Do you have a friend that is a highly sensitive person or know someone who does? Highly sensitive people perceive things on a deeper and more emotional level. These people see and feel things we normally do not. Being able to help your highly sensitive friends can be challenging, let alone having others around you that do not understand.
With everything going on in the world right now, many people are suffering from mental health disorders. Individuals with HSP are taking these changes in the world much harder than those that are not a highly sensitive person. With HSP people are overthinking and absorbing others’ emotions and fears.
Because of this it can be extremely hard for those with HSP to watch the news or scroll through social media. It is important to be there for your friends with HSP and help them through these challenging times. Most people with HSP think or feel that no one understands what they are going through so be that one person they can talk to and have as support.
Tips to Help Your Highly Sensitive Friends
- Understand that your friend may not be okay.
It can be difficult for those without HSP to understand why their friend may not be texting them, posting on social media, or showing up to planned events. Take this as a sign that your friend may not be okay, even if they say that they are.
- If you have not heard from them, reach out.
You may think that your friend is ignoring you or does not want to be around you, but this is not the case. If you have not heard from your highly sensitive friend, try reaching out to them so that they know you are worried. It is always a good idea to check-in on your highly sensitive friends.
- Listen to your friend, instead of speaking.
Highly sensitive people are usually the ones that do all the listening for others. It is important to realize when to listen to them as well, instead of being the one to speak. Allow your highly sensitive person to discuss what they are going through, then ask your friend if they want your opinion. You do not have to fully understand to provide support by listening.
- Educate yourself on Highly Sensitive People.
The more you know about what highly sensitive person is and what to look for in your friends, the easier it is to be there for your friends without judgement. Not many people know or understand what HSP is or that it is something you cannot change. Once you educate yourself on HSP you can then educate others.
- Provide support and love to your highly sensitive friends.
Being a highly sensitive person is never easy. If you are afraid of the unknown or the everyday challenges that people are facing right now, imagine how it must feel being a highly sensitive person who absorbs others stress, anxiety, and fear. Show kindness and a supportive outlook that they may not see. Be the positive one and show them positive outcomes when they become overwhelmed.
- Know that this sensitivity is not a choice.
People may think that being a highly sensitive person is a choice, but this is not true. For those of us with HSP, we are born with it, and it does not just go away. With the help of friends, loved ones, and even a counselor or therapist, one can help manage the symptoms of being a highly sensitive person.
Signs That Your Friend is Highly Sensitive
- They become overwhelmed easily
- They can easily read people and situations
- They want to spend time alone
- They avoid large crowds or outings
- They have sensitivity to light, sound, emotions, smells, and more
- They must think things through completely
- They are self-aware of all things around them as well as themselves
- They are good listeners and are empathetic
Take the time to educate yourself on highly sensitive person. Reach out to your friends that are highly sensitive. Know that they might not be okay and be that support for them. It is never easy being a highly sensitive person, but with the help of friends, loved ones, and even a therapist, one can help manage their HSP.
Give your highly sensitive friends space when they need it but check on them often. If your friends HSP is affecting their daily lives greatly, recommend that they seek out help from a trained professional. Reassure them that you will be there for support.
