Is high sensitivity normal? You suddenly feel things more intensely, are overwhelmed by impressions more quickly - and perhaps ask yourself: What's wrong with me? You are not alone in this. Many people discover their high sensitivity in the course of their lives, sometimes quite suddenly or at certain stages of their lives. Being highly sensitive is nothing unusual - it is a special way of perceiving the world in a deeper, more subtle and more conscious way.
Table of contents
- When stimuli become too much - understanding high sensitivity
- Characteristics of highly sensitive people
- Am I highly sensitive? - A short self-test
- Strengths and potentials of highly sensitive people
- Challenges in everyday life
- Medicinal plants for the highly sensitive - natural help for body and soul
- Your naturopathic support - Zimply Natural Highly Sensitive Complex
- Tips for everyday life - How highly sensitive people can live better
- When does professional help make sense?
- FAQs - Frequently asked questions about high sensitivity
1. when stimuli become too much - understanding high sensitivity
What does high sensitivity mean?
High sensitivity is a personality trait that is characterized by a particularly Fine perception and Deep processing of stimuli is characterized. According to the findings of the US psychologist Elaine N. Aron high sensitivity affects around 15-20% of the population - both men and women. People with this predisposition are also known as highly sensitive people (HSP - Highly Sensitive Person).
At its core, high sensitivity means that the Nervous system stronger on External and internal stimuli reacts. Those affected perceive sensory impressions such as sounds, light, smells or visual stimuli more intensely. But not only sensory perception is affected - also emotional and social Stimuli play a major role. Highly sensitive people perceive subtle nuances in communication, often intuitively sense moods in a room and process emotional experiences more deeply.
These increased Receptivity means that HSPs are often very empathic, creative, conscientious and reflected are. At the same time, however, it can also Load become: If too many impressions affect the person concerned at the same time and there is not enough time to process them, the feeling of Overload or Exhaustion.
The important thing is: High sensitivity is No illness and none mental disorder - rather, it is an innate, neurologically determined characteristic. It is a natural variant of human perception that brings with it both strengths and challenges. Destination is therefore not to "make high sensitivity go away", but to understand it, accept it and shape it in everyday life in such a way that it can become a resource.
Sensory overload as a central feature
A central characteristic of high sensitivity is the tendency to Sensory overload. As highly sensitive people are more Impressions at the same time perceive and process, it can lead more quickly to a Overload come. This often manifests itself in Concentration problems, Need to retreat, Irritability or physical symptoms such as headaches or exhaustion. Situations that seem completely ordinary to others - a noisy supermarket, a crowded room or several conversations at the same time - can be extremely stressful for HSPs.
Differentiation from autism and ADHD (incl. high sensitivity vs. neurodiversity)
High sensitivity is often associated with neurological development peculiarities like Autism or ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) mixed up - especially because at first glance there are certain Overlaps in experience and behavior. These include, for example, an increased sensitivity to sensory impressions, a pronounced need to withdraw or difficulties in dealing with stimulus-intensive environments.
Despite these similarities, the High sensitivity is not a clinical conditionbut a congenital variant of stimulus processing. Unlike autism or ADHD, HSP is not a disorder that requires treatment. Highly sensitive people usually have good social intuition and emotional empathy - abilities that may be different in the autism spectrum, for example. The causes and effects of sensory overload also differ.
As part of the Neurodiversity high sensitivity is understood as part of the natural diversity of human perception - without a pathological background. A clear distinction helps to avoid misunderstandings and better recognize individual needs.
Recognize common triggers in everyday life
Highly sensitive people take Stimuli more intense which can quickly lead to excessive demands in everyday life. To better deal with this sensitivity, it is helpful to recognize frequent triggers and develop an awareness of which situations are particularly challenging. Typical triggers are noisy or hectic environments, bright light, strong odors or many parallel impressions at once. Emotional tensions, conflicts or constant time pressure can also quickly push you to the limit.
If you have your individual trigger know, you can make better provisionsThis can be achieved through consciously planned breaks, clear structures, less stimulating spaces or by being mindful of your own boundaries. This is how Not highly sensitive to the Load, but to a valuable resource in everyday life.
2. characteristics of highly sensitive people
Emotional and physical sensitivity
A key characteristic of highly sensitive people is their pronounced emotional and physical sensitivity. Feelings are often particularly intensive experienced - both our own emotions and those of others. Compassion, Empathy and a keen sense sensitivity to interpersonal nuances is often a natural part of their personality. At the same time, many highly sensitive people are also physically more sensitive to influences such as Painmedication or lack of sleep.
