The Highly Sensitive Person Podcast

Are you highly observant and conscientious? Do you experience joy, discomfort, empathy, and emotions very intensely? Are you easily overstimulated or bothered by small changes in your environment? You aren’t alone. You just might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). In this podcast, host and blogger Kelly shares real-life experiences that may have you nodding and thinking: “I thought I was the only one who felt that way”! Introverts, people with shyness and social anxiety may also find comfort and camaraderie here. Remember--you aren’t crazy or weird…just highly sensitive!

Ep. 74: Podcast Update! 04/24/2017

73. Dealing with houseguests 12/26/2016

72. Interview with Susan Cain, author of Quiet 12/07/2016

71. The Highly Sensitive Podcaster with Andy Mort 11/04/2016

70. Loneliness & the Importance of Relationships with Dr. Amy Banks 10/16/2016

70. Loneliness & the Importance of Relationships with Dr. Amy Banks Recently someone posted this question in the introvert subreddit on reddit: "How to deal with half wanting new friends and half wanting to be a hermit?" I hear and read questions like this all the time from introverts and introverted HSPs. We cherish being alone, and then sometimes wonder if we can get along without worrying about having relationships. After all, relationships are time consuming, difficult, and can be painful. But then we often realize that we cannot exist alone. It might seem easier to avoid relationships, but it is bad for our mental and physical health. Humans were built to need and thrive on connection with others. A Vice.com interview with Amy Banks, PhD, titled, "" really piqued my interest in this topic. I loved Dr. Banks' scientific explanation of why having quality relationships is so important. Dr. Banks was an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and is now the Director of Advanced Training at Jean Baker Miller Training Institute at the Wellesley Centers for Women. Her newest book is called . On this episode, we talk about: The health impact of loneliness and disconnection Why American society values the "do-it-alone" mindset so strongly The dopamine reward system and relationships Online bullying How a boss or manager can use good relationships to improve the workplace Connections with animals And....communism?!? (Note: communism is discussed simply for the concept of community vs. individualism. We are not saying we want to live in a communist society!) Amy recommends that those looking to improve their relationships first take her free You can get in touch with Amy on , , and check out her column on Psychology Today: Other books recommended by Dr. Banks in this episode: by Robert Putnam by Dean Ornish Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and , if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out to see how it works. A special thank you to Gloria, the newest supporter! Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That () / /episode/index/show/highlysensitiveperson/id/4748519