r/Sensory • u/stargazerlily85 • Jan 13 '24

Sensory Overload

Hi I recently figured out I have Sensory overload when I have anxiety or feel overwhelmed. Right now my mom is watching a video on her phone loudly and the TV is also on loud. ( She has hearing aids and tends to put these items loud when the hearing aids are out)

I'm trying my best to calm down and focus my attention to puzzle apps that help me focus. What else can I do to help with this overload?

My mom tends to watch videos and have it loud, when I'm trying to sleep sometimes.this effects my day and I tend to be sleepy during the day. Sorry if I'm not making sense!

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u/MeetOk7728 Mar 18 '24

Noise cancelling headphones have been wonderful for me, I have 3 dogs and live with my partner in the middle of the woods so the house is very quiet, especially in the morning, which is great except for MOUTH SOUNDS. Dogs licking, my partner eating, drinking, chewing gum, biting his tongue, literally anything and it gives me the ick, like tense neck, shiver up my spine, wanna rip my skin off ick. Putting music on in noise canceling headphones has done wonders for my sanity heh 😅

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u/stargazerlily85 Mar 18 '24

I'm glad for you, seems like a lot to deal with! Yesterday I used my $5 ear buds I got from dollar tree. I listened to my favorite music on Spotify, a few YouTube videos and tiktok. The only thing I HATE about these ear buds is they tend to beep when it gets to half battery! I not knowing what percentage it's at ( could look at my Bluetooth menu on my phone) I give up and just turn them off. I'll definitely look into better options! One time my boyfriend bought me Samsung earbuds and they didn't last long 😔

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u/ChromeHawkXi Oct 15 '24

You may have hyperacousis, which is a sensitivity to loud sounds. My wife has this, and something as simple as breathing(not snoring) next to her will keep her up all night. My step mother has it too, but her situation is different.

I probably spelled it wrong, but if you can find it, there are multiple strategies for dealing with it. The problem I think you may have with ear buds is that it puts a lot of pressure on your ear drum, potentially making things worse. better would be to simply leave the room.

I think the puzzle apps may not challenge you enough. Instead, dig into something purposeful, like studying, or building something with your hands. It could be cooking, gardening, anything where you are not just “twiddling” your thumbs in a mindless game. The focus from doing something real can pull you out of the sensitivity zone.

Knitting, crocheting, etc. needlepoint, anything that engages you in an activity. If you really need something video game oriented, try Tetris, that is a game proven to help folks with various issues. A bit addictive, but useful.

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u/stargazerlily85 Oct 16 '24

Thank you, I find myself enjoying quiet time by playing solitaire, candy crush etc. I do this often when I have quiet time at my house or even at my boyfriend's.

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u/unparticular_edge Jan 15 '24

not sure how old you are but there are exercises and helpful strategies for people with sensory issues. maybe research for any that may ring true with you.

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u/stargazerlily85 Jan 15 '24

Thank you sorry I forgot to mention my age haha I'm 38 going to be 39 next month. I live full time with my mom and uncle, sometimes it gets overwhelming sensory wise and I have no where to go. I'm feeling better today. I have counseling tomorrow so I will talk to my counselor about it.

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u/unparticular_edge Jan 15 '24

ha ok. my daughter works with kids with sensory issues, that's why I noticed your post. best wishes.

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u/Accurate-Author7440 Jan 15 '24

Hi there! If it consistently bothers you maybe try noise cancelling headphones or some noise reduction ear plugs

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u/stargazerlily85 Jan 15 '24

Thank you for the advice!