Too much sensory input

[Justmehere]

My symptoms have been super duper high lately. I’ve managed some huge triggers around trauma lately, which has been exhausting. I’m working on some tough things inside and outside therapy.

But one stressor is sending me right up to the edge: too much sensory input. A jarring commuter train. A volunteer talking in my ear while another volunteer is talking to me. A bright sun.
My whole being feels like I’d feel if someone ran fingers down a chalkboard for hours.
I need suggestions on how to manage this. Reducing exposure isn’t really an option. When I manage to get to the other side of processing a traumatic event, this stressor doesn’t get to me anymore so easily. Not like this. Until then, I need ideas to manage this.

 

[Freida]

Bose noise cancelling headphones. I got mine in a pawn shop (way cheaper) and they are a lifesaver. When I have to ride the bus I pop them on with some music going and poof! no more noisy bus.

Really good sunglasses -- never leave home without them

Two people talking at once? Walk away. "Sorry, I need to grab whatever just over there and I'll be right back." By the time you get back one of the two will be gone and will catch up with you later

 

[honeypie058]

Overstimulation for me is rough on any occasion. Add PTSD and it makes me batty.

I can't really avoid more than two people talking because of my children but I do manage to get a few minutes between conflicts to jump in the shower or hop in my car and blast the radio.

My staple for outside is a big wide brim hat and sunglasses. Haven't really master crowds and noise but I like the suggestion of the big headphones. I think I'll take it to my next therapy appointment, waiting room is a bit torturous at times. Hope this helps some.

 

[ILoveLife]

Headphones without music, just to filter the sound.
Dark sunglasses for daylight, can't leave home without them at all lately..
There are filters for computer screens, they're usually pretty cheap.
Two people speaking at once, gently say with a smile "One at a time, please"

:) Hope this helps, I deal a lot with this issue. Sometimes it's not triggered, but the trigger for symptoms in itself.

 

[barefoot]

Agree with the others - noise cancelling headphones (often not even playing anything through them) and sunglasses. I never leave home without either.

And some nice suggestions here re what to say when people are yakking to you at once. Either lightly say you need one at a time otherwise you can’t hear anyone or excuse yourself for a little time out.

Good luck - I know how unpleasant and stressful this can be.

 

[Freemartin]

I find it helpful to concentrate on the stimuli in a conscious, matter-of-fact manner.
What I mean is that if I can't escape the excessive sensory input, I try to really make sense of it. I concentrate on the sounds: what am I really hearing? Does it require some action from me? Does any of it mean I'm in danger somehow? Then the visual stimuli: what's happening? Am I threatened? Do I need to take action?

More often than not, the situation is benign and doesn't really require any action on my part. But when overloaded with sensory input I feel threatened. I feel I have to take action and make the situation stop. Focusing on what's really happening almost always makes the situation seem less chaotic and non-threatening.

Just my two cents.

 

[ILoveLife]

I'm going to try that @Freemartin .. excellent advice

 

[Gs172003]

My symptoms have been super duper high lately. I’ve managed some huge triggers around trauma latel...

I've been struggling with this myself

 

[Teamwork]

I find it helpful to concentrate on the stimuli in a conscious, matter-of-fact manner.
What I mean i...

Just wondering f this is based on mindfulness? I’m doing some mindfulness work and this sounded like you explained allowing?it is a great explanation of something? Thank you

 

[Justmehere]

I’ve got headphones, dark glasses, learning to hold boundaries with the volunteer who talks in my ear...

Super overwhelmed by everything going on around me, and trying a mindfulness approach. my nerves feel jarred.

 

[Fadeaway]

I hear you. Sadly the only thing that really helps me is a large chunk of sleep. Sleep doesn't come easy when you are over stimulated, so I usually end up in the e.r. asking for a shot of Ativan.

 

[Freida]

meditation and epsom salt bath? That might get your nervous system down a bit so you can sleep -- which would give you more stamina??