Why HSPs Feel Things Long After They Happen
One of the most compelling conversations we have in my HSP group is depth of processing. What is depth of processing? According to Dr. Elaine Aron, depth of processing is one of the core HSP traits:
D: Depth of Processing
O: Overstimulation
E: Emotional Reactivity/ Empathy
S: Sensitivity to Subtleties
In Dr. Elaine Aron’s work, depth of processing refers to the automatic and often unconscious tendency to think more deeply about experiences, notice subtleties, and connect information across time, memory, and meaning. It includes deeper reflection about broader issues and consequences. This means noticing subtleties and the implications of an exchange or experience with someone, connecting information deeply, pausing before acting on something, and processing the deeper meaning rather than only observing surface details.
This can also be viewed as the “aftershock effect” which refers to continuing to process experiences long after they happen. Something that I find to be helpful for HSPs is to notice the difference between depth of processing versus overthinking. Depth of processing is not the same as rumination or overthinking. Let’s break this down a little.
Depth of processing shows up as reflection, integration, and orientation towards meaning. It is often experienced as a slow process that is nonlinear. Depth of processing can lead to insight, intuition, creativity, and empathy.
Overthinking, on the other hand, is often repetitive, fear-driven, and circular. It can be tied to anxiety or self-protection and it rarely leads to clarity. In fact, it often heightens the fear response and can increase the experience of anxiety.
Can you feel the difference? As an HSP you have no doubt experienced both. See if you can label it as one or the other. What I observe is that oftentimes HSPs will tell themselves that they are overthinking, when actually they are engaging in a mindful process that is helping them to create meaning out of a situation that was necessary for them to process on a deeper level, leading to increased clarity. And who doesn’t want to have increased clarity in life?
Depth of processing can be seen as one of the gifts of the highly sensitive brain. A helpful tool: Start to put some intention on noticing your thought processes. Are you able to witness yourself crossing the line into overthinking/ ruminating? What are the thoughts that you notice? What body sensations do you feel when you are overthinking versus experiencing depth of processing? What are the emotions that show up when you are processing things deeply versus when you are ruminating? Do you feel a sense of relief upon making connections in your brain or do you feel heightened anxiety?
I know it can be a fine line and it’s absolutely a skill set to develop what I often refer to as the witness mind. Practicing witness mind involves tracking what is happening internally in real time. Another thing to take note of is that it’s not uncommon for HSPs to experience an “emotional aftershock.” This means that you may have a realization far after the experience that you were hurt by something that someone said. You also may need hours to recover after attending a crowded event. You may notice yourself waking up with a realization about an interaction that occurred the day before. And, of course, the experience of needing solitude after an emotionally intense experience is not uncommon.
Another way to look at depth of processing is to think of it as emotional digestion. Some people can process emotions quickly. HSPs tend to digest experiences closely and thoroughly which means that we have richer insight, deeper empathy, access to stronger emotional memories, and of course, the need for longer recovery time.
Rather than assuming that you are constantly “overthinking” things, I’d encourage you to practice fine tuning your witness mind to notice how overthinking has a different felt experience from depth of processing. You might notice a shift in awareness as you become more discerning about what you’re actually experiencing in the moment. This kind of noticing can be a helpful way to understand your inner world more clearly. I hope this is helpful for you on your journey, my fellow HSP.
With Gratitude, Awe, and Reverence for the HSP experience,
~ Angie