Feeling Good and Happy in a Highly Insensitive Society: 10 Practical Tips Backed by Science 

If you often find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the harshness and indifference of the world, you’re not alone. For 600 days we carried out daily open conversations with our readers and one of the most frequent topics discussed was being a highly sensitive person in a highly insensitive society. As a highly sensitive person, you may experience emotions more deeply and notice subtleties that others might overlook. In a society that often seems dismissive or uncaring, this heightened sensitivity can sometimes make you feel misunderstood or even excluded.

It’s easy to feel out of place when the world around you seems too loud, too harsh or too insensitive. But your sensitivity is not a weakness—it’s a strength that, when embraced, can lead to profound empathy, insight, and connection.

Navigating an insensitive society can be challenging, but it’s possible to find peace and happiness by honouring your sensitivity. You deserve to feel good and thrive, even in environments that don’t always accommodate your needs. By focusing on self-compassion, finding supportive communities, and creating personal strategies for well-being, you can feel more at ease and connected, without needing to change who you are.

In recent years, society has become increasingly characterised by insensitivity, as reflected in real-life experiences. From the rise of online harassment and cyberbullying to the growing mental health crisis, many people are grappling with the negative effects of living in a world that often seems indifferent to individual struggles.

Online Harassment and Cyberbullying

With the proliferation of social media, online harassment and cyberbullying have become significant issues, especially for young people. A 2021 survey by Pew Research Center found that 41% of U.S. adults have personally experienced online harassment, and this figure jumps to 64% for those aged 18 to 29. The internet, meant to connect people, has also created spaces where cruelty can flourish. Trolls and bullies hide behind the anonymity of screens, making harmful comments that they might not make in person.

For teenagers, the impact is even more severe. According to a 2023 report from the Cyberbullying Research Center, about 25% of teens have been cyberbullied in the last 30 days, with girls and LGBTQ+ youth being disproportionately targeted. This kind of online aggression leaves lasting emotional scars and contributes to the mental health crisis that is affecting younger generations.

Mental Health Crisis and Insensitivity Toward Emotional Well-being

Despite the increasing dialogue around mental health, many people still encounter stigma or dismissiveness when seeking help. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that globally, depression and anxiety have increased by over 25% since 2020, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, mental health services remain underfunded and far too many men and women feel they are the victims of a loneliness pandemic, alienated and unsupported.

In the U.S., data from the National Institute of Mental Health show that in 2021, nearly 1 in 5 adults (21%) experienced mental illness, yet more than 50% of those individuals did not receive treatment. Additionally, a 2023 study by Mental Health America revealed that people with mental health issues often report feeling that their concerns are dismissed as “overreactions” or “attention-seeking.” The lack of access to adequate care and societal pressure to “tough it out” exemplifies the broader insensitivity toward mental health struggles.

Workplace Insensitivity and Burnout

Workplace insensitivity is another clear example of the pressures people face today. Many employers prioritize productivity over the well-being of their employees, leading to a culture of burnout. The American Psychological Association (APA) found in a 2022 survey that 79% of employees experienced work-related stress, with 3 out of 5 reporting negative impacts on their mental health.

In many industries, there’s little room for compassion or flexibility when employees face personal difficulties. The result? Widespread burnout. The World Health Organization recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon, citing chronic workplace stress as a major contributor to mental and physical health issues. A Gallup poll from 2023 indicated that 44% of workers feel burned out “very often” or “always,” and this insensitivity to employee well-being is linked to lower productivity, poor mental health, and even increased turnover.

Social Inequalities and Economic Disparities

Economic inequality is another area where societal insensitivity is stark. In many countries, including the United States, the wealth gap continues to grow. According to a 2022 report by Oxfam, the richest 1% of the global population captured nearly two-thirds of all new wealth created in the past decade. Meanwhile, millions of people struggle with poverty, food insecurity, and housing instability.

