Symptom 4: Heightened Emotional Sensitivity
Every individual feels emotions, but for those with HSAM, emotions are not just transient feelings—they are vivid colors painting their every memory. This heightened emotional sensitivity can be likened to seeing the world in high-definition color while others might perceive it in muted tones. Whether joy or sorrow, their emotions are not just felt, they’re experienced in profound depths.
An interesting aspect of their emotional landscape is how intertwined it is with their memories. Just as their recollections are vivid, the emotions attached to these memories are just as potent. It’s like having echoes from the past constantly reverberating in their present. A fleeting thought of a past event can bring back a surge of emotions so powerful, it feels as if they are reliving the moment all over again.
Such heightened emotional sensitivity can be both a blessing and a bane. On one hand, they get to experience life’s joys with amplified intensity. The happiness felt on a childhood birthday, the thrill of a teenage adventure—all are relived with a fervor many might envy. However, the flip side is that painful memories carry with them a sting that doesn’t dull with time. A past heartbreak or a lost loved one can evoke emotions as raw and fresh as the day the event occurred.
Due to their intense emotional framework, many with HSAM tend to have a heightened sense of empathy. They not only remember every detail of their past interactions but also the emotions associated with them. This makes them acutely aware of people’s feelings, often sensing underlying emotions that might go unnoticed by others.(4)
