I feel like I'm always hypersensitive to everyone and overly emotional. I know there are people out there who say it's a good thing, it's who you are. No it's not! At least not for me. I'm always thinking everyone is trying to hurt me and I feel like lashing out at people. I feel very sensitive to everyone's remarks. This hurts all my relationships.

What is the cure or root problem? I did grow up in a very abusive home and am doing therapy for it.

[Thunder Bow]

You got your own answer to it. The sensitivity is due to your growing up situation.

[BLUEDOVE]

I used to be where you are,and discovered that where
I live,there WERE people who criticised just for hell of it,and yes,I was sensitive,anybody WOULD
BE if getting abused by loonies. Get some books on
assertiveness and learn to stand up for dear self.
Deepest Respect,
BLUEDOVE

[Agentfyre]

If you find yourself taking remarks too personally, then it likely has to do with feelings of insecurity or vulnerability. But before I say anything on that, I have to say that it's very insightful to notice that about yourself! Not many people would, and I only point this out because we all need to identify our strengths in order to take care of ourselves properly.

With that said, There's likely insecurity or feelings of vulnerability behind the sensitivity. People can have sensitive temperaments, and that can make it easier to be sensitive, but you're probably right to feel there's something more than just that.

People don't like to be vulnerable, especially when we feel we're in an unsafe environment. We can allow ourselves to feel vulnerable, but only if we trust the people around us not to hurt us. If you find yourself afraid to be vulnerable around others, then the next thing to figure out is why? Why do I find these people unsafe? And part of that may relate to the abuse when you were younger.

It's very similar for insecurity. Here, there's old wounds (which is really a vulnerability also), and I feel I have to defend those wounds so I don't get hurt. Either way, being sensitive is a safety mechanism. It makes sense, if you defend yourself you'll likely be safer. The only problem is that you sometimes end up defending yourself pre-emptively, and this pushes people away rather than creating a safe environment.

Does any of this fit for you? I could be way off base, but if you feel like any of it fits, let us know.