'You're Too Sensitive'

'You're too sensitive'

It's a sentiment that I heard all too often whilst growing up. I would hear it in the playground at school, or whispered among friends when I took a harsh comment all too seriously. I would hear it said just that little bit too loudly behind me during a panic attack at school or when it was said directly to my face in an attempt to upset me. There wasn't a week that went by when someone, whether it be a friend or a mere acquaintance, didn't make a comment about how I was 'too sensitive' and needed to 'lighten up a little'.

After a while, I began to believe the narrow-minded youngsters who would jeer at me for getting upset or insecure about something others would view as harmless. Going to school became more and more difficult when I found out what cruel kids were saying behind my back. Granted, the majority of the pupils who made these comments about being 'too sensitive' or 'crying at everything' had probably never experienced a panic attack themselves and felt too disconnected from the situation to understand what it felt like. But nonetheless, their comments got into my head, and as a result I became MORE sensitive.

But what if being sensitive isn't as bad as it seems? What if it's not a weakness?

Instead, what if people were to recognize the positive qualities that are created through the act of being sensitive?

A release of emotion...being sensitive suggests you aren't one to bottle up your emotions. Through a quick release of what you are feeling, you make it possible to deal with the issue on hand faster than others and you will be more likely to create a healthy pattern of dealing with your problems. This is personal to each and every one of us and the key thing to remember is allowing yourself to do this in a safe, supportive environment, whether that be with a teacher you trust at your school, a parent or perhaps a friend.

Sensitive people tend to be understanding to other people's situations...being sensitive can often mean you are very willing to listen to other people's issues. It can mean you aren't afraid to talk about the more serious subjects, and that you will be there to support others in the same way you hope they will support you.

You are true to yourself...accepting the sensitive side of yourself, and not giving in to the sometimes judgemental comments, shows that you are being true to yourself and your nature. Ironically, this shows you are a strong person and are able to put yourself first.

It shapes how you treat others and makes you YOU... It can be the cause of your sensitivity towards others, your passion for helping other people, and your ability to empathize. Also, if crying is the best way for you to release your feelings then why should you suppress it and feel ashamed? Yes, I think it is important to consider how often you find yourself upset and to what extent it is healthy, but overall if this is the best release for you at certain times then why try and convince yourself you need to change because of the opinions of others?

In conclusion, I feel there is such a thing as being 'too sensitive'. If it comes to a point where it disrupts your daily life and stops you from doing things then it probably isn't the healthiest trait. However, a certain level of sensitivity and the ability to be in touch with one's emotions is, for many people, necessary to creating a healthy relationship with themselves and their feelings. If letting out your emotions in a raw way is how you deal with things most efficiently then don't try and suppress this, or change, just to satisfy those around you who might not understand this just as well as you do. All in all, it is important to remember that everyone is different and everyone will experience different methods of managing how they're feeling. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you're learning to cope in the best way for you and doing so in a safe, supportive environment.

Photo Credit - Emma Frances Logan