If you belong to this group, you will probably notice early on when something is out of balance - either within yourself or in your environment. This Sensitivity is a Valuable strengthbut can also quickly become overwhelming if there is no opportunity for feedback or regeneration.
Reaction to external stimuli
Highly sensitive people react much more sensitively to external stimuli than others. Loud noises, bright light, intense odors or hectic environments can quickly exhausting or even unpleasant have an effect. Also Crowds, Small talk in noisy environment or the constant change of impressions that occurs in open-plan offices, for example, can be stressful.
If you are highly sensitive, you often need more rest periodsto process all the impressions you have taken in. What seems commonplace to others may already exceed a threshold for you - and that's perfectly fine. A mindful handling with your own Boundaries is particularly important here.
Connection with self-worth and inner critic
Many highly sensitive people found out early on that they react "differently" - are more quickly overwhelmed, feel more intensely or think more deeply. If these Special features in the environment not understood or valued, this can affect the Affect self-esteem.
The inner critic often develops into a dominant voice that questions your own feelings and needs or judges them excessively harshly. Perhaps you know thoughts like these: "Why am I taking this so much to heart?" or "I should be more robust."
Here it is important to recognize that High sensitivity is not a weaknessbut a Special quality is. A benevolent approach to yourself, clear boundaries and a stable sense of self-worth help to calm this inner critic - and to understand your own sensitivity as a valuable resource.
3. am I highly sensitive? - A short self-test
Typical situations: Excessive demands, mood swings, need to withdraw
Highly sensitive people often experience certain everyday situations more intensive than others. If there is a regular feeling of Overload - for example after a long day at work, after conversations with many people or due to noise and hectic - this can be a Note be a sign of high sensitivity. Sudden mood swings, strong empathy with others or a pronounced need to withdraw and rest are also typical characteristics.
If you quickly feel empty, overstimulated or tense inside at such times, this could mean that your Nervous system reacts particularly sensitively - a central characteristic of highly sensitive people.
Differentiation: High sensitivity or depression?
As high sensitivity can go hand in hand with a desire to withdraw, emotional depth or inner exhaustion, it is sometimes with a depressive mood.
But there are Clear differencesHighly sensitive people experience intense emotions - both positive and negative. Although they sometimes feel overwhelmed, they generally do not permanently lose their enjoyment of things that are important to them. With a Depression on the other hand, this inner vitality often like "switched off", accompanied by persistent Listlessnessinsensitivity or a Feeling of inner emptiness.
What is important: High sensitivity and Depression are two different phenomenaeven if they may show superficially similar symptoms.
A precise definition is crucial in order to understand yourself better and find the right form of support. If Uncertainty exists or the Load via a longer period therefore always makes sense, Professional support to take advantage of this. In this way, causes can be clearly identified and individual ways can be found that really help.
Self-assessment vs. professional diagnosis
A Self-test can be a good First orientation offer. If you are wondering whether you are highly sensitive, it is worth consciously observing typical characteristics: How do you react to stimuli? How do you process emotional experiences? How quickly do you feel exhausted inside? Online self-assessments, such as those developed by Elaine N. Aron, often provide helpful impulses.
Nevertheless, a Test does not provide a sound diagnosis - especially when other topics such as ADHD, autism or psychological stress are also in the room. A fexpert accompaniment can help you to better understand your personality and gain clarity about how you process stimuli.
4. strengths and potentials of highly sensitive people
Strengthen self-esteem through your own gifts
For a long time, many highly sensitive people perceived their difficulties rather than their special abilities. Yet this is precisely where Strengths - for example in the deep empathythe An eye for subtle nuances or the Capability, complex relationships quickly to capture.
If you start to see your sensitivity not as a weakness, but as a gift, this can have a noticeable influence on your Self-worth have. A conscious examination of your strengths helps you to develop a new self-image - away from the constant "too much" and towards "just right". The strengthens not only your inner Posturebut also your Radiance to the outside.
How highly sensitive people intuitively enrich the world
Highly sensitive people perceive many things that others miss - they sense tensions in the room, recognize unspoken needs and often act intuitively for the benefit of all.
These Capability, between the Lines to read and with a lot of sensitivity to actmakes them valuable fellow human beings - be it in relationships, in social contexts or in creative and advisory professions. Your Deep ability to reflect, your Value orientation and their willingness to question things contribute to shaping a more mindful, more empathic world with. When you realize how much your sensitivity can enrich your life together, a whole new sense of purpose and belonging often arises.
