Sensory Overload

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This sounds like my dad actually, except he's very unsuccesful at holding it in and usually just directs it at whoever happens to be around...

For me, sensory overload happens fast and can't be waited out. It can be caused either by a lot of stimulation (light, noise, people) or by a small number of scary objects that I fixate on, in case they're about to try something, even though I know I'm afraid of some stupid things that can't possibly hurt me. Then I get tunnel vision and I freeze up and any further stimulation (including, unfortunately, people trying to help me) becomes completely aversive and I need to hide or escape until I can deal with the world again.

I've gotten way better at "shielding", though, and this doesn't happen as often as it used to.

I'll be engaging in sensory overload tomorrow. I'm making a 500 mile 8 hour drive to my parents home for Christmas. I wear earplugs to reduce the fatigue caused by constant noise but there's little I can do to reduce having to pay attention and process all that visual information for such a long time. I'm okay for 4 hours, getting tired after 6 hours, and at my limit (or beyond) at 8 hours. I envy people who say they can drive all day and not be tired. I'll collapse on the couch and maybe take a couple of Tylenols when I arrive. It's hard to describe the strange feeling of brain fatigue that sensory overload brings. My body is fine but my brain is exhausted. Maybe it's the equivalent of what a runner's body must feel like after a marathon. It takes about a day for me to recover.

I get sensory overload in crowds. Millions of conversations going on at once and I can't think. Too much noise and activity. This makes me have a panic attack if it is bad enough.

I get sensory overload in crowds too. Even if there's just a lot of people waiting in line at Burger King. I can get it if there's too much visual information and noise too.
I can't stand strobe lights too. Is that sensory overload too? I don't have seizures, I just feel ill.

I know exactly what you mean. I like the way you describe it as fatigue.

Charlie x

I initially just get really disoriented, can't focus on anything or think properly. Then after a while, when my brain has started to actually process all the information, I get really tired and frustrated. I usually cry and then go to sleep. I need to be in a dark place after sensory overload, because I mainly overload visually, when there are too many bright things, flourescent lights, white walls, etc. Also when there are lots of people.

Don't strobe lights make evberyone feel sick?

My sensory overload comes in when there is just too much commotion going on from people talking to each other in a tight space... luckily I just get nervous and not freak out. Mozart, while his music has so many notes and at times can seem like almost overwhelming for me, it winds up being in good doses just to make me a lil' overstimulated in a good way. Bright lights and colors too - depends also on how much I take in. Example - the high contrast (whatever it's called) that appears on cable-run HD t.v.'s really makes my eyes wanna go nuts... I have to blink or look away while everyone else can still watch it.

I would think not. If they did, there wouldn't be strobe lights at concerts, dances, parties, and other places where people go with the intention of having fun.