15 May 2020
Highly sensitive people have a hyper reactive nervous system. They lack filters that allow them to avoid sensory overload. Their bodies absorb all the energies around them, both positive and stressful, with heightened acuity. This characteristic often creates chronic fatigue which makes them want to take a step back as they are so emotionally overwhelmed.
Over the past few weeks, several times I have heard people say: “You know, I love the 2-metre social distancing rule!” or even “Well, being under partial lockdown at home is doing me good, I feel well”.
The five senses of hypersensitive people are acutely overdeveloped. They are sensitive to crowds, smells, light and noise. They feel everything: the energies of people, places, the Earth and can also be sensitive to the changes of weather.
Empathetic and responsive, they tell me that they sometimes feel like a sponge. They feel the emotions of others and become saturated in them if they do not know how to protect themselves. Some even wonder about their emotions: are they my emotions or are they someone else’s?
They hear everything more loudly, clearly and further, for example, barely audible sounds that others do not pick up. On the other hand, sound nuisance is unbearable as they hear it ten times louder. They do not like crowds and gatherings. I have even heard “Oh yes, and so I am also an agoraphobe”.
Too much negative information from the media affects them. They find violent films unbearable. They struggle with images of empty streets due to lockdown.
To recover and release the tension, they need to unwind in their cocoon. How do they do this? It is perhaps silence, a bath, soothing music, gardening, a walk in nature to breathe in fresh air, listen to birds sing, smell the scents or hear the sound of steps on wood chips. This soothes and allows them to regenerate.
The past few weeks of partial lockdown have been a boon for them! What a breath of fresh air! They have enjoyed this downtime.
How then do you move out of lockdown?
Go about it slowly. Learn to listen to yourself. Go at your own rhythm to become accustomed little by little to all external stimuli.
The good news is that the road out of lockdown is gradual. Some people have told me that they will continue to wear headphones to stay in their bubbles. Others will wear a mask because it gives them reassurance. Other will continue to walk or use their bicycles instead of public transport to go to work.
Work? Let’s talk about it. There too, start off slowly. Everyone has to get used to being back in the office, leaving their cocoon to go back to their colleagues. Do it slowly. Keep your distance. Remember the breathing, visualisation or meditation techniques that allow you to remain focused and to protect yourself.
Finally, remember that we were not made to be alone.
“Our neural wiring pushes us to connect with others. Where there is no connection, love or integration, there is always suffering”. Brené Brown.