Also in the Professional life shows that Highly sensitive via Special skills have a high degree of Sense of responsibility, accuracy, creativity or systemic thinking. It is important to find an environment that is not permanently overwhelming or too stimulating.
Highly sensitive people blossom when they Self-determined work can, Clear structures and are allowed to harmonize their values with their work. Perhaps you have already sensed that meaningful tasks or harmonious cooperation are particularly important to you. If you take these needs seriously and design your working environment accordingly, you can develop your full potential - not despite, but precisely because of your high sensitivity.
5. challenges in everyday life
Everyday life with children is colorful, lively - and often loud, chaotic and demanding. For highly sensitive mothers, this can quickly become Load become. The constant presence, the feeling of always having to be there for others and the multitude of noises, needs and to-dos often lead to constant tension.
Perhaps you know the feeling of being exhausted in the morning, even though the day has only just begun. At the same time, you feel everything more intensely: the joy, the worries, the pressure to do it "well". Exactly this Sensitivity makes you a especially attentive, loving mom - but it also needs Room for regeneration. Small breaks, clear agreements with your partner or support in everyday life are not weaknesses, but important resources for remaining stable and connected in the long term.
Highly sensitive children often react sensitive on Loudness, restlessness or emotional tensions - and process experiences more intensively than their peers. They are often very sensitive, creative and compassionateHowever, they also withdraw quickly or appear overwhelmed if they are exposed to too many stimuli at the same time.
If you are highly sensitive yourself, you may recognize yourself in your child - and that can be a Great strength be. It helps to give the child security, structure and opportunities to retreat instead of trying to change them. Patience, Understanding and the View for what the child really needsare decisive here.
Highly sensitive children do not need constant "reinforcement", but rather a loving space in which they can develop at their own pace.
A stimulating working environment with lots of interruptions, noise or close contact with many people can be difficult for highly sensitive people. very strenuous be. They often feel constant stimulus processing exhausted more quickly than colleagues - even though they at the same time extremely committed, conscientious and Responsible work.
Perhaps you feel that noise or time pressure affect you more than others, or that you feel a bit of a rush after meetings or social contacts. longer recovery time need. It is important to do this not to be seen as a weaknessbut as an indication that your nervous system is working differently. With clear Communicationgood Self-organization and - if possible - an adapted workplace, many stresses can be reduced. Highly sensitive people bring valuable perspectives, depth and a high degree of Empathy in every team - if they have the right framework conditions.
Deepen your knowledge of High sensitivity with our exclusive webinars. Our experts share their specialist knowledge and give you practical tips that you can apply immediately.
In naturopathy, we encounter numerous medicinal plants and natural essences that can help to restore a harmonious balance to body, mind and soul in a gentle and deeply effective way. Especially for highly sensitive people - who perceive their environment particularly intensely and often feel it deeply - the subtle power of nature can be a loving support.
Many plants help to calm the nervous system, relieve inner tension or gently balance emotional overstimulation. They can help you to feel yourself better again, to set boundaries and to stay in your own center - without being overwhelmed by the outside world.
Below you will find a carefully selected collection of medicinal plants and mineral essences that can strengthen you as a sensitive person in your depths, promote your resilience and lovingly accompany you in living in harmony with your sensitivity - as a valuable resource and source of strength.
The Taiga root is a true ally in challenging phases of life.
It strengthens the body's ability to adapt to stress, improves mental performance and gives new vitality - without upsetting. It can be a valuable support for highly sensitive people to help them cope better with the hustle and bustle of everyday life and not lose their inner balance.
Taiga root has a strengthening, stabilizing effect and promotes the ability to stay centred even in stormy times.
Gold brings light back into the system.
It has a brightening, warming and strengthening effect - especially in times of inner heaviness or melancholy moods. Gold promotes joie de vivre, stimulates vitality and supports emotional balance on a subtle level.
For highly sensitive people in particular, gold can help to clear emotional darkness, rediscover inner radiance and find new confidence - gently, full of light and deeply touching.
Ferrum phosphoricum strengthens the immune system and promotes the body's own defenses in a gentle way.
It has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect and supports the body, particularly in phases of increased sensitivity and inner weakness.
Ferrum phosphoricum can help highly sensitive people to better protect themselves against external stimuli and inner turmoil - by providing stability, strengthening stamina and restoring balance to a weakened organism.
