Do you feel like you’re overwhelmed with emotion most days? Do you ever walk into a room and feel strange but not really know why? Do you know what people are feeling even before they tell you? If any of these ring true, you might be a highly sensitive person.

You are not alone, but you are in the minority. There is a specific gene related to sensitivity carried by 15 to 20 percent of people. Also referred to as “empaths,” highly sensitive people often carry a big load of emotions and it can be tough for them. Really tough. If this is you, it does not mean you are a mess. It just means you are highly sensitive.

Below are 24 Signs You’re Not a Mess, You’re Just a Highly Sensitive Person

1. You feel what other people are feeling.

You are sensitive to the emotions of others, so much so that you can actually feel what they are feeling. You can enter a room and get a sense of what the people are feeling without even talking to them.

2. You get tired easily.

Because you tend to take on the emotions of others, when you are around other people for extended periods of time, you often feel drained. Likewise at the end of the day, you’re pooped.

3. You have heightened senses.

You are sensitive to noise, bright lights, jerky movements, rough materials and strong smells. On that same note, you also notice soft noises, lights, movements, materials and faint smells that others miss.

4. You have a sixth sense.

You know things. You just do.

5. You are impacted by the moods of others.

If someone around you is in a bad mood, it impacts you. Same if there is someone around you that is in a good mood.

6. You feel the need to withdraw.

You often feel like you need to withdraw and be alone for some time to get relief from the stimulation of the world.

7. You have a low tolerance for discomfort.

You have a lower tolerance than others for being uncomfortable.

8. You have a low tolerance for witnessing the discomfort of others.

It’s also hard for you to see others in pain or even just uncomfortable.You cringe at the injuries of others. You feel it deeply.

9. You avoid negative images.

You feel like you have to avoid negative images in the media because it bothers you in a big way. Watching tragedy on the news is too much for you. Violence is something you never find entertaining.

10. You’re great at listening.

You hear what other people are saying it and you process it. You want to understand the other person and you take the time to be sure you do.

11. Other people tell you you’re too sensitive.

You have often been told by others that you’re too sensitive, that you wear your heart on your sleeve or that you are overly emotional.

12. You are easily overwhelmed.

When you have too much to do it makes you feel rattled and overwhelmed.

13. You pick up on things that other people don’t.

You notice subtle things in conversations that other people don’t notice.

14. Everything has a specific “feel” to it.

People, places, even times of the day or days of the week have a specific and definite “feel” to them.

15. You have a built-in lie detector test.

You are a walking lie-detector test and you can tell whether people are being truthful or not just by how their face looks or the tone of their voice.

16. You have lots of ideas.

Because you feel so much, you are constantly coming up with ideas in your head. You are creative and imaginative.

17. Crowds can feel overwhelming.

You don’t like being in crowded places. it feels like too much.

18. You often feel frazzled.

At least once per week you feel frazzled. You feel like everything around you is just too much especially if you have to multi-task or when others are relying on you.

19. You are easily startled.

You are easily startled by sudden noises. Your response seems to be more strongly felt than the reaction of others.

20. You know how to help others feel more comfortable.

Because you are so in tune with the feelings of others you instinctively know what to do to help them feel more comfortable. Their comfort is important to you.

21. You are easily irritated or annoyed.

Because there is so much going on within you, even the slightest things can throw you off balance and cause you to feel irritated or annoyed.

22. You often prefer to do things alone.

Sometimes it just feels much more peaceful to do something alone versus with others.

23. You have a really hard time dealing with criticism.

Criticism impacts you in a huge way. You find yourself being highly reactive to it. Even if you simply think that you did something wrong, it wrecks you out.

24. As a child you were shy.

As a child you were told you were shy or highly sensitive by your parents or your teachers.

If you are a highly sensitive person it does not mean you are a mess. In fact, there are many benefits to being a highly sensitive person. Here are a few tips for the highly sensitive person living in a not so sensitive world:

• Plan your time but remember to be flexible.
• Create a peaceful home environment.
• Limit exposure to toxic people.
• Limit your activities and be sure to schedule in downtime.
• Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine.
• Eat healthy and keep hydrated.
• Practice being in touch with your feelings.