Know Thyself . . . And Those You Care For

Post #2

Earlier this year I found myself questioning why my sensory perceptions were changing. I was beginning to get nauseated at the smell of strong cooking odors. I was overwhelmed by the fast pace, bright lights, and loud sound of most movies. I was becoming anxious because of things that didn't bother me before--including being around people for any length of time. I knew something was going on and I needed to find answers.

In the last few years I've found a method that works for me whenever I have a question. First I do extensive online research, reading both professional and experiential points of view, and afterwards I seek the appropriate professional help if needed. I discovered this very successful approach a few years ago when I kept having different types of pain that no doctor had been able to address. I found that I had been reporting only the current symptoms rather than the big picture--and I wasn't going to the right doctors. After further research and finding the right doctors for my situation, I was able to finally get a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Not the best news, but at least I knew better what I needed to address and what I didn't need to worry about.

This method was also life-changing earlier this year when I discovered Elaine Aron's research on the highly sensitive person. In medical studies this condition is often referred to as a Sensory Processing Sensitivity (not to be confused with Sensory Processing Disability). If you aren't aware of this genetic characteristic that occurs within 15-20% of humans, I have attached some links related HSPs. I believe that considering the HSP factor when giving care is a game changer, whether you are an HSP caregiver or are providing care to someone with HSP.

A person with HSP reacts to the world a little differently, which is not a bad thing, but a situation which definitely requires adjustments that involve everyone living with them. I've found that I had already made many of the adjustments for my own survival without knowing the cause of my differences, but now I no longer have to feel guilty about giving myself more quiet time, avoiding crowds, and limiting my family TV watching. . . . . .

Now that I'm able to explain my sensitivities to my family and friends, they are able to support me as I adjust my life. However, my thoughts have recently turned toward the future and what type of environment would meet my needs if my husband and I grow too old to care for ourselves. As I considered my sensitivity to sounds, smells, touch, bright lights, etc., etc., I began to realize how uncomfortable I would feel in most of the situations my mom and dad had lived in as they declined with Alzheimers.

Again I took my questions online, but this time I found nothing about caring for those who are HSPs other than children. I did find an article or two about self care for HSP caregivers. This subject has largely been ignored though, and so I decided to include this as one of the recurring topics on my blog. In future posts I will focus on two sides of this topic: the need of HSP caregivers to adapt their practices according to their sensitivities, and the need to understand the sensitivities of those we are caring for.