Potassium phosphoricum is an important nutrient for the nerves - ideal for mental and emotional exhaustion.
It supports regeneration after mental overload, has an antispasmodic and balancing effect and also has antiseptic properties.
Highly sensitive people in particular benefit from its nerve-strengthening effect when inner tensions get out of hand or emotional stress leads to exhaustion. Potassium phosphoricum helps to regain strength - for more calm, clarity and a strengthened mental balance.
Magnesium has a loosening, calming and relaxing effect - a real key to inner relaxation.
It supports muscle and nerve tone, helps with physical tension, sleep problems and even with subtle vegetative reactions such as hiccups.
For highly sensitive people, whose systems often react more sensitively, magnesium can act as a gentle balancer: it relaxes, balances and brings the body back into a flowing, calm state - beneficial for body, mind and soul.
These plants can be taken in different ways - as teas, tinctures, Schuessler salts, capsules or components of naturopathic mixtures.
Which form makes sense depends on individual needs - professional advice from alternative practitioners or naturopathic therapists is recommended.
7. your naturopathic support - Zimply Natural Highly Sensitive Complex
With natural products, such as the individual spagyric mixtures from Zimply Naturalyou can do something good for your body in the long term!
Feel gently accompanied with the Zimply Natural Highly Sensitive Complex - for inner strength, emotional balance and more resilience in everyday life.
Our 100 % herbal formula was specially developed for people with high sensitivity to harmonize your nervous system, support your perception and stabilize you emotionally - holistically and naturally.
The carefully selected medicinal plants and mineral essences such as taiga root, gold, ferrum phosphoricum, potassium phosphoricum and magnesium have a regulating and calming effect, reduce your flood of thoughts and boost your ego strength.
They help to boost your self-confidence.
For your sensitive everyday life - gentle, invigorating and easy to use.
8. tips for everyday life - how highly sensitive people can live better
Dealing with triggers and overstimulation
A conscious handling with stimuli is for highly sensitive people decisiveto remain balanced and stable in the long term. Important is in the process of own trigger - i.e. stressful triggers such as noise, time pressure or social overstimulation - early to recognize.
If you notice that tension is building up, a short break, a walk, conscious breathing or a clear withdrawal from the situation can help you to find yourself again. Also Rituals such as a conscious start to the day, a digital break or a structured daily routine can have a preventive effect. Stimulus protection is not a withdrawal from life, but a healthy strategyto stay in balance with your sensitivity.
Self-care as a mom or working professional
If you A lot of responsibility Whether in the family or at work, self-care is often the first thing to fall by the wayside. Highly sensitive people in particular often put themselves under pressure to do justice to everything.
But caring starts with yourself. Small, regular Islands of relaxation in everyday life - A quiet coffee in the morning, a moment of silence, an open conversation - can have a Great effect unfold. It's not about functioning perfectly, but about taking good care of yourself so that you can be there for others in a powerful way. When you are your own needs seriously you get a inner balancethat also has a positive influence on your surroundings.
Strengthening highly sensitive children - rituals, structure and empathy
Highly sensitive children need one thing above all: a safe, loving environment. Environmentin which they feel understood. Clear structures, fixed rituals and a Appreciative interaction help them to find their bearings and stabilize themselves internally.
A fixed daily routine, small transition rituals (e.g. after kindergarten or before bedtime) and attentive listening often have a calming and strengthening effect. If you, as a caregiver, take your child's special perception seriously, you send an important message: "You are just right the way you are." This form of empathy not only promotes the child's self-esteem, but also lays the foundation for a healthy approach to one's own sensitivity.
Daily checklist for highly sensitive children - a mindful everyday life full of security, structure and understanding:
In the morning:
☐ Enough time to wake up - no hectic wake-up calls
☐ Quiet start without sensory overload (e.g. no loud TV)
☐ Clear morning routine: e.g. getting dressed - breakfast - brushing teeth
☐ Positive, reassuring encouragement before starting the day
During the day:
☐ Sufficient breaks - time to retreat, e.g. quiet corner or cuddly toy
☐ Reduce sources of irritation (e.g. loud noises, hectic environments)
☐ Regulated processes - clear transitions between activities
☐ Possibility to express feelings (e.g. "How do you feel right now?")
Afternoon/evening:
☐ Time for free, quiet play or creative design
Relaxing together - e.g. reading aloud, quiet music, painting
☐ Fixed evening routine (e.g. dinner - brushing teeth - reading aloud - bedtime)
☐ Reflection moment: "What was nice today? What was exhausting?"
