How Highly Sensitive Personalities Living in New York City May Be Prone to Anxiety
Anxiety is a common experience, but for people with highly sensitive personalities (HSPs), it may be more prevalent. HSPs are individuals who are more aware of and easily affected by their environment and the feelings and needs of others. This heightened sensitivity can make them more prone to anxiety. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences anxiety differently and it’s not uncommon for people without highly sensitive personalities to experience anxiety as well. For HSPs, living in NYC can trigger anxiety. Learning more about HSPs and coping with anxiety can help.
What is a Highly Sensitive Personality?
A highly sensitive personality (HSP) is a term used to describe individuals who are more aware of and easily affected by their environment and the feelings and needs of others. HSPs are thought to make up about 15-20% of the population and are more likely to be empathetic, intuitive, and reflective. While being highly sensitive can have many positive implications, it can also make individuals more prone to anxiety and other mental health concerns.
How Highly Sensitive Personalities May Be Prone to Anxiety
There are a few ways that highly sensitive personalities may be more prone to anxiety:
Heightened sensitivity: HSPs are more aware of and easily affected by their environment and by the feelings and needs of others. This heightened sensitivity can make them more prone to anxiety, as they may be more easily overwhelmed by stressors and more affected by negative emotions.
Overthinking and rumination: HSPs may be more prone to overthinking and rumination, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety. They may spend more time analyzing and processing their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, which can lead to increased worry and stress.
Emotional reactivity: HSPs may also be more emotionally reactive, meaning they may experience stronger emotional responses to events and situations that they have a hard time managing.
How New York City effects highly sensitive personalities
New York City is a fast-paced and crowded city that can be overwhelming for anyone, but it may be especially challenging for individuals with highly sensitive personalities (HSPs). The constant stimulation and high density of people in NYC may be overwhelming for HSPs, leading to increased feelings of anxiety and stress.
However, it is important to note that everyone experiences living in NYC differently, and some people with highly sensitive personalities may thrive in the city's energy and diversity. It’s always important to pay attention to your own needs and well-being, and to seek support if you are struggling to manage your feelings of anxiety or stress.
Tips to help Highly Sensitive Personalities decrease anxiety
While highly sensitive personalities may be more prone to anxiety, it’s important to remember that everyone experiences anxiety differently. Here are some tips to help decrease and manage anxiety for highly sensitive personalities living in New York City:
Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being can help you manage anxiety. This may include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking time to relax and recharge.
Engage in activities that promote relaxation: Engaging in relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can help reduce anxiety.
Seek support: It can be helpful to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if you are struggling with anxiety. Talking about your feelings and concerns with someone you trust can help you feel less alone and better able to manage your anxiety.
Set boundaries: Setting boundaries can help protect your energy and reduce feelings of overwhelm. This may include setting limits on your time and saying no to unreasonable demands.
Practice mindfulness and breathing: Being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings can help you manage anxiety. Cyclic Sighing may also help reduce anxious feelings.
Seek professional help: If you are struggling to manage your anxiety on your own, it may be helpful to seek help from a mental health professional. Individual therapy can offer the support and guidance you need to address the underlying causes of your anxiety and develop coping strategies to manage your symptoms.
Consider Therapy for being a Highly Sensitive Person in New York
Individual therapy can offer added support to deal with anxiety, stress, and overall mental wellbeing. Getting started with our New York City therapy practice is simple:
Meet with a skilled anxiety therapist
Begin feeling more balanced and grounded
No matter where you are in your journey, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to be connected to one of our licensed therapists in New York or contact us to set up a free consultation call.