## Overwhelming Stimulation: Recognizing Signs, Related Disorders, Personal Coping Strategies

Sensory overload is a common experience for many people, particularly those with certain neurological conditions or mental health issues. It occurs when the brain receives more sensory input than it can process, leading to stress, anxiety, and cognitive or emotional dysregulation.

Sensory overload can affect any of the senses: hearing, sight, smell, taste, touch, balance, and body position awareness. For instance, if you find it difficult to focus in a noisy environment or if speaking over the TV volume takes too much energy, your senses may be overwhelmed. Similarly, if you're sensitive to textured fabric or clothing tags, or if sudden sounds make you flinch, you might be experiencing sensory overload.

Conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and sensory processing disorder are associated with sensory overload. About 90% of autistic people have atypical sensory experiences, and people with fibromyalgia have higher sensitivity not just to pain, but to other sensations like light, smell, and sound.

Sensory overload can be caused by a busy environment, tiredness, hunger, or sensitive neurology due to these conditions or medical issues like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It's important to note that sensory overload is not a choice a person makes, and people who experience it can benefit from empathy and support.

Managing sensory overload involves understanding its triggers and employing self-calming techniques. These can include yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, counting to 10, an exit strategy, a calming activity, sensory fidgets, maintaining a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and restful sleep. Taking a break from current activities can also ease stress and discomfort.

Emotional changes like irritability, anxiety, restlessness, crying, agitation, and anger can result from sensory overload. In some cases, it may lead to signs like meltdowns in children and irritability in adults. Sensory overload activates a fight, flight, or freeze response, which can be distressing.

If you suspect someone is experiencing sensory overload, assessing the environment can give you clues to help. For example, if a person is acting out, it might be due to a loud and busy environment, too many voices at the same time, unfamiliar spaces, or crowds.

It's crucial to remember that everyone's sensory thresholds are different, and what might be overwhelming for one person might not be for another. By understanding sensory overload and its triggers, we can create environments that are more inclusive and supportive for everyone.