In the U.S., homelessness has been on the rise, with a 2023 report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness estimating that over 582,000 Americans are homeless on any given night, an increase from previous years. Despite this, many cities have enacted policies that criminalize homelessness, such as banning sleeping in public spaces or fining people for loitering. This approach reflects a broader societal insensitivity to the structural issues that create poverty, instead blaming individuals for their circumstances.

Climate Change and Disregard for Environmental Impact

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence about the impacts of climate change, many governments and industries continue to act with insensitivity toward the environment and future generations.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported in 2023 that global temperatures have already risen by approximately 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, with devastating consequences for ecosystems and vulnerable communities.

Despite these warnings, many large corporations and world leaders continue to prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability. In 2022, the fossil fuel industry made record profits, with the world’s five largest oil companies earning a combined $200 billion, while global carbon emissions reached a new high. This insensitivity toward environmental degradation affects everyone, but especially low-income communities and those in developing countries, who are disproportionately affected by natural disasters, rising sea levels, and food insecurity.

Racial and Social Injustice

Racial and social inequalities are also prime examples of an insensitive society. In 2020, the killing of George Floyd sparked global protests against systemic racism, but the ongoing struggle for racial justice reflects deep-rooted insensitivity in many sectors, from law enforcement to healthcare.

According to a 2022 report by the Sentencing Project, Black Americans are incarcerated at nearly five times the rate of white Americans, showing a significant racial disparity in the criminal justice system.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed inequalities in healthcare. A study by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that Black, Latino and Indigenous populations in the U.S. experienced disproportionately higher infection and death rates from COVID-19 compared to white populations. These disparities highlight the insensitivity of a system that fails to adequately address the needs of marginalized groups.

From online harassment to workplace burnout, mental health stigma, economic inequality and climate inaction, examples of societal insensitivity are never ending. Despite these challenges, recognizing these systemic issues is the first step toward fostering empathy, compassion, and meaningful change. Real-life statistics and trends underscore how widespread insensitivity can leave individuals feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or excluded—but they also reveal the urgent need for a more understanding and equitable society.

Why is such a struggle to maintain a healthy emotional well-being, feeling good and happy ?

10 Practical Tips Backed by Science 

Most women often feel that the world around them is insensitive or harsh and every day we hear from women who struggle to hold on their natural good vibes. Whether it’s the fast pace of modern life, emotional distance in relationships, or the barrage of negative news and social media pressures, it’s easy to feel like the world is increasingly insensitive. However, research shows that happiness and contentment aren’t solely dependent on external circumstances. By adopting science-backed strategies, we can cultivate happiness even in an insensitive world.

Here’s how.

1. Shift Your Focus with Gratitude

One of the most effective ways to counter negativity and cultivate happiness is by practicing gratitude. Studies reveal that gratitude not only improves mood but also rewires the brain to be more optimistic. According to research by Dr Robert Emmons, people who regularly practice gratitude experience a 25% increase in happiness. A simple way to implement this is through daily gratitude journaling. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that keeping a gratitude journal for just two weeks significantly increased participants’ overall happiness and reduced stress.

2. Engage in Acts of Kindness

Engaging in random acts of kindness not only benefits others but also boosts your own well-being. Research conducted by the University of British Columbia found that performing acts of kindness increased life satisfaction and lowered anxiety. This is attributed to the “helper’s high,” where helping others releases endorphins—your brain’s natural mood lifters. A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that acts of kindness can reduce stress-related inflammation, further improving both mental and physical health.

3. Build Strong Social Connections

Humans are inherently social beings, and strong relationships are crucial for happiness. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness, found that close relationships are a significant predictor of long-term happiness. Individuals with strong social ties experience lower rates of depression and anxiety, and live longer, healthier lives. Fostering meaningful connections with friends, family, or community, even in a seemingly indifferent world, provides emotional support and resilience.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness—the practice of staying present—offers an antidote to the constant distractions and stressors that make the world feel insensitive. According to a 2011 Harvard study, people spend nearly 47% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they are doing, often resulting in unhappiness. Mindfulness helps refocus attention on the present moment, reducing stress and improving mood. A meta-analysis in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that mindfulness meditation significantly alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression.

