Environmental Sensitivities and the HSP trait – Similarities and Differences

Guest Article by Andrea Weber

If you’re like me you have the full gamut of everything going on, being a highly sensitive person and environmentally sensitive.  This can be challenging to navigate and I’ve found that knowing and understanding the similarities and differences between the two really helps with sensitivity management.

One of the key similarities is that both environmentally sensitive people and HSPs are affected by what is in their immediate environment with many experiencing sensitivity symptoms such as headaches, pain, nausea, and fatigue in response to light, smell, and noise.  There are also many highly sensitive people who are adversely affected by chemicals and therefore choose more natural and organic products that tend to be more gentle on the system. 

While environmentally sensitive people can be adversely affected by things like eme (electromagnetic energy), chemicals, mold, and other pollutants, highly sensitive people can be adversely affected by the energy of those around them and the spaces they are in.  As an example, an environmentally sensitive person is more likely to be affected by large groups of people due to the mobile/cell phones and an array of personal care products being used while a highly sensitive person is more likely to be affected by the overwhelm of a crowded space with too much movement, activity, and energy from others.

Like many HSPs, I also scored highly on Julie’s Sensitivity Quiz which indicates being intuitive and empathic.  I would encourage anyone to take the quiz to determine if you have the HSP trait and then also if you rate high with intuition as well.  Knowing that I have the HSP trait and being able to understand my needs because of this has made a huge contribution to my level of self-acceptance and prioritizing of self-care and compassion, which has also helped in the management of environmental sensitivities.

It’s important to note that not everyone who is environmentally sensitive has the HSP trait and not everyone who is an HSP has environmental sensitivities.

While both have highly responsive and sensitized nervous systems, I have personally found that when environmental sensitivities are triggered, it is very much a physical/physiological response with an emotional response to follow, particularly when symptoms are heightened.  After experiencing debilitating pain and discomfort from symptom overload, it is very understandable that people would then experience complete frustration and a range of emotions at what has happened.

The HSP part of me is triggered the other way around with an emotional response leading to various physical symptoms.  As an example, I remember my response to an email I did not want to open.  I experienced a tightening in my chest and heart palpitations.  The response was quite strong and took me by surprise.  I realized that these physical symptoms were triggered by anticipatory anxiety and the build-up of stress and worry of what I was about to read.  If this emotional reaction had not been present, I would not have experienced these physical symptoms.

Being able to distinguish the difference has enabled me to use the right tools at the right time to help with sensitivity management.  There are so many amazing resources here on Julie’s site for HSPs.  I have personally found the HSP Brain Training to be packed with powerful information that is truly transformational in so many ways and Julie is now offering Free Masterclasses for further support and natural solutions for reducing overwhelm and stress in our lives.

There are so many people out there struggling with environmental sensitivities and I know from personal experience that it is possible to find joy and wellbeing in the face of this limitation.  It is possible to have tools to lighten the load, stop struggling, and really start living.

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Andrea Weber is founder of expansivehappiness.com, a site specifically designed to encourage, inspire and support those managing environmental sensitivities, while creating much needed public awareness around these conditions. Andrea has created an Environmental Sensitivity Quiz and a range of practical and inspirational resources for environmental sensitivity management.

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Julie Bjelland is a Psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, host of The HSP Podcast, and Founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community, whose mission is to create a paradigm shift where sensitivity is embraced, valued, and honored. Julie offers multiple essential resources for educating, inspiring, and empowering HSPs. Register for her free Masterclasses, take the Sensitivity Quiz, and profoundly transform your life in her courses and community. Her HSPs in Business Group is designed to support and empower sensitive people to grow heart-centered businesses, share their voices, and be part of the change the world needs. Her HSP Dating Group is a safe space bringing together conscious, kind, caring sensitive people, offering both hetero and LGBTQ+ HSPs. ❤️🌈❤️ (she/her)