 27th, 2010Wow…that was a quick response! Thanks.
I’m not religious, but I like the Buddhist philosophy too.
You’re right. It is very important to love yourself and take care of yourself. This is what I’ve been trying to work on.
She seems nice, so I will give her another chance. Hopefully she will be able to help me.
But how can somebody be a therapist if they have that kind of approach? I believe in taking personal responsibility for myself, but I found her to be a bit intimidating. She accused me of “dumping” my problems on other people.
I’m not perfect, but I do NOT dump anything on anyone. We all have our share of problems. Most of the time I don’t share my feelings or thoughts anymore because I cannot deal with being judged or misunderstood.
Betty
6:53 pm on
August 19th, 2010I am having a hard time dealing with people and their apathy, it disappoints me that this world is so superficial. Our planet is going through so much turmoil because we choose to not see the consequences of over consuming and greed. So many suffer daily while so many spend and waste. Animals who suffer on farms because meat is the #1 choice for most Americans, children who suffer in poverty because we would rather spend our money on “what we like” rather then community suffering. There is no compromise there is only freedom, freedom to starve people, torture animals and treat others like shit just to be on top. It is a never ending cycle of hate and competition. If you want change, change yourself first-consume less, eat less meat and give, find a way to be happy with basic needs. Appreciate relationships and kindness not expensive purses and shoes. Common sense is hard to find these days.
Melinda
11:24 pm on
September 9th, 2010Yes, Betty…I agree! The world would be a better place if more people had your spirit. 
Donald
12:45 am on
October 2nd, 2010Betty, you hit it exactly. Commom sense is hard to find these days. I have been saying that a lot lately. It was very nice to hear someone else say it. thank you.
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