9 signs you're more sensitive than other people

Jessica Cline, LCSW, an online psychotherapist specializing in highly sensitive persons and relationships, told INSIDER that being more easily overwhelmed or feeling more overwhelmed is one of the major signs that someone might be a highly sensitive person (HSP).

"The reason these signs are present really comes down to differences in the brain," Cline explained. "HSP or sensory processing sensitivity continues to be researched and we continue to learn more about this trait. Brain scans show more activation in certain parts of the brain including more activation of the cerebral cortex, a more active brain mirror neuron system, and a brain that is more often in theta state (which increases sensitivity to subtle vibrations and environmental stimulation). These brain changes really create a body/mind that is heightened to stimuli, which can be difficult in modern day society."

People who are more sensitive than others are, understandably, more easily overwhelmed because they’re more attuned to other people and their emotions. Bjelland said that one way that those around someone who’s highly sensitive can help in this situation is by trying to avoid the crowds or other situations that make you feel overwhelmed, like extremely crowded bars and restaurants or concerts.

Criticism and feedback can be difficult to handle without taking it personally, but for people who are highly sensitive, this is the case even more so.

"When you are offering advice to a sensitive person, it is important to talk from your own personal experience rather than telling them what to do," Dr. Greg Kushnick, PsyD, a therapist based in New York City, told INSIDER. "If you humanize the advice, it is more effective. For example, you can say, 'I find that doing X has helped me immensely.' This makes a sensitive person less likely to get defensive."

Many people need at least some solitary downtime on occasion, but people who are more sensitive than other people need even more of this kind of time than others. Dr. Nancy B. Irwin, PsyD, C.Ht., a therapist and clinical hypnotist, told INSIDER that highly-sensitive people often need a lot of privacy.

"Respect their needs rather than judge them as overly sensitive," Irwin said. "Be grateful some of us have this gift, though it can be a challenge sometimes, or we would not have artistic masterpieces or caregivers or healers."

For people who are especially sensitive, being watched or observed can be really difficult. "Sensitive people may have trouble focusing under pressure, when being observed or when there's a lot of excess noise but do extremely well in supportive environments," April Snow, AMFT, a San Francisco-based therapist, told INSIDER. "When overstimulated or under pressure, sensitive people will react by getting agitated, angry, anxious or withdraw[ing]."

Making situations supportive rather than putting a ton of pressure on them will allow them to perform at their best.

Irwin said that people who are highly sensitive also often cry more at movies than others, for example. They feel others’ emotions and are extremely empathetic. Because of that, it makes sense that they might respond this way to emotionally-charged moments, even if those moments don’t directly impact them.

"Someone that is more sensitive may feel things to a greater degree, therefore they may be more in tune with other people's emotions and be affected by them," Dr. Helen Odessky, a licensed clinical psychologist and the author of "Stop Anxiety from Stopping You: The Breakthrough Program For Conquering Panic and Social Anxiety," told INSIDER.

"Increased capacity for empathy paired with heightened perception and awareness of subtleties allows HSPs to pick up on nonverbal cues and anticipate the needs of others which is a great asset in the workplace and in relationships with loved ones," Snow said. If you’re highly empathetic and can read what other might need, that too could be a sign that you’re more sensitive than other people.

Cline said that being sensitive to the effects of caffeine is yet another sign that you might be highly sensitive. And caffeine might not be the only thing that someone who’s highly sensitive might be more sensitive to.

"HSPs tend to be affected by medication more than the average person and the trait should be discussed with any prescribing physician," Cline said. "HSPs often need lower dosing due to being more sensitive to the medication and often experience more of the side effects."

It’s also not uncommon for those who are more highly-sensitive to be potentially bothered by some textures, scents, bright lights, loud noises, and more, which can affect the clothes that are most comfortable for them to wear or situations to be in.

"They may also have a greater sensitivity to clothing, label tags, zippers, or denim fabrics are some examples," Odessky said.

"Sensitive people may need more time to make decisions, but those decisions will be thoroughly thought out," Snow said. "Give them time to think and reflect."

Making decisions can be tricky for many, but for people who are highly sensitive, this is especially so. Deep thinking is part of what they do, and that can take some time, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.