Your Reaction to Injustice Is Real—Here’s Why It Feels So Intense

Educational
Written By Ian Nichols

For those that don’t know, the definition of justice sensitivity is the “tendency to notice and identify wrongdoing and injustice and have intense cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions to that injustice.”

What Is Justice Sensitivity? 🧑🏽‍⚖️

Justice sensitivity can show up in different ways, like:

  • Feeling afraid you might be treated unfairly

  • Seeing unfairness when others don’t

  • Feeling really sad about big problems in the world

  • Feeling guilty when you hurt someone, even by accident

 

Why Neurospicy People MIGHT FEEL IT MORE 😣

Justice sensitivity isn't only a neurodivergent trait. Anyone can feel it, especially during tough times.

As circumstances change (see: the world right now), sensitivity can change too.

Some neurodivergent people, like those with ADHD or autism, often feel justice sensitivity more deeply. Their brains process information differently, which can make unfairness feel extra intense.

Many people don’t even know that what they’re feeling has a name.

People without justice sensitivity might not understand how someone can feel so strongly about something that seems small to them.

But those people can help by being patient, listening, and offering support.

How to Calm down When It’s too much 🧘🏻

If you have justice sensitivity, here are some simple steps to help calm your nervous system:

  1. Name It: When you feel upset, tell yourself, "This is justice sensitivity." Naming it helps your brain understand what's happening.

  2. Breathe Slowly: Take deep breaths in and out. Slow breathing tells your body it’s safe.

  3. Use Comforting Touch: Place one hand on your heart and one on your stomach, or give yourself a gentle hug to help regulate your nervous system.

In these moments, your job isn’t to fix the world's problems. It’s just to help yourself feel safe again.

BALANCING Strength & WEAKNESS ⚖️

Justice sensitivity shows you care about fairness. That’s a good thing! It means you want the world to be better.

When your nervous system is calm, you can:

  • Have more energy to work on solutions

  • Support others going through tough times

  • Think clearly about how to make a difference

But remember: it’s not a virtue or flaw. It’s just part of who you are.

Justice Sensitivity Self-Check ✅

This week, pay attention to how you react to bad news:

  • Do you avoid it? Do you distract yourself?

  • Do you feel really emotional? How does your breathing change?

  • What do you tell yourself? Do you think about past experiences?

Just notice what happens.

And remind yourself that whatever you feel is okay.

It’s okay to care deeply in a world that sometimes feels cold.

We need people like you.

Ian Nichols
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