How Do You Recover from Sensory Burnout?

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I never do well with loud noise or too many different sounds happening at once, but usually once I remove myself from the situation, it only takes an hour or two until I'm no longer agitated.

I don't know what has built up, but I haven't been able to shake auditory over stimulation for several days. The cat purring on my lap is about all I can handle. I keep snapping at my daughter because I can't handle her questions. I couldn't even walk home on a beautiful day.

What does everyone else do to recover from sensory episodes?

I call it a sensory diet. I remove all stimuli for several days or weeks as needed. I seldom ever watch television but I keep that off, as well as no visitors or interruptions, no music / radio, artificial light, food with a scent, etc. I pare down to my most comfy pyjamas, and avoid real clothing as much as possible too. I stay inside to control the environment and avoid unexpected sensory input from outdoors. After a period of decompressing, I introduce sensation back into my life by gradual steps.

When I shut down last month I lived by candlelight and familiar books until I slowly acclimatised to sound (music) for a few days, and and then after a week or so with music, I was able to add a few soft lights or wear blouses and nice clothes again. It's been a month and I'm almost feeling like myself, but two previous burnouts were much longer.

Feel free to PM if you'd like an outlet to chat.

Hugs to

I can’t watch television anymore. I find it obnoxious. It’s just another thing that leads to overload. Getting into soft cotton clothing is also a good idea.

Usually, I just hide out in my room until I feel ready to face life again. I also listen to music but I'm not sure if that would work in your situation. Just a thought!

Thanks for your replies! It's not possible to totally hide away with a five year old, but I let her plug in while I read an entire book. That seemed to bring me back.

Wrongfully

Badly

Slowly


Alone, quiet, dark, lie down