8 unique struggles that highly sensitive people deal with every day

You know those people who seem to feel things more than others?

They might jump at a loud noise, or feel super uncomfortable in a busy mall, or even just get the sense that something’s up before anyone else does?

We call those folks highly sensitive people (HSPs).

If that sounds like you, then hey, welcome to the club!

Being an HSP can be tough sometimes because the world can feel really loud, really intense, and just…really a lot.

It’s like the volume’s turned up to max all the time.

But don’t worry, you’re not alone. 

In this article, we’re going to talk about eight things that HSPs struggle with on a daily basis.

Whether you’re an HSP or you know someone who is, this will help you understand what life’s like for us.

1. Overwhelm in Crowded Places

One of the biggest daily struggles for an HSP is dealing with crowded places.

Picture this – you’re in a bustling shopping mall, music blaring from the speakers, people chattering away, kids running around, and the smell of a hundred different perfumes and food items mixing in the air.

Most people can handle this sensory fiesta, but for an HSP, it’s like a loud, non-stop party in your brain that you didn’t sign up for.

It’s not just about feeling uncomfortable, it’s about feeling overloaded.

All these sounds, smells, sights, and people-energies can feel like they’re shouting at you all at once.

It’s a lot to take in, and it can quickly drain an HSP’s energy or even cause anxiety.

And that’s just a normal day out shopping or commuting.

So next time you see someone taking a quiet moment alone in a corner, they might just be an HSP trying to turn the volume down.

2. The Emotional Sponge Effect

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt that something was off?

Or perhaps found yourself suddenly feeling down when hanging out with a friend who’s going through a tough time, even if they’re not saying much about it?

As an HSP, I can tell you this happens to us all the time.

We’re like emotional sponges, absorbing feelings and vibes from people around us.

It’s not something we consciously do – it’s just part of who we are.

I remember one time I went to a movie with a friend, and even though the film was funny and light, I left feeling drained and upset.

I couldn’t figure out why until my friend later revealed she had been going through a rough patch.

Being an emotional sponge can be tough. It’s hard to distinguish your own feelings from those you’re picking up from others.

It’s like being on an emotional roller coaster ride that you can’t control.

So, if you ever feel like your HSP friend is riding the waves of emotions, remember – they might just be picking up on something in their environment.

Related: 12 signs you’re highly perceptive (you notice things other people don’t)

3. Criticism Cuts Deep

Let’s be raw and honest here: criticism is tough for anyone to handle.

But for highly sensitive people, it cuts particularly deep.

We’re not just talking about harsh or mean comments – even well-meaning constructive feedback can feel like a punch in the gut.

As an HSP, you might find yourself playing and replaying a critical comment in your mind, dissecting it from every angle, even losing sleep over it.

You feel it deeply and personally, and it often hurts more than it should.

This isn’t because you’re overly dramatic or can’t handle the truth; it’s because your brain is wired to feel things more intensely.

Being aware of this, however, doesn’t make it any less real or less difficult.

It’s like being trapped in a storm of negative feelings that’s hard to escape.

So, if you’re ever offering feedback to an HSP, remember this: a gentle approach can make all the difference.

4. The Need for Downtime

Highly sensitive people aren’t necessarily introverts, but one thing we often have in common with our introverted friends is the need for downtime.

After a long day of work, socializing, or just navigating the sensory jungle of daily life, an HSP often needs a quiet moment – or several – to recharge.

You know the feeling when your phone’s battery is on 1% and you’re frantically looking for a charger?

That’s how an HSP can feel at the end of a busy day.

Our mental and emotional batteries drain faster because we’re processing so much more information.

This need for downtime isn’t about being antisocial or lazy. It’s about taking care of our mental health and ensuring we have the energy to face another day.

So if an HSP in your life needs some alone time, don’t take it personally. We’re just recharging our batteries.

5. Sensitivity to Violence and Negativity

I still remember when I was ten years old and my parents let me watch my first “grown-up” movie.

It was an action flick, full of daring heroes, cool stunts, and…violence.

I was supposed to be thrilled, but I ended up in tears and couldn’t finish the film.

As a highly sensitive person, I’ve always had a deep sensitivity to violence, both real and fictional.

Graphic news stories, violent movies, or even heated arguments can feel overwhelming.

It’s like the world’s pain is on full display, and it’s hard to look away or brush it off.

This sensitivity extends to negativity too. A harsh word, a cruel joke, or a gloomy news report can cast a shadow over an HSP’s mood.

It’s a struggle we face daily – how to stay informed and involved without getting sucked into the world’s darkness.

It’s a tough balancing act, one we’re still trying to perfect.

Related: 15 signs you’re an authentic person, even if you don’t think so

6. Heightened Physical Sensitivities

Here’s an interesting fact: being a highly sensitive person isn’t just about emotions and feelings, it can also mean physical sensitivities.

For example, studies have found that HSPs often have a lower pain threshold compared to others.

A small cut or a mild headache can feel more intense and harder to ignore if you’re an HSP.

And it’s not just about pain. HSPs can be more sensitive to temperatures, finding a slightly chilly room unbearably cold or a warm afternoon sweltering.

Subtle changes that others might not even notice, like a slight draft or a small change in lighting, can be enough to throw an HSP off balance.

Clothing tags, scratchy fabrics, or tight shoes can become sources of extreme discomfort.

It’s like living in a world that’s been turned up a few notches – everything is just a little bit too loud, a little bit too bright, a little bit too much.

It’s a unique struggle that HSPs deal with daily, one that often goes unnoticed by those around them.

7. The Struggle with Decision Making

Life is full of decisions, big and small.

What to wear in the morning, what to eat for lunch, whether to take a new job or stay with the old one – every day we make countless decisions.

For most people, this is just a part of life. But for highly sensitive people, decision-making can feel like navigating a minefield.

HSPs often struggle with decisions because they tend to consider every possible outcome, every potential pitfall, and every minor detail.

They worry about making the wrong choice, about missing some critical piece of information, or about how their decisions might impact others.

This propensity to overthink can lead to decision paralysis, where an HSP gets so wrapped up in weighing the pros and cons that they can’t make a decision at all.

This can be incredibly stressful, and it’s a struggle that HSPs face every single day.

It’s not that they’re indecisive or wishy-washy, they’re just trying to make the best decision they can.

Related: If you use these 20 phrases, you’re probably an emotionally intelligent person

8. Need for Deep Relationships

Growing up, I always wondered why I didn’t have as many friends as my classmates.

I enjoyed their company, but the connections often felt shallow.

It wasn’t until I understood my high sensitivity that things started to make sense.

As an HSP, surface-level friendships and casual chit-chat just don’t cut it for me.

We crave deep, meaningful relationships where we can share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences on a deeper level.

We want to understand and be understood, to connect with people heart-to-heart, not just talk about the weather or the latest TV shows.

But finding and building such deep relationships isn’t easy.

It requires time, trust, and emotional energy, and not everyone is willing or able to go that deep.

And when those relationships face troubles or end, as they sometimes do, it can be incredibly painful.

But despite the struggles, the need for deep connections is part of what makes us HSPs.

It’s what drives us to be empathetic, understanding, and caring friends and partners.

It’s a struggle, yes, but it’s also a gift that we wouldn’t trade for the world.