Are You Too Sensitive?

Key points

Sensitivity may or may not be problematic.

It is not helpful to shame others for being sensitive.

Heightened levels of sensitivity may lead to depression and/or anxiety.

I am sure that you are all painfully familiar with the phrase "You are too sensitive." The implication is that the person is overly and unnecessarily reactive to others, particularly during interpersonal interactions. Yes, any individual may be sensitive, but what exactly constitutes "too sensitive"? And is it helpful to make this comment about someone's reaction to a situation? In fact, if you tell someone who is reacting sensitively to a comment that they are over-reacting, you are likely invalidating their feelings and making them feel like their feelings are not acceptable.

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