Daily reminder for parents:
☐ My child feels more intensely - this is not a weakness, but a strength
☐ I take needs seriously, even if I don't feel that way myself
☐ Less is often more: structure, security and a loving presence are enough
Deepen your knowledge of High sensitivity with our exclusive webinars. Our experts share their specialist knowledge and give you practical tips that you can apply immediately.
9 When does professional help make sense?
When high sensitivity goes hand in hand with depression, anxiety or burnout
High sensitivity is No illness - but it can play a major role in certain phases of life. The challenge be. When overexcitement, withdrawal or emotional depth turn into a persistent exhaustiondepressive moods or anxiety, it is important not to remain alone. Perhaps you find it difficult to calm down, you feel permanently exhausted or overwhelmed, or your thoughts are constantly circling - then Professional support can be very relieving. Therapeutic or Psychological support not only helps to understand symptoms, but also to find out how High sensitivity as Resource back into the Balance can be brought.
Support for highly sensitive mothers and children
Highly sensitive mothers are often under particular pressure in everyday family life - especially when they themselves react sensitively to stimuli and at the same time have an equally sensitive child. The constant noise, the emotional responsibility and the need to cope with everything can quickly lead to inner overload. In such cases, a empathetic advice or Parental support very relieving be. It offers space to take a deep breath, reflect and develop concrete strategies to make everyday life more relaxed and understanding - for yourself and your child.
High sensitivity in the spectrum of ADHD and autism
When Uncertainties about whether one's own experiences have to do with high sensitivity alone or are possibly part of a neurodivergent spectrum are - for example ADHD or autism - is a Professional clarification makes sense. Even if there are similarities in stimulus processing, such as a high sensitivity to external stimuli or a pronounced need for withdrawal, they are clearly distinct from each other. phenomena to be delimited. The causes, progression and support requirements are different in each case.
A well-founded Diagnostics can help with this, Clarity and to gain suitable Paths in the Handling with its own special features. A diagnosis is not a "label", but an opportunity to understand yourself better - and to receive individually tailored support.
Particularly important: High sensitivity is not the same as ADHD or autism, even if the distinction can sometimes seem challenging in everyday life.
10. FAQs - Frequently asked questions about high sensitivity
Can highly sensitive children have ADHD?
Yesthat is basically possible. High sensitivity and ADHD close itself not fromeven if they have different foundations. Highly sensitive children react more strongly to stimuli and process them more deeply - this can sometimes make them appear unfocused or "dreamy". ADHD, on the other hand, is a neurological developmental disorder with more pronounced difficulties in impulse control, attention and self-regulation. If you uncertain whether both play a role in your child's development, a Professional assessment by pediatricians or specialized therapists can be helpful.
What distinguishes high sensitivity from autism?
Although there are certain Overlaps such as sensitivity to stimuli or the desire to withdraw distinguish itself High sensitivity and Autism fundamentally. Highly sensitive people generally have good social intuition, a high level of empathy and a strong need for connection. Autism spectrum disorders are often characterized by difficulties in social communication and a different understanding of social rules. High sensitivity is not a diagnosis or a disorder, but a personality trait - this is an important distinction.
How do you strengthen self-esteem in highly sensitive people?
A healthy self-esteem develops when a Human so Accepted will, as it is - with all its facets. Highly sensitive children and adults particularly benefit from an environment that recognizes their fine perception as valuable rather than "too sensitive". Praise that relates to inner strengths, clear feedback, taking feelings seriously and space for retreat promote confidence in oneself. Even as an adult, you can strengthen your self-esteem by starting to see your high sensitivity not as a weakness, but as a valuable resource.
What helps highly sensitive moms in everyday family life?
Pay attention to Regular breaks - Even short moments of rest can help to relieve your nervous system. Clear routines, realistictish expectations to yourself and Open communication with your partner or family create space for more relaxation. You don't have to do everything alone - Accepting support is not a sign of weakness. And: being perfect is not necessary. Good enough, attentive and loving - that is often more than enough.
Is there "the perfect job" for highly sensitive people?
There is no such thing as the perfect job - but there are Activities and Working conditionswhich better suit highly sensitive people. These often include calm, structured fields of work with a sense of purpose, in which depth, creativity, empathy or precise work are required. Highly sensitive people often feel comfortable in social, creative or advisory professions, but also in the analytical field. important is above all that the Harmonious environment is: a good working atmosphere, clear tasks, little constant stress and sufficient space for retreat and concentration.