Sensitivity.

[Jonathan123]

Anxiety sufferers are sensitive people. If you were not you would not have anxiety, nether would you be on here helping others. This world is a bad place for sensitive people, with all the heartache and despair we see around us. There is no way we can desensitise ourselves, that would be going against our temperament and nature. But we can learn to live with sensitivity. We can keep away from any upsetting events such as movies or games that are violent. Stop Googling. Only read books that are helpful and none violent. Keep well a away from those who are 'vexatious to your spirit', if you can. You know the one's I mean. You may well get a lot of sympathy, but that is not what you need. You need empathy, understanding and, above all, Love.
I talk of unconditional Love. Mostly love is seen as something we do or need, but with attachments. ' I love you provided you look after the kids, let me make so called love, and cook my meals. That is not Love but a need, a desire. Unconditional Love comes with no preconceived ideas. Loving some people is not easy as they may throw it back in your face. It doesn't matter. You have offered it and that's all that matters. Real Love is indestructible. It can't be nullified or got at in any way. It stands alone. Some shy way from the word because if it's misuse. I love my car, or my job, or yes even my relatives has no meaning unless it is unconditional.
I emphasis love because I believe that in anxiety we so often feel unloved. It's as if everyone is critical or judges. A real friend is one who will sit and hold your hand when you are in trouble and not be judgmental
We need to keep in mind that there is always someone out there who is prepared to give time and effort to help. But we need to reach out as on such sites as this. There are many wise people on here. So let's Love one another and not be afraid of the word. It's not just reserved for lovers, but for all of us.

 

[He Man]

Anxiety is definitely a mixed blessing. There is the obvious pain of the condition.. but like you're suggesting.. it can also make people more sympathetic toward others, and I think, more spiritually focused/aware.
Just my take..

 

[Camden]

That is such an amazing statement! Love is so important in many different contexts and forms. This really hits close to home for me.

Indeed it’s true that my anxiety and OCD has made me feel unloved, vulnerable, inconsequential and unwanted despite ample evidence that suggests otherwise. I’m blessed to say how close I am with an awesome family and a few close friends who I love.

It’s easy for me to fall into the trap that I constantly have to be on alert for vindictive motives and critical, judgemental actions. I feel especially vulnerable at work and formerly in school. Although I’ve made progress, I still struggle to speak up and discuss my feelings and concerns. I’m very sensitive toward derogatory attitudes toward anxiety and mental illness. Sometimes I’m lead to believe I’m a “bad” person because I have dislikes, worries, and emotional baggage. Sometimes I feel guilty for allowing people and things into my life that cause me to be unhappy.

As for love, I believe it is the strongest force in the universe. As a Christian, God is love. Love can take many forms and its context varies vastly. Love is what defines successful relationships and mends emotional wounds. Showing love eases one’s sensitivity and reticence for expressing themselves. Love allows you to be free and show your vulnerability without fear of rejection or judgment.

That sensitivity you mention comes from lack of love and hesitation to show vulnerability in everyday situations. People are often hesitant to show acts of love because it shows vulnerability. Sensitivity is caused by the desire of others to appear tough and competent. Sometimes a little love can go a long way, especially in making people feel less alone.

 

[MATD]

Self love. When you are able to love yourself for who you are, warts and all, it changes our perspective on life.

 

[MATD]

Anxiety sufferers are sensitive people. If you were not you would not have anxiety, nether would you be on here helping others. This world is a bad place for sensitive people, with all the heartache and despair we see around us. There is no way we can desensitise ourselves, that would be going against our temperament and nature. But we can learn to live with sensitivity. We can keep away from any upsetting events such as movies or games that are violent. Stop Googling. Only read books that are helpful and none violent. Keep well a away from those who are 'vexatious to your spirit', if you can. You know the one's I mean. You may well get a lot of sympathy, but that is not what you need. You need empathy, understanding and, above all, Love.
I talk of unconditional Love. Mostly love is seen as something we do or need, but with attachments. ' I love you provided you look after the kids, let me make so called love, and cook my meals. That is not Love but a need, a desire. Unconditional Love comes with no preconceived ideas. Loving some people is not easy as they may throw it back in your face. It doesn't matter. You have offered it and that's all that matters. Real Love is indestructible. It can't be nullified or got at in any way. It stands alone. Some shy way from the word because if it's misuse. I love my car, or my job, or yes even my relatives has no meaning unless it is unconditional.
I emphasis love because I believe that in anxiety we so often feel unloved. It's as if everyone is critical or judges. A real friend is one who will sit and hold your hand when you are in trouble and not be judgmental
We need to keep in mind that there is always someone out there who is prepared to give time and effort to help. But we need to reach out as on such sites as this. There are many wise people on here. So let's Love one another and not be afraid of the word. It's not just reserved for lovers, but for all of us.

I’ve given your post some thought and would ask you to post more information on the sensitivity, the ways in which a person is considered to be sensitive. If you have the time of course. I am very interested in learning more about the topic.

 

[Jonathan123]

It is difficult to describe sensitivity because only those who are sensitive know what it's like. The world's population could be divided between those who are sensitive and care, and those who don't care and are insensitive. Sadly, there are more of the later than the former. There needs to be some qualifications here. A professional medic, a nurse or doctor, can't allow that sensitivity to interfere with their work. That is difficult and why mental issues among medical staff are very evident. The insensitive don't care a lot about anyone but themselves. They can see suffering and not be moved by it. When a sensitive person sees a TV advert for suffering kids or animals they often have to avert their eyes or switch off. I have seen sensitive people in tears over watching such events. Some sensitive people put on a kind of brave act and appear not to care, because caring and being moved by suffering is considered weak. In life there is no way we can avoid suffering. We will all experience it in some way. We can avoid situations that 'trigger' our sensitivity, but that too can be difficult. Empathy is different to sympathy. Sympathy is so often insincere, and is done because it's the right thing to do at the time. The dictionary definition of empathy is 'To enter into the suffering of another as if it were your own'. No judgement or criticism, but a deep feeling of understanding and the giving of love.
My mother called me 'chicken hearted' because when young I responded to any form of suffering while she didn't. It led me to believe it was wrong to be sensitive.
Sensitive people need to protect themselves from the insensitive. Avoid them if you can. There is no way to make yourself insensitive. Would you want to? It's the people who care, as on this site, that create that so necessary balance between good and bad. Like the poor in spirit, the insensitive will always be with us.
Does sensitivity contribute to anxiety? Of course it does. But learning to live with it is vital, not to try and desensitise yourself, that won't work.
When I said anxiety sufferers are so often sensitive people, it may well be that the suffering around them has caused the anxiety and there may be no other reason for it. Accepting you are sensitive and vulnerable allows you to avoid situations that upset you. It is not weakness to admit to it but a strength.

 

[MATD]

I really appreciate you taking the time to answer me. What you posted has given me a lot more food for thought. I guess I fall under the category of being sensitive. It certainly explains a lot to me.