Living with Addiction - Day 69

I think it's safe to no longer add up the days I've remained GAME free, but it's kind of nice seeing them in the title of these posts.

So, I've been reading this book The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.  It is fascinating and I have only read the first chapter or so. A very dear friend suggested it to me and said to take what I can from it but try not to get overwhelmed by all the research notes and stuff.  This is true, the HSP (highly sensitive person) can get overwhelmed quickly. 

I took the book's self-test and was amazed that I answered True to 16 of the 23 questions. Dr. Aron indicates that if you select True of 12 of the questions you are considered highly sensitive. The questions were so logical to me and I did not have to think before I answered. No struggle or hesitation. I've reprinted a few of the questions below that hit me the most; I want to be sure Dr. Aron gets credit.

1. Other people's moods affect me

2. I am easily overwhelmed by things like bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens close by.

3. I am deeply moved by the arts or music. (I kind of like this one because I cry a lot from watching TV or movies. I've had friends make comments like you're way too sensitive)

4. I startle easily

5. I am conscientious

6. I get rattled when I have a lot to do in a short amount of time

7. Changes in my life shake me up (I just had a melt down when our payroll was switched to bi-weekly, whereas for 20 years of my working adult life I got paid on the 15th and 30th.) I still struggle with it even today and the change went into effect Jan 1)

8. I find myself needing to withdraw during busy days, into bed or into a darkened room or any place where I can have some privacy and relief from stimulation

9. When people are uncomfortable in a physical environment I tend to know what needs to be done to make it more comfortable (like changing the lighting or the seating). I find this especially true when I was out with someone who needed to sit on the edge of the row in a theater, or when she was scared to be left by herself at a concert.  I think this question hit me the most because I am also sensitive to these scenarios so I recognized these in others who are also 'like me'

10. I tend to be very sensitive to pain (which could be why you'll read about my adventures in BDSM where I spent many years in the community - I can't tell you how many times, having a little pain made me feel alive and took away, much of the numbness I was feeling after being abandoned by my parents)

11. I try hard to avoid making mistakes or forgetting things (this is especially apparent when I look for job prospects, as they tend to be positions I am over-qualified for) and why I need routine in my jobs.

12. I make it a high priority to arrange my life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations (again, especially true here when it comes to social situations. I almost have to build myself up to go into those situations and when I do, I usually remain observant of my surroundings and sit closest to the door so I can bolt in an instant if need be)

So, as you can see, this is just the 12 I added here, there were 4 more that I checked TRUE, but they were almost similar as these 12, which is why I did not include them.

I cannot wait to tell my therapist about this book and see if she has any thoughts on it. I see her next Tuesday.  Next week will be busy. We have the labor day holiday Monday, Tuesday, I meet with therepist, Wednesday I am taking two of my dearest friends out for dinner to celebrate their 15 year anniversary and Thursday, starts bowling. Wahoo!

Ta ta for now.