Ask yourself 3 questions to find out if you’re hypersensitive
If the World Day of Vulnerability is now on January 13, it remains surrounded by ambiguity. This personality trait, defined by psychologist Ellen Aron in the 1990s, affects many people, but without classifying it as a pathology.
According to psychiatrist Nicolas Neveux, interview ouestfranceThis uniqueness can be a strength, provided you understand it and know how to manage its effects.
What is Hypersensitivity?
Hypersensitivity is an increased ability to perceive signals in the environment, which trigger more intense emotions. This serves as a warning, allowing a prompt response, but can sometimes irritate the person.
According to Dr. Neveux, this can manifest in a number of ways: anger, sadness, anxiety or hypervigilance. Some people experience it only in certain contexts, for example at work, but not in their personal lives. This increased emotional reactivity, while valuable, can impair rational decision making.
3 key questions to identify vulnerabilities
To know if you are affected, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you experience intense emotions several times a week or day?
- Do these feelings seem long-lasting or overwhelming?
- Do they disrupt your daily life?
If these answers are positive, it may be a sign of hypersensitivity. However, it is necessary to differentiate this personality trait from potentially pathological disorders.
When to consult a professional?
Hypersensitivity is not a disease in itself. But it can be a symptom of disorders like bipolar disorder, borderline disorder or severe anxiety. In case of significant discomfort, it is advisable to consult a professional to assess the situation.
Dr. Neveux reminds us that emotions are just signals, and it is up to each individual to rationally decide on their actions. By learning to manage it, oversensitivity can become a real asset.