Darkness to Dialogue: Living Well With Mental Illness

  How Heightened Perception Shapes Mental Health Recovery The Quiet Power That Became a Burden I used to think I was just too sensitive. I’d notice the slightest shift in someone’s tone, a microexpression others dismissed, or tension in the room before anyone spoke. These cues meant everything to me because earlier in life, those small signals were early warnings of danger. One memory stands out vividly. When I was in maybe fourth or fifth grade, I went to a classmate’s house. Things started off fine, but I quickly began to feel uneasy. The house was dim, the blinds closed, and there was an odd heaviness in the air. At one point, the parent made a comment about my appearance in a way that felt uncomfortable. We spent a little time in her room, but soon I felt sick to my stomach. I wanted to leave, but I didn’t want to alarm my friend or have to explain why. So I tried to think of a subtle way out. I suggested we go for a walk, and when I saw another friend’s house nearby, I pr...