Am I an HSP?

It wasn't until I discovered The Deep Dive podcast that I learned that there's such a thing (diagnosis? identity? what are we calling it?) as a Highly Sensitive Person. I love the pod so so much and have found myself somewhat identifying as an HSP. Not sure if it's because I truly am one, or because I want to identify with June and Jess, but here we are.

Here are the traits of an HSP, and which ones traits I identify with:

🔘Easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby? ✅

🔘Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?

🔘Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows? ✅

🔘Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?

🔘Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations? ✅

🔘Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art? ✅

🔘Do you have a rich and complex inner life?

🔘When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?

So, four out of eight. I might give myself 6 out of 8 because I really REALLY ReALlY hate bright lights and strong smells. Like, it'll throw me the fuck off like NOTHING ELSE in the world. I have to wear a baseball hat in the mall (to be fair, can't remember the last time I was in a mall, though) because the lights are TOO MUCH.

Absolutely no one thought I was sensitive or shy growing up, and I wasn't. I was outgoing and fun and loved life and doing new things! I feel like because of that, I might not really be a HSP. That, and I don't heavily feel world events like June. She talks a lot about getting in bed for hours after learning about something traumatic and that's just not how I cope. Which also makes me think I'm not really an HSP.

They say that 15-20% of the population are HSP. Are you one? Am I one?