The Highly Sensitive Person and Healthcare

What is a Highly Sensitive Person?

HSP stands for High Sensitivity Person. This is a neurodivergent brain-type spectrum that actually processes the world in a deeper manner than the general population. It is an innate trait that you are born with and it’s estimated that approximately 15-20% of the population has this brain type.  It is considered a personality type and although it does have some traits that can be challenging in today’s society, especially in North American culture, it also has benefits. Regardless of challenges that tend to come along with being an HSP,  it is not considered a disorder but rather a trait.

The HSP brain type has been researched and one finding is this trait actually exists in the animal population as well. Some scientists even speculate that it could possibly have evolutionary benefits. Although some people think that all highly sensitive people are exclusively introverts, this is not true. People can be HSP and have a wide variety of personality types as well. 

Highly sensitive people tend to process information more deeply and thoroughly. When in an environment that works for them or in a workplace that allows the HSP to manage themselves as needed, they tend to be that employee or colleague that consistently shows well thought out and meaningful contributions to the workplace. ​

"Highly sensitive people tend to process information more deeply and thoroughly."

Highly sensitive people tend to process information more deeply and thoroughly. When in an environment that works for them or in a workplace that allows the HSP to manage themselves as needed, they tend to be that employee or colleague that consistently shows well thought out and meaningful contributions to the workplace. ​

HSPs tend to have traits such as but certainly not limited to: ​

• Innovation and creativity- They often come up with innovative and creative ways to solve problems. 

• Tend to stand for values such as fairness.

 

• Leaders - some lead teams, communities or societies in ways that other people seem unable to grasp in the same way. 

 

• Deep empathy and understanding.

 

• Deep thought processing- Greater time needed to process more information that an HSP senses. 

 

• Observation - Tend to come up with astute observations that others might have missed or ability to reframe the observation in a way that makes sense to the individual requiring explanation.

 

• Overwhelm - If not given the chance to process everything in the way that works for their brain and timeline. 

 

• Self awareness - HSPs tend to spend a lot of time reflecting on themselves and tend to be dedicated to personal growth

 

• Overthinking - Self consciousness or criticism of self is often at least a part of their overthinking. 

 

• Criticism sensitivity - Will work extremely hard to avoid criticism and will often over prepare to avoid criticism. 

 

• Commonly safety “buffs” - Tend to study safety procedures effectively or make good considerations and suggestions to things like safety manuals and procedures. 

 

• Rich inner lives - Often HSPs have vivid imaginations and deep philosophical thoughts as a baseline of being. 

 

• Burn out - More likely to experience burnout. 

 

• Big feelings - Because HSPs are processing everything more deeply it can be more exhausting to do seemingly simple tasks to others without this trait. This can lead to big feelings being harder to contain and overwhelm. 

 

• Meaning and purpose - Usually HSPs seek meaning and purpose and struggle to function if they do not get time to study and put to action meaning and purpose in their lives. 

Why is it helpful for a physician and/or counsellor to understand the HSP trait?

HSPs tend to do well with medical health professionals who are themselves HSP and/or that are trained to understand HSP traits. It can be challenging to undergo treatment with someone who doesn't understand the benefits and challenges of an HSP. ​

"Some styles of treating people are beneficial to the general population but to an HSP this way of providing care can be ineffective or distressing."

Some styles of treating people are beneficial to the general population but to an HSP this way of providing care can be ineffective or distressing. If a healthcare practitioner doesn't understand the HSP trait, they may for instance inadvertently rush a HSP patient to push past something thinking they have hit some resistance in therapy while the patient is truly just processing and needs some more time to work through it. 

It could be something as simple as not understanding how big of a deal a sensory issue might be for you, or just simply having to explain your experience to help a health practitioner understand. These seemingly little things can be overcome in a system that is not HSP friendly, but they take more effort and patience to do so and that can be another layer of added stress that an Highly Sensitive Person doesn't want to go through if they are seeking out healthcare. ​

Not all HSPs are the same

How effectively a Highly Sensitive Person navigates in situations a neurotypical person would navigate easily, varies widely within the trait’s spectrum. If the way the HSP processes and sees the world is supported and respected as they grow up, there is evidence to support that they do better than the average person.  

If however, the HSP is forced to operate like a neurotypical person and is pushed or diminished for not being more like a non-HSP person or they are exposed to trauma early in their life, HSPs can need counselling and supportive treatment to help find a balance and tools to manage life in a way that makes sense for their brain. Knowing these considerations and being able to assess what type of highly sensitive person the patient is and what their needs are holistically is an important part of treatment for the HSP individual. ​

Working with a Physician who is both an HSP and has completed training for HSPs

Whether or not you are an HSP you can benefit from working with a physician who is HSP. The common traits of an HSP compliments the attention to detail and empathy that practicing medicine calls for. 

If you are an HSP yourself you can benefit from a person who will intimately understand your challenges and wins. Your traits are something you can discuss openly and earnestly and you won’t have to explain what it is from the ground up! ​

How to work with Dr. Wong: 

If you would like to work with Dr. Wong Click here to get started:
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