Is there a connection between depression and being highly sensitive?

According to Dr. Elaine Aron’s research: Yes and No; it depends.

To super-simplify: If an HSP grew up in a non-supportive environment, they are more likely to be depressed. If an HSP grew up in a supportive environment, it’s less likely they will be depressed.

To go further….

HSPs can be more prone to depression if:

• The HSP grew up with chaos, trauma, and dysfunction in their family.
• If the HSP is unaware of the trait and does not have a self-care plan. Without knowledge about the trait, an HSP can find themselves in a chronic state of overstimulation which would then lead to too much cortisol in the system, which can then lead to depression and/or anxiety.
• The HSP is in an unhealthy environment. (source)

It is NOT more likely, if

• The HSP grew up in a supportive and “secure” family.
• The HSP has accepted the trait as a positive and has adequate self-care.

IT DEPENDS, if:

• There is a history of depression in one’s family (genetically caused).

If an HSP doesn’t know that they are highly sensitive, they may be self-critical and wonder “why can’t I be like everyone else?”

If an HSP is aware of their sensitivity, they can plan their life in the best way to avoid overstimulation and scenarios that make them feel drained and unsettled. It is essential for HSPs to learn about the trait so they can find their own stasis of peace.

Depression is a dense topic that deserves more than a single blog post. This is just a basic, simplified overview of the accepted research on whether high sensitivity is related to depression.

Check out my post on 7 ways to deal with the struggles of being an HSP. There is also a fantastic list on the HSP Highlights & Insights Newsletter blog of the best ways to thrive as an HSP. It discusses how to create your own “HSP Owners Manual”. I found it helpful and hope you do, too.

I wrote more about empathy for people suffering from depression in my post about Robin Williams and this one about Sophia Yin and compassion fatigue.