30 Signs You Could Be Oversensitive

Does violence makes you feel PHYSICALLY sick?

Image Source/ PAAutism.orgIt's a given that violence and cruelty are not nice, but for oversensitive people, those things can be DEEPLY disturbing. If you feel physically ill while hearing a violent news story, watching gory films or reading disturbing material, you might be an oversensitive person.

Your empathy exhausts you - and you're SO tired...

Image Source/ iStockDespite not always being empaths, extremely sensitive people have a habit of absorbing other people's emotions. Sensitive people are more aware of details like expressions, body language and voice. Resonating with other's emotions means that oversensitive individuals frequently experience emotional fatigue.

Does crunchy or sloppy food put you off?

Image Source/ FreepikOversensitive people can deter away from certain foods, just like they do with clothes. Foods that feel uncomfortable in their mouths, like unnecessarily crunchy or sloppy foods, can make them feel sick to their stomachs and would just be better avoided altogether.

You never noticed this before... but time stresses you out

Image Source/ EdSurgeIf you often became so stressed out during tests or timed quizzes in school that you weren't able to perform as well as you know you could, it might be a sign that you're oversensitive. Perhaps you have too much on your to-do list and not enough time to get it all done, you become very stressed. Time pressure is one type of stimulation that sensitive people feel.

You spend too much time on your own

Image Source/ DeviantArtRegardless of your personality type, introvert or extrovert, you probably need a lot of downtime, particularly alone. After a long day, you might find yourself drifting to a quiet, dark room to properly stimulate yourself, calm yourself, reflect and recover.

People make you jump easy

Image Source/ Adobe StockEverybody has a nervous system, and oversensitive people have an extremely heightened stress response system. This means that making an oversensitive person jump, would startle them a lot more than a calmer person. So if you're extremely jumpy, you might be oversensitive.

You overthink often

Image Source/ Executive Support MagazineBeing oversensitive is characterised by the way a person processes information.  You reflect on your experiences regularly – more frequently than other people. You're unfortunately also more likely to overthink negatively as a result. On occasion, you can mentally replay situations again which triggers anxiety.

You have a need to know

Image Source/ DreamstimePeople with oversensitivity constantly seek solutions look to life's big questions. They question as to why things are the way they are and what part they play in it all. You may have always questioned why other people aren't as fascinated by the secrets of human nature and the world as you are.

Loud noises make you uneasy

Image Source/ 123rfSimilarly to being made jump easy by people, you might be startled by sudden, loud noises. Sounds like industrial drills, loud motorcycles or big speakers might startle you so much it really shakes you, leaving you unsettled for a long period of time.

You become overstimulated by your clothes

Image Source/ Wealth of GeeksYou can become irritated by scratchy fabric and restrictive clothes, such as tight-fitting jeans, pantyhose or tweed. Naturally, anyone might not like wearing these items, but an oversensitive person will intentionally avoid certain clothes because of the overstimulation.

You have a low pain threshold

Image Source/ Hawkes PhysiotherapyWhen a person gets a headache, you will probably still be able to get to work just fine and painkillers might subsidise the pain. However, oversensitive people feel pain worse than other people, meaning their pain tolerance is a lot less than is ordinary.

You get caught up in your own world

Image Source/ DeviantArtOversensitive people enjoy spending time in their own head, often due to their deep processing habits. As a kid, you might have had many imaginary friends and enjoyed creating your own fantasy worlds. Also, oversensitive people are often distracted by daydreaming.

You don't handle change well

Image Source/ MIT Sloan Management ReviewRoutines can instigate calmness and stability, so when change is introduced, oversensitive people can be thrown into overdrive. Changes, either positive or negative, can have this impact. This could be job promotions, dating someone new, rearranging appointments etc.

Environments can be your worst enemy

Image Source/ AdweekYour environment can be your own enemy as an oversensitive person. Whether you're moving too a new house or going on your holidays, new senses and environments can unsettle your inner stress response and therefore cause you to spiral out of control.

People label you as shy, anxious and quiet

Image Source/ Country Living MagazineOversensitive people are often misunderstood, being labelled anxious or coy, when in actuality that's not them at all. Also, they can often be labelled as introverts, which they do share a lot of characteristics, but interestingly 30% of oversensitive people are extroverts.

You get hangry often

Image Source/ TIMEInterestingly, blood sugar levels can cause changes with oversensitive people. For example, lower blood sugar levels might cause an oversensitive person to feel excessively hangry, decreasing their mood which can often be taken out on other people.

Stimulants have a massive effect on you

Image Source/ BehanceWith the nervous system already being on full alert and oversensitive, stimulants like caffeine and alcohol may have more of an effect than on other people. This means that a little bit of caffeine can trigger a big buzz for those with oversensitivity.

