Imagine riding in a car with your friends, and everything goes black. The next thing you know, you are lying somewhere, but you can’t see. You’re in indescribable pain. You can’t speak. You can’t move your head.

Then you feel a soft touch on your hand and arm, and a caring voice explains that you were in a car accident. This person squeezes your hand and says, “I’m here.” Those two words make a world of difference.

This is the story of Marcus Engel. Marcus has used his experience to write books for healthcare professionals, teaching them how to better communicate and treat their patients compassionately. In this episode, I talk about some of Marcus' tips for compassionate care and why HSPs are well-suited to care professions.

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Related Blog Posts:

• Compassion Fatigue
• The Best Jobs for HSPs

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

• I'm Here - Compassionate Communication in Patient Care by Marcus Engel
• The Other End Of The Stethoscope - 33 Insights for Excellent Patient Care by Marcus Engel

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In this episode 26, I talk about how and why HSPs are more sensitive to caffeine than others. I also touch on the effects of other drugs as well as a possible connection to Mitral Valve Prolapse and HSP. I know--crazy. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dr. Elaine Aron "Coping Corner: Strengthening Your Decisions Through "Cardiac Exercise"
• Caffeine and Anxiety from stressbusting.co.uk
• Caffeine and shaking hands from Livestrong
• Mitral valve prolapse information

Related posts on highlysensitiveperson.net:

• A connection between caffeine, Mitral Valve Prolapse, and high sensitivity?
• Sensitive to Caffeine: It’s my Kryptonite

 Podcast music attribution: By the Coast (2004) (Antony Raijekov) / CC BY-NC 2.5

In this episode 25, I share some quotes from people in relationships with HSPs who are fed up! They say that HSPs are selfish and don't try to improve themselves. This bums me out and I hope that I don't act this way in my own relationship.

Do you ever worry that your partner is ignoring their own needs to help you with yours? Let me know in the comments below.

If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Book: The Highly Sensitive Person in Love by Elaine Aron

Related posts on this blog:

• Podcast Episode #7: Explaining HSP to Your Partner
• A conversation with your non-HSP partner
• Interview: "My Partner is a Highly Sensitive Person"
• Responding to haters, yet again

Podcast music attribution: By the Coast (2004) (Antony Raijekov) / CC BY-NC 2.5

In this episode 23, I provide some tips on how to deal with the challenging aspects of being highly sensitive. Do you ever say these things to yourself?

• "I give a lot to other people but they don’t notice--they don't appreciate or reciprocate my thoughtfulness."
• "I can’t trust many people because they will inevitably hurt me or let me down."
• "How can I be less sensitive?"
• "My empathy weighs heavily on me--It’s so tiring. How can I better handle this?"

Have a listen and let me know what you think of my tips in the comments below. If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Book: The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

Related posts on highlysensitiveperson.net:

• Podcast Episode #23: Kindred Spirits & Friendship
• People Pleasers: "I don't want to bother you..."
• 7 Tips for Coping with the Challenges of Being Highly Sensitive (blog post)

Podcast music attribution: By the Coast (2004) (Antony Raijekov) / CC BY-NC 2.5

Pontificating on Friendship

"Kindred Spirits" are intimate friends, people with whom you are comfortable being your true self. HSPs are often on the hunt for kindred spirits, especially at parties, gatherings, or networking events. Having a deep, intense, shared connection with someone else is essential to meeting the emotional needs of sensitive people.

In this episode 23, I also talk about Anne of Green Gables, Susan Cain (as per usual), and why it's ok to let go of friends you don't truly connect with.

If you like the podcast, please leave a positive review on iTunes! Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be notified of the latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and HSP news.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Susan Cain & Marie Forleo interview. (The "kindred spirit" part is around 13:00)

Related posts on highlysensitiveperson.net:

• How to meet other Highly Sensitive People
• Finding the Stasis of Peace
• 2014 Gift Guide for Highly Sensitive People & Introverts

Podcast music attribution: By the Coast (2004) (Antony Raijekov) / CC BY-NC 2.5

Episode 15 of the Highly Sensitive Person Podcast is about control. It wasn't until I started writing about all my HSP stuff that I realized so many of the things that bothered me were about a lack of control. From working in a cubicle, to a fear of flying, to drop-in tennis, I outline the sneaky ways needing control is in my life.

If you like the podcast, please say "thanks" by leaving a review on iTunes!

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Mentioned on this episode: What would Aristotle do? The fear of losing control

Further reading on highlysensitiveperson.net:

• Deadlines, Schedules, and Commitment Stress Me Out
• Working at Night = Complete Control
• Bad news: we can’t change the world to fit our needs
• Airplane Turbulence Scares Me So Much
• All the Battles I Fought When I Worked in a Cubicle