Is Depth of Processing the Most Important Highly Sensitive Trait?

Depth of processing could well be the most important trait of highly sensitive people. Certainly it is one trait that all HSPs share. Highly sensitive people process information more deeply and thoroughly than non-HSPs. This depth of processing can cause problems. But there are certainly advantages too.

What is Depth of Processing?

In essence, depth of processing refers to processing information deeply. This is important because it is a core trait of being highly sensitive. How information is processed by a HSP’s nervous system lies at the heart of being highly sensitive.

Which Information Do We Process?

When we talk about processing information, we are referring to:

• Facts we encounter
• Our personal observations – what we see and hear around us
• Sensory information: what we hear, see, feel, touch, taste
• Our experiences
• Emotions and feelings
• Social interactions – our own and those around us

HSPs Process More Information More Deeply

The information (or stimuli) is taken in through our senses to our nervous system for processing by the brain. The thalamus in the brain acts as a gatekeeper. It determines the information that comes into the brain for processing. A HSP’s thalamus allows more information through than a non-HSP’s thalamus. There is therefore more for the brain to process.

In addition to there being more volume of information for the brain to process, there is also more detail in that information.

For example, in any given social interaction a HSP is not just listening to what is being said. They are also looking at facial expressions, listening for the unspoken words, looking at body language, feeing the emotion of the person they are talking to. They notice the tone of voice. Is the contact comfortable talking about this topic? Is there an underlying (untold) message? Can the HSP relate to the experience of the person talking to them? Can they connect it to previous experiences? A HSP is looking to provide context during the social interaction.

After the conversation, all of that ‘information’ gets processed by the brain.

What Does the Research Show?

In a nutshell, research shows that brain scans reveal that HSPs think differently when compared to non-HSPs. Researchers see more brain activity in different areas of the brain of a HSP.

Brain scans also show that HSPs are more aware of other people’s emotions and tend to react to these emotions too. This is seen by higher level of activity in various parts of the brain.

Why Does Depth of Processing Lead to Overstimulation?

We all have an optimal level for processing stimuli (but each of us has a different level). If processing goes beyond that optimal zone we feel uncomfortable. Overstimulation arises when the brain doesn’t have enough processing capability for all the information coming in. Information backs up, blocks the system. In essence, the ‘system’ crashes. This causes tension and stress.

The limbic brain (emotions), or the reptile brain (instinct) takes over from the neocortex (rational thinking). The rational brain stops temporarily and our emotions take over. A step further and instinct kicks in – that’s the fight, flight or freeze response.

The fact that HSPs process more information more deeply than non-HSPs is the reason HSPs are more easily overwhelmed. It means a HSP needs the time and space to process all the information taken in.

The Problem of Overstimulation

We can usually deal with short term overstimulation. As long as we take the time and space to recharge. But the reality is that we don’t always have this luxury.

Think of a child in a busy classroom. If that child has no means of carving out quiet time in school, that child easily feels overwhelmed by the information they are processing. A busy classroom takes a child beyond their optimal processing zone. The child then feels uncomfortable. They may become hyper alert (reptile brain takes over) and distracted by everything around them. And is therefore unable to perform to the best of their capabilities. The child may seem dreamy or seen as having concentration or attention span issues, for example.

HSP overstimulation is easily misinterpreted by the people around us, be that a teacher, work colleagues or family.

Worse still, long lasting overstimulation, continual overstimulation, can lead to illness, chronic exhaustion and eventually a burnout. Or depression.

What Does Depth of Processing Actually Mean for Day to Day Life for a HSP?

The fact is that highly sensitive people generally take longer to make a decision because of this depth of processing. Indecision is a real issue for many HSPs. And so, particularly in a work or school environment, giving a HSP the time to go away to process information in a quiet space is hugely advantageous. Rather than putting them on the spot and demanding an answer or decision immediately.

Furthermore, this deep processing saps energy. It means a HSP is easily tired if there is a lot going on, if there is a lot of ‘information’ to process. It is why HSPs need a lot of downtime, time to recharge, irrespective of whether the HSP is introvert or extrovert.

If a HSP is asked to do too much at the same time, they may become irritable or overwhelmed.

In addition, being able to tap into other people’s emotions more easily means that you are able to put yourself in their shoes. You take other people’s feelings into account. Consequently, HSPs have the tendency to put other people’s needs before their own.

In short, HSPs need time, space and quiet to process optimally in their daily lives. It means planning. It means alone time. And quiet spaces.

The Advantages of Deep Processing of Information

Thankfully, deep processing of information has its advantages. It’s the reason why HSPs are great at coming up with new ideas, out of the box thinking and creative solutions. It means that a HSP sees the details. Really sees the details. HSPs see mistakes (it’s why I make a great proofreader!). They are able to search for the best solution and weigh up all possible options and their consequences.

It makes HSPs careful, methodical workers.

Deep processing makes HSPs great at visualisation, connecting the dots, and providing context.

HSPs sense danger more quickly than others – they notice what others don’t.

Reading the emotions of other people can also be hugely advantageous in some career choices as well as parenthood. Being able to put yourself in your children’s shoes will help you with your choices and decisions related to bringing up your children. HSPs register tension in a group, can sense when something is not right.

The Importance of Understanding Your Limits

Depth of processing and overstimulation are key to understanding HSPs. They are key to understanding why learning about and accepting your own personal boundaries, or those of your highly sensitive child, is so fundamental to finding the balance as a HSP.

Depth of processing means that HSPs have limitations, and whilst those limitations are different for each HSP, understanding your own (or your child’s) limitations is essential.

The good news is that with some fine tuning each HSP will be able to create a lifestyle that works for them. How much can you process without feeling overwhelmed? Consider how much quiet time you need to process. What kind of environment do you need to be able to process optimally? Which situations should you avoid to prevent overstimulation?

TIP: The Happy Sensitive Kids bucket can help highly sensitive children understand all of this. How much ‘information’ fits in their bucket before their bucket overflows? What helps your child empty their bucket?