Highly Sensitive Person Test: Are You an HSP?
What is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is someone who has a more sensitive nervous system, meaning they process sensory input, emotions, and environmental stimuli more deeply than others. Coined by Dr. Elaine Aron, the HSP trait affects roughly 15-20% of the population and is characterised by heightened empathy, deep processing, and strong emotional reactivity. Many people take a Highly Sensitive Person test to determine whether they fall into this category.
However, during my work with highly sensitive people, I have discovered a subgroup of HSPs that I feel no one is speaking about. These individuals don’t always fit the common HSP traits list, which can make it difficult for them to recognise their own sensitivity.
A New Subgroup of HSPs: The Hidden Sensitives
One of the most fascinating discoveries I’ve made while working with HSPs is that some people with this trait don’t outwardly appear sensitive to the world. Unlike the commonly described HSP who is emotionally expressive, introverted, or easily overwhelmed, this subgroup of HSPs often does not realise they are highly sensitive because they have learned to suppress their emotions from a young age.
Why Do Some HSPs Not Recognise Their Own Sensitivity?
HSPs have a more sensitive nervous system, which makes them deeply attuned to the emotions and needs of others. This heightened awareness often starts in childhood. What I’ve noticed is that many individuals in this subgroup:
Take on the caretaker role from a young age – They become responsible for the emotions of their family members.
Suppress their own emotions – Because they carry emotional burdens too heavy for a child, they learn to disconnect from their feelings.
Lose connection with their authentic selves – When emotions are suppressed, self-awareness and true desires get buried.
Struggle with boundaries and self-care – Prioritising others over themselves becomes second nature, making it difficult to set boundaries.
Attract narcissistic or one-sided relationships – Due to their deep empathy, they may be drawn to people who take more than they give.
Many HSPs in this subgroup don’t identify as highly sensitive because they have adapted to a world that doesn’t accommodate sensitivity. But over time, they may start to feel out of alignment with the life they have built.
When You Realise Your Life No Longer Fits
For many people in this HSP subgroup, the realisation comes in their 30s or later. I personally experienced this in my mid-30s. The life I had worked so hard to create—my career, my relationships, my environment—no longer aligned with who I truly was. I had built everything around my conditioned self, not my authentic self.
This is where things get challenging. When an HSP decides to pivot and create a life that feels aligned, it disrupts the status quo. The people around them are used to the version of them that always puts others first. This creates a push-and-pull dynamic, where on one hand, you deeply desire change, but on the other, those around you may resist it.
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to stay stuck. Change is possible, and when you start embracing your true sensitivity instead of hiding it, everything shifts.
Signs You Might Be Part of This HSP Subgroup
If any of this resonates with you, you may be part of the hidden HSPs who don’t fit the traditional mold. Here are some common traits I’ve noticed in this group:
You are highly empathetic toward others – You deeply feel other people’s emotions, even if you don’t always express your own.
People often come to you for help – You naturally take on the role of advisor, therapist, or caretaker.
You’ve been surrounded by draining relationships – You may have had friendships or partnerships that took more than they gave.
You are highly motivated and ambitious – You set high goals and push yourself, but may struggle with burnout.
You never want to settle – The idea of an “ordinary” life doesn’t appeal to you; you crave depth and meaning.
You played the caretaker role in your family – From a young age, you felt responsible for others' emotions.
You’ve always felt different – There’s a sense of being misunderstood or not fully fitting in.
The traditional path hasn’t felt right for you – Whether in relationships or career, conventional life choices haven’t always made sense.
You have a specific vision for how things should be – You’re independent and have a strong sense of what aligns with your values.
You are a humanitarian – You care deeply about people and making a difference.
You are creative and have a vivid internal world – Whether through art, writing, or deep thinking, you live in rich internal landscapes.
If you see yourself in this, you are not alone. You are simply an HSP who has learned to adapt in ways that don’t always align with traditional descriptions of sensitivity.
How to Pivot & Embrace Your Sensitivity
If you’re starting to realise that the life you’ve built doesn’t align with who you truly are, there are ways to navigate this transformation. Here’s how you can start:
Reconnect with Your Emotions – Journaling, or somatic work can help you process what you’ve suppressed.
Set Boundaries Without Guilt – Learning to say no is essential for reclaiming your energy.
Prioritise Your Own Needs – Instead of constantly focusing on others, begin asking: What do I want?
Surround Yourself with Supportive People – Find a community that understands your journey.
Give Yourself Permission to Change – You are allowed to evolve and let go of what no longer fits.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
It is important to understand your HSP trait, especially if you are wanting to make changes in your life. When you recognise how your sensitivity has shaped your experiences, you can use the right tools to support your transformation and create meaningful, lasting change.
If you're ready to dive deeper and learn how to work with your sensitivity rather than against it, check out my HSP course where I guide you step by step on how to navigate life as an HSP with confidence and ease. Click here to learn more!