Flashing lights, loud music, tight, itchy clothes—these are all sensory triggers that can make us feel, at the very least, uneasy. When our senses have too much to take in, we can quickly become overstimulated. But what does overstimulation feel like? And why does it happen?
We’ll explain the what, why, and how of overstimulation and give you some ways to address these uncomfortable, overwhelming feelings.
Our senses help us understand our environment, from the scratchy feel of a new sweater to the smell of food cooking in the kitchen to the hum of voices in a crowded room. Our senses paint us a picture, but that picture can become jumbled when there is too much information to process.
Overstimulation can happen to anyone, but neurodivergent people tend to experience it more frequently, especially if they have a sensory processing disorder. Many autistic people experience sensory input more intensely than neurotypical people, making them more prone to overstimulation in day-to-day life.
The brain is responsible for collecting and processing sensory input from sounds, tastes, smells, sight, and touch. When there’s too much information to process, the brain becomes overwhelmed and sounds alarm bells, assuming there is danger.
Overstimulation is an involuntary survival response to prospective danger. Our brain assumes that a noisy, chaotic, intense environment must be unsafe, so it sends signals to our nervous system when things get too loud, too crowded, or too uncomfortable. Excessive caffeine, stress, and social media use can also lead to overstimulation.
As with other stress responses, overstimulation is the brain’s way of protecting us, but the results can be unpleasant and difficult to navigate.
Overstimulation can feel different depending on the person experiencing it. There are physical, behavioral, and emotional changes that range from uncomfortable to overwhelming.
When someone is overstimulated, physical reactions can include:
Overstimulation is a physically, emotionally, and mentally draining state that can affect executive functioning. It can cause a person to feel scared, anxious, irritable, or angry, and it can also cause them to lash out at others, cry, or shut down.
It’s important to remember that these reactions are the brain and body’s ways of defending themselves. When overstimulated, people don’t act like they usually do because they don’t feel in control of themselves or their surroundings.
Overstimulation can happen gradually. The best way to navigate overstimulation is by getting ahead of it before it becomes unbearable. Here are some strategies to address feelings of overstimulation:
We can’t always control our environment, but we can take steps to find the resources, support systems, and strategies for coping with the challenges life throws our way. Whether you’re looking for everyday advice or specialized support, NeuroNav is on your side.
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