Why Are Highly Sensitive People Prone to Depression
Why are highly sensitive people more susceptible to falling into a state of depression? High sensitivity is a personality trait that makes some individuals more acutely sensitive to their surroundings, emotions, and sensory stimuli. So, how does this trait relate to the onset of depressive feelings?
According to the psychological experts at Yafang Consulting, highly sensitive individuals tend to have deeper emotional responses to their surroundings. They may be more likely to notice subtle changes, such as variations in sound, light, or fluctuations in others’ moods. This trait requires them to expend more energy in processing daily information. Imagine filtering through a large volume of information every day, attempting to understand the significance behind each detail; it can indeed be exhausting.
Next, let’s explore why this trait could lead to depression. Firstly, highly sensitive individuals often pay more attention to negative information. This is because the brain has a tendency to more easily detect signals of threat or potential danger. For highly sensitive individuals, this tendency may be heightened, causing them to be more attuned to unfavorable aspects of life while neglecting the positive. Prolonged exposure to this state can easily evoke feelings of despondency and helplessness.
Furthermore, highly sensitive individuals often possess strong empathy; they can deeply feel others’ pain. While this is a noble quality, at times, it can also become burdensome. When friends or family members encounter difficulties, highly sensitive individuals may excessively invest emotionally, bearing pressures that are not their own.
Highly sensitive individuals often spend more time in reflection and introspection. While self-reflection is an essential part of personal growth, becoming overly immersed in past experiences, especially unpleasant memories, can lead to a negative cycle. This repetitive thinking can exacerbate negative emotions, making it difficult to shake off feelings of despondency.
To mitigate this risk, highly sensitive individuals can try some methods to safeguard their mental health, such as practicing mindfulness meditation and seeking assistance from professional psychological counseling services.
Editor: Yishan
