Overwhelmed by the sensory bombardment of everyday life? Picture this: the harsh lights of the grocery store stinging your eyes, your once-soft sweater now feeling like rough sandpaper against your skin, and your child’s music recital triggering a pounding migraine. The accumulation of irritants reaches a peak by day’s end, to the point where the mere sound of your partner breathing makes you want to unleash a primal scream into the depths of your pillow. This scenario might not just be your run-of-the-mill agitation; it could be indicative of overstimulation.
Dr. Andrew Kahn, a licensed psychologist specializing in conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and anxiety, explains that overstimulation can manifest as a bombardment of sounds, sensations, and stimuli overwhelming your senses. In certain instances, the sheer volume of incoming information can send your nervous system into a frenzy, prompting your body’s fight or flight response to kick in. This heightened state of arousal can manifest as symptoms like overheating, rapid breathing, and heart palpitations, generating extreme discomfort and distress.
Each individual’s threshold for sensory input varies. Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with conditions like ADHD or autism, may struggle more with filtering out stimuli, making them more susceptible to being triggered by abrupt noises or excessively bright lights. On the other hand, some people possess a higher tolerance level. If you find yourself frequently grappling with overstimulation, Dr. Kahn suggests proactively identifying potential triggers and taking preventive measures where feasible, such as utilizing noise-canceling headphones while running errands. In moments of unexpected sensory overload, practicing deep breathing techniques can help you regain a sense of calm and transform overstimulation into more manageable levels of stimulation.
