"I feel like my emotions will drown me."
"My brain just goes non-stop."
"Everything makes me cry."
"I get overwhelmed way too easily."

These are some of the things my clients have said to me about their experience as a Highly Sensitive Person, or HSP. Does this sound like you? You're not alone! These are signs of an HSP who hasn't yet discovered the tools they need to thrive in their sensitivity.

High Sensitivity, also known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), is a type of neurodivergence. At its core, it means that your nervous system functions in different ways than that of a neurotypical person. The not-so-great news is that your trait can create some challenges for you - including an increased risk of developing an eating disorder. But the good news is that you also possess what it takes to fully recover.

There are four main characteristics of SPS:

Depth of Processing A tendency to process information more deeply. You think and think about thinking, analyze, and perceive things to a greater degree.

Overstimulation More information coming in means more to cope with. You may get overstimulated more easily than others and need time to yourself or sensory breaks to recharge.

Emotional Responsiveness / Empathy You feel your feelings deeply, and hyperactive mirror neurons have you feeling other peoples' feelings just as much.

Sensitive to Subtleties You are aware of things others may seem not to notice, be it non-verbal cues, scratchy fabrics, or annoying bright lights.

Your sensitivity is not a problem to be fixed.

There's no diagnosis for High Sensitivity because it's not a disorder. A good rule of thumb is that if you think you're a Highly Sensitive Person, then you probably are. You're the expert on you. What you feel and experience matters the most.

If you're interested in reading more about the intersection of High Sensitivity and Eating Disorders, check out blog post below.