Episode 194: The Challenges of Sensitivity with Julie Bjelland, LMFT
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Host: Julie Bjelland
Summary In this episode, Julie Bjelland discusses the challenges of sensitivity and how they can impact highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. She shares her own experiences and highlights the importance of validation, understanding, and self-care. Some of the challenges discussed include sound sensitivity, feeling misunderstood, managing energy levels, sensory overwhelm, travel challenges, negative emotions, medical challenges, feeling different, managing other people's emotions, and social isolation. Julie also emphasizes the need for supportive communities and the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.
Resources Mentioned in Episode
Courses Mentioned: Get 50% off today! HSPcourses.com
The HSP Toolbox Course: Daily tools to balance the sensitive nervous system
Brain Training Course: Reduces reactions and activation of flight/flight/freeze response
Join the Sensitive Empowerment Community: SensitiveCommmunity.com
Product Recommendations for the Sensitive: https://www.juliebjelland.com/sensory-friendly
Travel Tips for the Sensitive: https://www.juliebjelland.com/hsp-blog/travel-tips-for-highly-sensitive-people
Explore all resources on Julie’s website: SensitiveConnection.com
Keywords sensitivity, challenges, sound sensitivity, feeling misunderstood, energy levels, sensory overwhelm, travel challenges, negative emotions, medical challenges, feeling different, managing other people's emotions, social isolation, self-care
Takeaways
Sensitivity can lead to challenges such as sound sensitivity, feeling misunderstood, and managing energy levels.
Sensory overwhelm and travel challenges are common issues for highly sensitive individuals.
Sensitive people often experience heightened reactions to illnesses, symptoms, and medications.
Feeling different and managing other people's emotions can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care are essential for avoiding burnout and maintaining mental health.
Sound Bites
"The world is not set up for our levels of sensitivity."
"Sensory overload can actually activate fight, flight, freeze."
"Managing what my brain wants to do and what my body and sensory system are capable of doing are just two different things."
I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Licensed Psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, specializing in high sensitivity and adult-diagnosed autism in women. I love developing tools that balance our sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and help us reach our fullest potential so we may excel in our unique talents. I’ve created a global hub of extensive support, including online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community—a nurturing sanctuary—a globally top-ranked podcast, articles, free webinars, and more. My passion is helping create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com
In this episode, Julie Bjelland and Willow McIntosh explore the pain of being misunderstood, the joy in finding belonging, and the transformative power of self-acceptance and honoring one’s true self as a sensitive and neurodivergent person.