Being highly sensitive often means feeling things deeply — but when ADHD or other traits overlap, the lines can blur. This post explores why learning to name what’s really happening can be a powerful act of self-understanding.
When sensitivity isn’t the whole story
I’m highly sensitive, but that doesn’t mean I catch it all.
With ADHD — predominantly inattentive — I sometimes miss what’s right in front of me. Other times, I hear everything, all at once. Or I’ll lock onto one small thing and the rest will vanish.
There’s no rhythm to it. It’s just a kind of beautiful chaos. Clarity and overwhelm take turns leading the way.
I either hear everything, or I zero in on one thing and block the rest out.
Sometimes I can lose myself in a chaotic environment. It almost feels good — like my brain is matching the noise.
Other times, one loud noise completely derails me. I can’t focus on anything but that one sound, and it feels like my whole system short-circuits.
It’s confusing. And it’s not always clear what’s sensitivity, and what’s something else.
Questioning everything
Self-awareness, for me, often looks like asking the same questions on repeat:
- Is this sensitivity, or is it overstimulation?
- Is this anxiety, or am I just out of capacity?
- Is this focus, or am I in a hyperfixation loop?
- Am I burnt out — or just completely depleted?
These aren’t necessarily thought spirals. They’re attempts to understand my own system better — so I can support it more effectively.
Trusting your own judgement is so important here.
When you’re often labelled “too sensitive,” it’s easy to internalise the idea. You might think your reactions aren’t valid until someone else validates them.
I’ve learned that just because my experience is different, doesn’t make it wrong. It just makes it mine.
What else could it be?
It’s easy to land on the label “sensitive” when you feel things deeply. And yes, maybe you are sensitive. But sometimes, there’s more going on.
- ADHD can feel like sensitivity, but it’s often emotional dysregulation and inconsistent attention.
- Anxiety can feel like sensitivity, but it’s driven by fear and hyperawareness.
- Depression can seem like disinterest, but it’s often the exhaustion that comes from carrying heavy emotions.
- Trauma can look like sensitivity too — a nervous system on high alert, reacting to danger that’s long gone.
- Let’s not forget burnout — it can make even a gentle life feel too loud, too bright, too much.
Not everything intense is sensitivity. Sometimes it’s something else. Or a combination of things.
Why it matters
It matters, because naming what’s really happening can help you understand what you need.
- Sensitivity might call for softer environments and emotional space.
- ADHD might need stimulation and movement.
- Anxiety may ask for reassurance and grounding.
- Depression may ask for patience, presence, and gentle understanding.
- Trauma needs safety.
- Burnout needs rest.
If you treat everything like it’s just sensitivity, you risk missing what your body is actually asking for.
But you don’t have to pick one. Being a highly sensitive person doesn’t cancel anything else out.
You can be sensitive and whatever else — and still be completely valid.
It’s through awareness and understanding that we can start living in alignment with our true selves.
Owning your needs, wiring, and patterns brings relief — and a kind of quiet strength.
The more you understand yourself, the better you can navigate the world in a way that works for you.
I’m learning that I don’t need to reshape myself to be worthy of respect, belonging, or space. And neither do you.
— Jas
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below 💙️
I’d honestly love to hear from you!
still too sensitive 