55: Liabilities of Being Highly Sensitive

Sensitive Stories

Sensitive Stories
55: Liabilities of Being Highly Sensitive
Jun 17, 2025 Episode 55
April Snow and Huong Diep

Do you hide your sensitivity and push yourself beyond your limits? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Huong Diep about breaking old patterns of masking and: 

• The process of unmasking and making room for your sensitivity 

• Navigating the push-pull of simultaneously craving rest and stimulation as a High Sensation Seeker (HSS) 

• The challenges of being a BIPOC HSP growing up in an immigrant family 

Huong is a board-certified psychologist and HSP/HSS who specializes in helping sensitive and neurodivergent individuals navigate life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and identity shifts. With a global perspective gained from living, working, and traveling to over 50 countries, she blends cultural awareness with clinical expertise to create a safe, empathetic space for her clients. Huong is passionate about helping people embrace their unique strengths, set boundaries, and reconnect with their authentic selves.

Keep in touch with Huong:
• Website: http://www.drhdiep.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drhdiep 

Resources Mentioned:
• High Sensation Seeking self-test: https://hsperson.com/test/high-sensation-seeking-test 
• Differential Susceptibility research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19883141
• Big Five Personality Traits: https://positivepsychology.com/big-five-personality-theory/#what-are-the-big-five-personality-traits   

Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at:
https://www.sensitivestories.com

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This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.

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Episode Artwork 55: Liabilities of Being Highly Sensitive 39:51 Episode Artwork 54: Healing in Safe Relationships 49:21 Episode Artwork 53: Unlearning Perfectionism + Embracing Softness 44:19 Episode Artwork 52: Feeling Deeply + Living Out Loud 53:18 Episode Artwork 51: Enjoying Sex Worth Having 45:25 Episode Artwork 50: Balancing Work and Creative Passions 44:50 Episode Artwork 49: Tidying Up + Letting Go of Overwhelm 56:48 Episode Artwork 48: An HSP’s Infertility Journey 48:44 Episode Artwork 47: Honoring Your Thresholds as a Black HSP 47:03 Episode Artwork 46: Healing Burnout Through Books 38:48 Episode Artwork 45: Social Justice for Sensitives 45:17 Episode Artwork 44: Grieving Through the Seasons 46:23 Episode Artwork 43: Self-Care as Sensitive Leadership 38:09 Episode Artwork 42: Cutting Family Ties as an HSP 42:03 Episode Artwork 41: Symbolism of Self-Care 47:02 Episode Artwork 40: Using Food to Cope with Sensitivity 42:36 Episode Artwork 39: Finding Your Voice Through Fierce Self-Compassion 49:03 Episode Artwork 38: Creatively Finding Your Freedom as an HSP 48:33 Episode Artwork 37: Nurturing Supportive Friendships as an HSP 45:14 Episode Artwork 36: Embracing Your Sensitive Awareness 52:20 Episode Artwork 35: Releasing Your Emotions Through Creativity 58:50 Episode Artwork 34: Navigating Dating Burnout as a Sensitive Person 41:24 Episode Artwork 33: Sensitive Self-Care Through the Seasons 51:01 Episode Artwork 32: Embracing Depth and Connection as a Highly Sensitive Person 41:21 Episode Artwork 31: Surrendering into Softness + Less Anxiety Through Music 52:21