12. Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity, commonly referred to as “highly sensitive person” (HSP), is not a mental illness. It’s a characteristic that many people with ADHD share. Hypersensitivity manifests itself as a strong sensitivity to physical and emotional stimuli (through sound, sigh, touch, or smell) as well as a tendency to be easily overwhelmed by too much information. Furthermore, asthma, eczema, and allergies are more common among extremely sensitive people. According to psychologist and psychotherapist Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D., author of The Highly Sensitive Person, “it’s helpful in some contexts and not in others.” She believes that being aware of your hypersensitivity is crucial. Being conscious of it, as with ADHD, allows you to know that you are not alone.
If you find yourself experiencing these things again and again, and you suspect you may have undiagnosed or adult-onset ADHD, see a mental health professional or occupational therapist to help you get a handle on the things that are making your life difficult. It gets better.
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