You're conflict-avoidant

Image Source/ iStockConflict can often make oversensitive people feel physically sick to their stomach. This means that they will do absolutely anything to avoid conflict with their friends, which includes diminishing their own happiness to appease another person, which in turn is harmful to themselves.

Criticism is your enemy

Image Source/ iStockHandling criticism well is a good trait to have, however oversensitive people really struggle to take criticism on board. If they receive critiques it might feel like a dagger to their chest. Instead, positive words can really make them soar and work harder.

Beauty can move you to tears

Image Source/ VecteezyBeing oversensitive to moods, energy, vibes, means that oversensitive people can really be moved by beauty. Fine dining, rich scents and breath-taking art can really influence a person's feelings. Seeing things like the sun beam down on a fresh plain of grass, or leaves scatter over an autumn road can boost a person's mood.

You're overly perceptive

Image Source/ FreepikPerception is a key characteristic of someone with oversensitivity. It might mean that you often notice things that other people don't tend to notice, whether that be details in someone's appearance, a shift in atmosphere or details in a piece of text they're reading.

You're perfectionism affects you

Image Source/ Translation TimesWhen completing a piece of work an oversensitive person is determined to make it as detailed and as perfect as can be. Anything short of perfection causes them stress and unsettles their stomach, meaning that they overwork themselves on any task at hand, which impacts their health.

Making decisions can take you a while

Image Source/ MediumBecause of everything going on inside their heads, oversensitive people must analyse every possibility of the decisions they're making, which means it can often take longer to come to easy outcomes. They can't help but run through every possible route in their heads.

Bad outcomes can have a massive impact on you

Image Source/ Great Work LifeWhen you've made a decision that doesn't turn out how you expected it to be, this can affect you quite badly. It perpetuates a vicious cycle that slows your ability to make snap decisions, as a fear of making the wrong one is what affects your thinking in the first place.

You become emotionally reactive easily

Image Source/ The AtlanticWhen they're not able to talk their feelings through with somebody, oversensitive people become overreactive to certain situations. They have strong reactions to what other people are experiencing and they can often come across a bit much. People with oversensitivity must train themselves to recognising their feelings.

You thrive in a team

Image Source/ FreepikAlthough having an innate need to spend time alone, oversensitive people actually thrive as part of a team. The attention-to-detail, empathy and consideration of other's feelings makes for a good team-player that's willing to work hard for their goals.

You use your manners to your advantage

Image Source/ 123RFBeing polite and using your manners should just be a universal thing, but it's not. Because oversensitive people have a heightened awareness, they are stressed about upsetting people so have to do as much as they can to make a person feel respected, comfortable and welcomed.

You struggle to work in an office

Image Source/ 123RFAlthough some oversensitive people can just grin and bear it, a lot of them might find it difficult to work in an office environment. With the constant chatter, loud noises, phones ringing, machinery noise, it's very easy to become overstimulated in such a place.

You feel all your emotions excessively

Image Source/ PsychregPeople may just assume that being oversensitive means just crying a lot and playing the victim card, but that's not it at all. Oversensitive people have heightened emotions of all kinds, meaning they will feel joy, sadness, jealousy, excitement and shock to a deeper extent than another person.

You work to help others or in a creative field

Image Source/ FreepikOversensitive people are often the most creative people and want to go out of their way to help others. They can often be found working in care roles, or creative roles, where they are able to explore and utilise their empathy and attention-to-detail to their advantage.

You're Often Very Tired

Image Source / HealthlineBecause you're processing things on a more sensitive level or overthinking a lot of things throughout the day, this can easily have you feeling mentally drained and exhausted. Even if you get enough sleep (such as a standard 7-8 hours) you might still feel tired. This is because you might need extra rest to settle your deep emotional processing.

You Get Stressed Very Easily

Image Source / HelpGuide.orgStress is normal for everyone, but when you're highly sensitive, you can feel stressed that much easier. If you have a packed schedule and a neverending to-do list - on top of always feeling tired, as mentioned - this can easily result in stress. Stress may also come from feelings of letting others down or worrying what people think of you.

You Don't Function Very Well When You're Being Watched

Image Source / EntrepreneurIt's always the way, isn't it? "Well I could do it when you weren't watching me!". Highly-sensitive people can work very productively when on their own, but they might make a lot of mistakes when being observed, especially in a workplace environment. This is because they can become stressed about the expectation of others.

You Often Feel Out Of Place

Image Source / Abbymaile's Weblog - WordPress.comIf you're oversensitive, you're experiencing the world in a different way to everyone else - and this can be quite isolating. You might often feel out of place in fast-paced society or public spaces. You might have always considered yourself 'weird' because of your different feelings and needs.

