What is a highly sensitive person?

Hypersensitivity, also known as high sensitivity, refers to an increased sensitivity to internal and external stimuli. Highly sensitive individuals react more intensely and deeply to emotions, sensations, environments, and social interactions. Here are some common traits associated with hypersensitivity:

1. Emotional depth: Highly sensitive individuals feel emotions very intensely. They can be easily overwhelmed by strong emotions, whether positive or negative, and may struggle to regulate them.
2. Sensory sensitivity: Highly sensitive individuals often have an increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, strong odors, or specific textures. They may feel overwhelmed in stimulating environments.
3. Developed empathy: Highly sensitive individuals often have a great capacity for empathy and are particularly receptive to the emotions of others. They can deeply feel the suffering or joy of those around them.
4. Subtle intuition and perception: Highly sensitive individuals often have a sharpened intuition and an ability to perceive subtle details. They notice subtle changes in the environment and may have a deep understanding of others.
5. Deep reflection: Highly sensitive individuals tend to reflect deeply on things. They often engage in thoughtful, analytical, and introspective thinking. They can also be very creative.
6. Sensitivity to criticism: Highly sensitive individuals often have thinner skin and may be more sensitive to criticism and negative comments. Unkind remarks can affect them deeply.
7. Need for privacy and alone time: Highly sensitive individuals often need alone time to recharge and protect themselves from overstimulation. They may be more introverted and prefer quiet environments.

It is important to note that hypersensitivity is a personality trait and not a mental disorder. While it may present challenges, many highly sensitive individuals also develop positive qualities due to their heightened sensitivity.

Why is scuba diving particularly well-suited for highly sensitive individuals?

• Non-verbal activity: Scuba diving is primarily a non-verbal activity, which can be advantageous for highly sensitive individuals who sometimes prefer non-verbal communication or feel overwhelmed by intense verbal interactions. Similarly, interacting with other humans underwater tends to significantly reduce the ’emotional sponge’ aspect of being highly sensitive. It provides the freedom to focus on oneself, without the constant need for justification or adaptation of behavior to others. In a way, there’s a welcomed touch of ‘selfishness’ when practicing diving. Just follow the instructor and contemplate the underwater world. It’s a true mental soothing for someone whose mind is in constant turmoil.

• Soothing environment: Scuba diving provides a calm, peaceful, and isolated environment. The underwater silence and absence of visual distractions allow highly sensitive individuals to relax and recharge. Generally, the emotions of highly sensitive individuals tend to regulate more easily underwater, aided by buoyancy and a sensation of lightness. The water offers a unique sense of weightlessness, which can be liberating for highly sensitive individuals who may sometimes feel heavy or overwhelmed by their emotions. Buoyancy and freedom of movement in the water can create an experience of physical and emotional lightness and freedom.

• Absence of aggressive sensory stimuli: Underwater, sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, or aggressive textures are significantly reduced. This can be a relief for highly sensitive individuals who are often sensitive to these stimuli in their daily lives. One could even describe the underwater world as ‘gentle stimuli.’ Indeed, underwater, everything moves in slow motion, providing intense solace for the highly sensitive individual as they can take the time to appreciate each sensation rather than experiencing them all at once.

• Meditative immersion in nature: Scuba diving offers the opportunity to connect with nature in a deep and direct way. Observing underwater wildlife can be a fascinating and emotionally enriching experience for highly sensitive individuals. Diving can also be perceived as a form of moving meditation. Focused attention on breathing, mastery of movements, and presence in the present moment. This ‘new world’ can help highly sensitive individuals center themselves, calm their minds, and reduce anxiety by evoking a sense of wonder and fascination, providing an escape from daily stimuli.

• Technology disconnection: Scuba diving provides an opportunity to step away from technology and screens. For highly sensitive individuals who may be sensitive to overstimulation caused by electronic devices and social media, this digital break can be beneficial for their mental and emotional well-being.

• Awareness of the present moment: Scuba diving requires heightened attention and concentration. This can help highly sensitive individuals focus on the present moment, set aside anxious thoughts or concerns, and fully experience the current moment.

• Personal challenge and self-confidence: Scuba diving can represent a personal challenge for highly sensitive individuals. Overcoming fears, learning new skills, and pushing the boundaries of one’s comfort zone can boost self-confidence and foster personal growth.

Why are highly sensitive individuals excellent divers?

Highly sensitive individuals may possess characteristics and traits that make them excellent divers. Here are some reasons why highly sensitive individuals might excel in scuba diving:

• Sensitivity to details: Highly sensitive individuals often have an increased ability to notice details and subtleties in their environment. In scuba diving, this skill can be valuable for spotting marine life, coral structures, and hidden elements underwater.

• Empathy towards marine life: Highly sensitive individuals often have a great capacity for empathy towards other living beings. This can translate into a deep respect for marine life and a willingness to protect underwater ecosystems.

• Non-verbal communication skills: Highly sensitive individuals are “experts” in non-verbal communication. This ability makes them ideal dive buddies or instructors in scuba diving.

• Adaptability: Highly sensitive individuals often have a great ability to adapt to changing environments. Scuba diving presents various challenges, such as water pressure, limited visibility, or currents. Highly sensitive individuals can use their adaptability to cope with these situations and quickly adjust to changing underwater conditions.

• Non-verbal communication skills: Highly sensitive individuals are “experts” in non-verbal communication. This ability makes them ideal dive buddies or instructors in scuba diving.

Why will the Bathysmed protocol enhance the potential of the highly sensitive individual?

• Well, let’s be honest, the protocol was created by ‘highly sensitive’ individuals, so we’re already on the right track.
• The Bathysmed protocol focuses precisely on emotional soothing through the use of bodily stimuli, meditation, and the development of enhanced attention and concentration abilities.
• Each Bathysmed level will assist the highly sensitive individual in their potential (physical, mental, and mindfulness).
• The complete protocol represents a powerful and scientifically validated toolkit in the psychophysical management of the diver.
• The feedback from divers who have benefited from the program is unanimous. At the end of the protocol, hypersensitivity becomes an asset and not a constraint!

The program interests you; you don’t need to be an experienced diver; it is also suitable for beginners. Our instructors, present in many countries, can provide you with information. Feel free to contact them.