The Highly Sensitive Person

I just put out a podcast episode titled “What The Hell Is A Highly Sensitive Person” discussing, as titled (LOL), what a HSP is and how it is similar vs. different from BPD.

Let’s break it down. The what, the similar, the different, and if you want to skip the words then scroll to the bottom for the chart!

A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is someone who experiences the world with greater depth and intensity than the average person. Coined by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron, the term describes individuals with a finely tuned nervous system that processes sensory information more deeply. HSPs might find themselves more easily overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, or chaotic environments. Emotionally, they often feel things more intensely—both their own emotions and the emotions of others. This sensitivity is not a disorder or flaw; it’s a personality trait found in about 15-20% of the population, offering both unique challenges and meaningful strengths.

For many HSPs, their heightened awareness brings profound empathy, creativity, and intuition. They might notice subtleties that others miss, appreciate art and beauty deeply, and form rich, meaningful relationships. However, this same sensitivity can also lead to overstimulation, emotional exhaustion, and a strong need for quiet, restorative time. Understanding and honoring the needs of a highly sensitive nervous system can transform sensitivity from a burden into a superpower. Whether you’re an HSP yourself or love someone who is, recognizing the trait is the first step toward thriving in a world that often prioritizes toughness over tenderness.

Similarities between HSP and BPD??

Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can sometimes appear similar because both experience emotions with remarkable intensity and sensitivity. Both may have strong reactions to rejection, criticism, or conflict, and both often feel deeply affected by the moods and needs of those around them. Emotional overwhelm, difficulty regulating feelings, and a heightened sensitivity to the environment are common experiences in both groups. However, while HSPs are naturally wired for deep sensory and emotional processing, BPD typically involves additional patterns like chronic fear of abandonment, unstable self-image, and impulsive behaviors. Still, the surface-level overlap—particularly in emotional sensitivity—can make it easy to confuse the two, which is why careful assessment and self-awareness are so important when seeking understanding and support.

Difference between HSP and BPD??

While Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) both experience intense emotions, there are important differences between the two. HSPs have a temperament trait—they are born with a nervous system that processes sensory and emotional information deeply, but they typically maintain a stable sense of self and consistent relationships. In contrast, BPD is a mental health condition marked by instability in mood, self-image, and interpersonal relationships, often including patterns of impulsivity, intense fear of abandonment, and difficulty managing anger. HSPs may become overwhelmed by stress but tend to recover with rest and emotional support, while those with BPD might experience chronic inner turmoil and extreme shifts in how they view themselves and others. Recognizing these differences helps ensure that sensitivity is honored where it is a natural trait, and that clinical support is offered when emotional suffering points to a deeper struggle.

To read more about HSP check out The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Aron