You're Self-Conscious

Image Source / Psychology TodayWith high sensitivity comes overthinking, and with overthinking comes more feelings of self-consciousness. This can relate to the way you come off to other people, your actions or your appearance. You might dwell too much on how you come across to other people.

You Have A Fear Of Rejection

Image Source / GoodTherapyBecause you care so much about how you appear to others, this may also result in a fear of rejection. You might be so afraid of being wrong or being viewed negatively by others that it might stop you from doing things, such as speaking up in a conversation even if you know you're right.

You Also Have A Fear Of Failure

Image Source / Scientific AmericanRejection and failure go hand in hand. You care deeply about everything you do, and everyone around you, so you might obsess over the idea that you might fail at something. In extreme cases, this fear of failure might stop you from doing something altogether, like avoiding a new project.

You Prefer Low Lighting

Image Source / dmLightsHighly sensitive people can react to their environment, too, including lighting levels. You might prefer lower lighting because it's less overwhelming to your senses, and it's also a more 'comfort setting' because it's cozier.

You Love Art And Music

Image Source / Artist.comIf you're highly sensitive, it means you're also more sensitive to the talent and beauty of art and music. You could get deeply involved with a music playlist, concentrating on the lyrics and melody, or be deeply moved by a particular song. The same applies to art, when you process it on a deeper level.

You Love Animals

Image Source / YouTubeYou can also be highly empathic and highly sensitive when it comes to animals, too. You might often find comfort in pets, especially cuddly ones like dogs and cats, because their unconditional and pure nature may give you comfort. It could also be a form of comfort which you don't get from people.

You Enjoy Spending Time In Nature

Image Source / Drexel UniversityYou may feel a million times better when you're out in nature. It may be stimulating to you mentally, physically and emotionally, and you may feel more 'at home' when you're outside. This could be taking a long hike or being at the beach. This is because the natural stimuli from nature is more soothing to you than busy city noises.

You Care Very Deeply

Image Source / DifferenceBetween.comBecause you feel things a whole lot more than other people, it also means you might care a whole lot more, too - and on a deeper level. But this extra caring can be a blessing and a curse, as you may often feel frustration that other people don't care about things as deeply as you do.

You're Very Focused On A 'Higher Purpose'

Image Source / Reform JudaismYou feel as though you need to focus on a higher purpose in your life to be motivated about what you do. A meaningless job just won't cut it for you - you need something more than simply working to make money. You might look for this 'higher meaning' in everything you do.

You Always Enjoy The Small Things

Image Source / ViewBugAnd these might not be things that other people notice. You always pay attention to the small details, so you may also take enjoyment in simple things around you. This could be sights, smells or sounds, or just a general feel of a place. You might enjoy the smell of the rain in a wooded area while taking a walk, while others may not notice it.

You Struggle With The Fast Pace Of The Modern World

Image Source / Becoming MinimalistYou may struggle with the demands of a fast-paced lifestyle, whether work or personal life, or both. You might find multi-tasking stressful, may feel overwhelmed with replying messages and emails and dream about a simple, quiet life with a job you can take at your own pace.

You Always Feel Guilty

Image Source / HealthlineYou might constantly feel guilty about things you say or do, especially if it relates to letting other people down or how they might feel about you. Overthinking things might lead to feelings of guilt, or you may feel guilty though conflict or an impression you're getting from someone you're talking to (like a friend sounding a bit 'off' with you over message).

You Might Feel Like You're High Maintenance

Image Source / Law DonutBecause you get overwhelmed and overstimulated very easily, you may also need to have strict rules or routines about what you need to feel at ease - or, you might feel like you're being difficult because a certain situation might stress you out. But it's very easy - and normal - for oversensitive people to be more overwhelmed than others, such as feeling like you need time alone during a weekend break with a huge group of friends.

Being Constantly Told You're Too Sensitive And To Stop It

Image Source / IberdrolaYou may have constantly been exposed to negative feedback regarding your sensitivity, as well as hurtful comments that aren't true at all. This could be 'why do you always take things so personally', 'you're being way too emotional' or 'just let it go'. People who aren't oversensitive might say this to you - and that doesn't mean they're right. Your feelings are valid.

You Try Way Too Hard To Be A Good Friend

Image Source / LiveAboutThere's nothing wrong with being a good friend, but you may take it a step further than other people would. You may remember details that nobody else remembers. You may feel responsible in every way to make your friend feel better if they're feeling down. This comes with being an empath, but can also be overwhelming because of the responsibility you feel.

You Want To Be Liked By Everyone (And Worry About What They Think)

Image Source / StylistYou care deeply about what other people think. You might worry too much about what they think about you, or whether you did something to upset them. You may dwell on whether certain people like you or not. This can be applicable to both people you already know, and to strangers.