Highly Sensitive People: Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, and Life During the Pandemic

Post #18

Sometimes I wonder why I respond to possible danger more neurotically than others around me. For instance this new coronavirus has me washing my hands every time I brush them against something that might have been touched by a working person in our household. I carefully watch the news and try to follow all the appropriate advice. I stock up on every natural immune boosting product that I’ve ever used with success (in addition to the supplements my doctor recommends). But even before this pandemic, as my sensitivities of smell and sound have grown stronger, I was becoming more difficult to live with. Quite frankly, these days it takes just the right environment for me to feel at peace.

If you’re an HSP, it’s likely that your reactions to community emergencies, such as the present pandemic, may be a little on the neurotic side too. A data driven study by Francesca Lionetti found that the trait of neuroticism tended to be high in Highly Sensitive People (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-017-0090-6). According to a blog in Psychology Today there is a tendency of people with health problems and neuroticism to over react to these issues. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/202001/neuroticism-emotions-and-your-health). For this reason some people have labeled highly sensitive people as “gloomy” or “highly emotional” or “depressed.”

I don’t accept these labels. Particularly because some of the most caring, positive people I know are HSPs. And also because-- in spite of my sensitivities to everything-- I am also a glass-half-full type of person—although I’m picky about my environment because so many things make me ill, I rejoice in the beauty of the world and her people.

So I did a little more research and found out that healthy neuroticism is possible when a person is also high in the psychological trait of “conscientiousness” (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/3677/being-neurotic-conscientious-a-good-combo-for-health.aspx). And guess what . . . Conscientiousness is also a common trait of HSPs according to Dr. Elaine Aron:

Our conscientiousness is somewhat automatic, due to the fact that we think about the consequences of our action or inaction. We can’t help but consider, “What if everybody did this?” Or, “What if I don’t get the job done, don’t act?” We are also conscientious because, by nature, we reflect on and learn from our mistakes. We take negative feedback seriously, changing as a result. That’s why people complain that “we take things too seriously” or “take everything too personally.

“Healthy neuroticism” is defined as the desire to act upon a perceived ill and find a way to overcome or regulate it. Yes! That is a better description of who I am and why I do what I do.

As Highly Sensitive People, we will experience some anxiety during a time of emergency, but there is also a plus side to sheltering in place for many of us. If we are introverts, then we will especially appreciate the opportunity of dedicating ourselves to doing things we love, but don’t always have time for. I’m trying to practice the piano, write, or paint every day. I’m also spending time in my backyard in the beautiful spring weather and including exercise and meditation into my daily routine. Depending on how long this lasts, I would like to go through boxes of things that I should have gotten rid of years ago and reorganize the cluttered places in our home.

In addition to self-care, most HSPs will find ways to help others who may be feeling isolated or bored, suffering financially or lacking food—only we are likely to do it in a conscientious way that attempts to keep everyone involved safe.

I know that for some people this time is one of grieving and fear, or perhaps a time of constant challenge and extra work. None of us would have chosen a world wide pandemic, but since it’s here, all we can do is meet the challenges. Whether your challenge is to take care of the sick or others with needs, or to stay at home alone, I urge you to find ways to overcome your anxiety with conscientiousness and creativity.