About 20% to 30% of the population identifies as a highly sensitive person (HSP). It's a relatively common trait, not a condition that comes with an official diagnosis or list of symptoms. If you are one (or know one), you'll likely recognize the signs in the stories of other HSPs.
Andre Sólo, coauthor of the upcoming book Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World and cofounder of the online community Highly Sensitive Refuge, says while sensitivity is a continuum, HSPs spend more of their mental energy taking in their surroundings.