5. Limit Exposure to Negative Media

Constant exposure to negative news and social media can significantly impact mental health.

Studies show that consuming negative news increases feelings of sadness, fear, and helplessness.

The British Journal of Psychology found that high consumption of negative media leads to higher levels of anxiety and stress. Setting boundaries for media consumption—whether through social media detoxes or limiting news intake—can create mental space for more positive, fulfilling activities.

6. Develop Emotional Resilience

Resilience is essential for maintaining happiness in an insensitive world. The ability to bounce back from adversity is key to emotional well-being. A report by the American Psychological Association highlights that resilience is not an inherent trait, but a skill that can be developed over time. One technique is cognitive reframing, which involves altering how you perceive and interpret negative events. Research from the University of Pennsylvania showed that individuals who practice cognitive reframing recover more quickly from stressful events and maintain a stronger sense of well-being.

7. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to boost mood and enhance well-being.

A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that regular exercise was associated with 43% fewer days of poor mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine—chemicals that are crucial for happiness and emotional regulation. Whether it’s a daily walk, yoga, or a high-intensity workout, staying physically active can reduce anxiety, manage stress, and promote long-term happiness.

8. Embrace Purpose and Meaning

Happiness often stems from having a sense of purpose. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, emphasized that “those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear almost any ‘how.'” Research in The Journal of Positive Psychology supports this idea, showing that individuals who pursue meaningful goals experience greater life satisfaction and lower levels of negative emotions. Aligning your actions with personal values and passions gives your life meaning and helps you navigate an indifferent world with resilience and joy.

9. Cultivate Self-Compassion

In a world that often feels critical or uncaring, practicing self-compassion is vital for emotional well-being. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance during moments of difficulty, rather than being self-critical. Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, has shown that those who practice self-compassion have lower levels of anxiety and depression. A study published in the Journal of Personality found that self-compassion increases psychological resilience, enabling individuals to cope better with life’s challenges.

Self-compassion is not about ignoring mistakes or failures but recognizing that imperfection is part of the human experience. Neff’s research suggests that self-compassion promotes a balanced perspective, reducing the impact of negative emotions and fostering greater emotional stability. Simple practices like talking to yourself kindly in tough times or engaging in self-care routines can help you maintain emotional well-being in an otherwise insensitive environment.

10. Pursue Self-Actualization

Self-actualization has been at the heart of work in the last two decades and if you are not familiar with this topic, I would describe it as the sum of your fullest potential, a powerful driver of happiness at different stages in your life circle. Abraham Maslow, the psychologist behind the concept, defined self-actualization as the desire to become the most that you can be. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, once basic physical and emotional needs are met, you can focus on self-actualization—the pursuit of a growth mindset, creativity and joy.

Research shows that self-actualization is closely tied to happiness and life satisfaction. A study published in The Journal of Humanistic Psychology found that people who pursue self-actualization—by exploring their talents, seeking personal growth, and engaging in meaningful activities—report higher levels of happiness and a stronger sense of purpose. Self-actualization involves a commitment to personal development and creating a life that reflects your true values and aspirations.

To pursue self-actualization, consider setting goals that align with your passions and strengths. Engaging in continuous learning, creative expression, and meaningful projects that resonate with your core identity can bring a deeper sense of fulfilment. When you live in alignment with your authentic self, external insensitivity becomes less relevant, and happiness becomes an internal, sustainable resource.

Living in an insensitive world can be disheartening, but it doesn’t have to diminish your happiness. By focusing on self-actualisation, gratitude, practicing self-compassion, cultivating kindness, building strong social ties and embracing purpose, you can foster emotional resilience and well-being, regardless of external circumstances.

Self-compassion and the pursuit of self-actualization further enhance your ability to thrive, allowing you to rise above negativity and lead a life of happiness and fulfilment. Happiness, as research consistently shows, is less about what happens to us and more about how we choose to respond.

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