The Strength of Sensitivity: Embracing Who We are Called to be
I am a cryer. I cry when I watch Disney movies, commercials, read books, etc. (Don’t even get me started on animals). I am a sensitive person. Maybe you are too. But is that a bad thing? No, it is not. It is simply who we are created to be, and it has a place in the body of Christ.
What is Sensitivity?
The American Psychological Association defines sensitivity as the capacity to be aware and responsive to others’ feelings. Additionally, they note that it is the susceptibility to being “easily hurt or offended” (this last statement will be discussed further in a bit). Elaine Aron in the 1990’s created the label of people with increased emotional sensitivity as a “Highly Sensitive Person” (HSP). The HSP may be more sensitive to a variety of things including both external and internal stimuli and appear to exhibit extreme empathy. They also have difficulty regulating intense emotions because they feel so deeply (Pluess et al., 2018).
Reading the APA’s definition of sensitivity along with characteristics of HSP, I feel as though sensitive individuals, like myself, are viewed as having a “problem” so much so that we need a label. Although, HSP is not a DSM-V diagnosis, it carries a stigma often found within mental health. Rather than sensitivity being a source of strength and a unique ability, many people view a sensitive person as “too sensitive” or “highly sensitive” when any type of emotional reaction occurs from an individual. In fact, I believe these terms can be used to gaslight individuals when they are simply responding to the hurt exacted from other people (this may be especially evident with narcissists and other personality disorders who use this language to manipulate, coerce, etc. other individuals).
No matter how it may come about, we need to be wise in using this language. We often view a person’s sensitivity from our own lenses misunderstanding another person’s response to a situation, person, etc. What if we were to assess that person’s perspective to the event through their lenses rather than simply classify him/her as “too sensitive” or as HSP? What if we were even willing to recognize that God has uniquely made each one of us and maybe that sensitivity is needed as part of the body of Christ?
Exploring our own reasons for sensitivity may help us to be more accepting of another’s sensitivity. Let us evaluate sensitivity and reasons for it so that we may be aware of its stengths and uniquenesses. In doing so, we may be able to offer more understanding in responding to those with sensitivity or offer eduction to those who respons to our sensitivity.
Reasons We may be Sensitive
1) Environment
Some of us were never allowed to discuss feelings or our feelings were dismissed. We learned that feelings were not acceptable. Others of us were raised in toxic environments where abuse was present, and we became hyperaware of people and feelings because that determined what would happen to us. While others of us were raised to feel deeply. Feelings were often discussed and our feelings are welcomed and valued.
Each environment presents a path for how we receive and perceive others, situations, and overall information that results in how we respond to events. Additionally, research has shown that the environment in which we are raised does impact our brain and help shape our neural networks. Therefore, when we respond, we are doing so based on what we have learned to do.
With this information in mind, we can allow ourselves grace for our sensitivity; however, we can also recognize that we may respond to something more intensely because of our environment. Therefore, we are wise to assess our sensitivity so that we respond as heathily as possible.
2) Genetic Disposition
Some of us are simply prone to be more sensitive than others. Some studies state that this trait is “…a biologically based temperament” (Acevedo et.al., 2016). We think deeply, pay attention to subtleties in our environment, respond emotionally, can be overstimulated, and have awareness of other’s feelings/attitudes (Pluess et al., 2018). This is not negative. In fact, this allows us to be perceptive and, at times, meet needs that no one else noticed.
Additionally, those who experience high sensitivity often have lower serotonin levels as well as a variation of serotonin that behaves differently (lower serotonin does not equal depression either). Along with serotonin, sensitivity is impacted by dopamine, our reward chemical. A person with high sensitivity will not receive the same “dopamine hit” that other people might in loud, fast-paced environments (Solo, 2018). Again, this is not wrong, just different.
3) Jesus
For those who have battled the stigma of sensitivity, this knowledge is an opportunity to forgo the stigma and embrace who we have been created to be. Understanding that we matter and are valuable just as we are is so freeing. Knowing that God knit us together in our mother’s womb, and we are fearfully and wonderfully made allows us to accept ourselves with new insight and grace (Psalm 139:13-14).
Moreover, we are all called to be a part of the body of Christ. Scripture reminds us that “Even the body is not made up of one part but of many” (1 Corinthians 12:14). A body without sensitivity would create a body of believers that may only speak truth without ever offering grace. Additionally, a body without sensitivity may be a body that only sees the practical parts of life rather than being able incorporate visions and dreams to build the body of Christ.
Therefore, accepting that we are all a part of the body of Christ in every aspect of our being provides acceptance, hope, and love for all. We must remember then:
In fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?...there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other (1 Corinthians 12:17-18; 25).
Managing Sensitivity
While Jesus, our environment, and genetic predisposition has created us with sensitivity, we are still responsible for how we respond in our sensitivity. We would be wise to ask ourselves, “What is my respondability?” We are all still responsible for our actions, thoughts, and feelings no matter our level of sensitivity.
To ensure we do not act in an unhealthy manner when we are feeling overwhelmed, we need to be aware of our body, heart, and mind. Each is a storyteller and paying attention to the story these elements are telling us will help us to know if we need to practice some calming techniques (i.e. deep breathing, guided imagery, etc.) or set boundaries.
Additionally, if we know we are going to be entering an environment or interacting with people that may be overstimulating, we may need to incorporate tasks that allow us to respond healthily. For instance, we may know going into a stimulating enviroment that we will need take breaks. For example, maybe go to the bathroom for a few minutes or step outside to re-center. It may also be beneficial that if we are attending somewhere with another person that we communicate we may need to leave early or take our own vehicle because we will not be staying as long. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, maybe it will allow us some tools for when we are feeling overwhelmed.
Final thoughts
When we accept our sensitivity as a strength that provides a unique outlook, we offer ourselves acceptance. In accepting ourselves, we are more likely to see that we all a part of the body of Christ made differently, yet all made in His image. However, while components such as our environment and genetic predisposition may impact our level of sensitivity, we are still responsible for how we respond to others. When we integrate these concepts, we are free to recognize that “…each one of you is a part of the body of Christ” that adds uniqueness to the body (1 Corinthians 12:27).
References
Acevedo, B. P., Santander, T., Marhenke, R., Aron, A., & Aron, E. (2021). Sensory Processing Sensitivity Predicts Individual Differences in Resting-State Functional Connectivity Associated with Depth of Processing. Neuropsychobiology., 80(2), 185–200. https://doi.org/10.1159/000513527
Pluess M, Assary E, Lionetti F, Lester KJ, Krapohl E, Aron EN, Aron A. Environmental sensitivity in children: Development of the Highly Sensitive Child Scale and identification of sensitivity groups. Dev Psychol. 2018 Jan;54(1):51-70. doi: 10.1037/dev0000406. Epub 2017 Sep 21. PMID: 28933890.
Solo, Adre. Do These Genes Help Make You A Highly Sensitive Person? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/highly-sensitive-refuge/201812/do-these-genes-help-make-you-highly-sensitive-person