National Hypersensitivity Day

This day is an opportunity to revalue hypersensitivity. Launched by Saverio Tomasella, it allows to better inform the leaders on the characteristics and modalities of hypersensitivity. They represent a quarter of the population and are estimated to number nearly 10 million in France. It is therefore necessary to take into account the specific problems of hypersensitive people and their place in society.

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1. BEING HYPERSENSITIVE IN THIS WORLD

One of the greatest difficulties encountered by hypersensitive people is the judgmental look given to them.

Soft, weak, sensitive, whiny… The vocabulary used around this word shows the cold view that society can have towards emotional expression.

Since 2019, the term hypersensitive has been the talk of the town; implying a de-culpification and awareness of the emotional values that people can carry about themselves and/or their surroundings.

“Who am I? Why am I like this? Am I normal?”…

All these questions imply that it is essential to realize that these interrogations are not born from the character trait in question, but from the image that society in general sends back. Basically, beyond the difficulty of living with this emotional overflow, it is the judgment of others and therefore the judgment on oneself that weighs heavily.

Protecting oneself from the gaze of others, learning to get rid of the imposed social image is one of the first steps towards self-acceptance and therefore, towards a better living of one’s hypersensitivity.

2. IT IS NOT A PATHOLOGY

You read that correctly. Hypersensitivity is not specified in the DSM because it is not a disease, it is not pathological: it is indeed a character trait.Helen Aaron talks about “temperament” but many other psychologists are beginning to disagree and therefore to deconstruct her ideas which seem to be rather shaky and contradictory.Moreover, Helen Aaron would have created a self-questionnaire which would not measure hypersensitivity, even if the title indicates this idea, it remains more on a sensitivity basis.

Let’s not forget that this questionnaire is a self-questionnaire, which implies that the Barnum effect will undoubtedly be present.

The Barnum effect is a cognitive bias (as well as a manipulation technique) that leads an individual to consider a general and vague description of personality traits as applying precisely to his or her own personality.

The inevitable consequence of this well-known questionnaire is that people suffering from various pathologies, difficulties or disorders are not taken care of, or diagnosed. Such as phobias, anxiety, depression, borderline personality, bipolarity, ADHD, etc. or will leave out patterns that need to be worked on such as fear of abandonment or even a hidden emotional dependency. At the organic level, some people may experience symptoms similar to hypersensitivity for people with sleep disorders, thyroid disorders, menstrual disorders that will affect emotions.

It is therefore important to consult a professional and to establish a real diagnosis beforehand.

3. HYPERSENSITIVE: IT’S NOT A QUESTION OF GENDER

It is commonly said that women are more sensitive than men.

However, feeling is a human trait, regardless of gender; and the same goes for emotional excesses. Unfortunately, sensitivity is associated with a feminine trait, and not always for the better.

We can assure you that men are also affected by this salient character trait. Because of this society that imposes a “masculine virility”, the hypersensitive character of the man can be censored on their own in an attempt to blend in.

What is important here is to deconstruct the stereotypes because feeling is at the heart of human functioning.

4. A BRAIN IN OVERDRIVE?

In hypersensitive people, sensations and emotions are increased tenfold. However, contrary to what one might suppose, the sense organs do not have superior faculties. Your five senses are particularly reactive and sensitive: it is more particularly a defect of inhibition (latent) of the external stimuli. You perceive stimuli that escape most people, and it is even frequent that sensory manifestations from the environment become invasive. You have neither the visual acuity of a lynx nor the fine sense of smell of a dog!
The uniqueness of hypersensitives results from a more efficient, multiple information processing and a more important brain activation during sensory stimulations. You can have fun trying to see if you have this super power with this questionnaire.

5. IN CONCLUSION: BE YOURSELF, AND BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Hypersensitive or not, this does not have to be a label that guides a person’s life.
Hypersensitive or not, it is always possible to work on one’s self-confidence, on assertiveness, on assertive communication, on self-determination.
Hypersensitivity should not be an end in itself, it should not be a hindrance in your life, but a strength.

“I am anxious because I am hypersensitive”.

It is always possible to change one’s beliefs in order to detach oneself from fears, from patterns that poison our lives.
A follow-up with a psychologist can lead you to a healthier daily life and to inculcate a mantra, a self-motivation that can last as long as YOU want.
Whether it’s through relaxation, hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, EMDR or cognitive behavioral therapy, there are many ways to do this, but it’s important that you find an alternative therapy that works for you.

VRT (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy), helps expose the person gradually – and safely – to different types of environments. This will allow you to work on your difficulties in virtuo, before the exposure in reality.

A therapy that is beneficial and respectful of the evolution of each person.

Do you need further information or have any specific questions ?

FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
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