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Re: Senses overwhelmed

Posted by Noa on January 8, 2002, at 18:48:42

In reply to Senses overwhelmed, posted by janejj on January 3, 2002, at 0:35:33

Yes.

I do get the anxiety symptoms--physical and emotional--in crowded places, overstimulating places, etc. I used to have it much worse, but overtime, I have come to accept that I don't like crowds or places that put me on sensory overload. I have learned to respect that and to plan accordingly when possible. I don't go to rock concerts even when tempted (like upcoming BJ/EJ tour). Or 4th of July fireworks. I opt out when friends invite me, or I might go to some things if a modified plan is possible--if I think I could enjoy it for a short amount of time, for instance, I might drive separately so I can control that, etc.

I have learned to manage malls, etc. for a certain amount of time, as long as I'm able to monitor whether my mood is right for dealing with a mall. I also have learned to guage when I've had enough--am I tired, hungry, hot, overstimulated, etc. etc. Well, most of the time I can do that. Sometimes I miss my cues. It helps if I am as unencumbered as possible--leave my coat in the car, don't carry much on me, wear comfortable shoes, etc.

When a mall or store is unfamiliar to me, if it is very overstimulating, I can become a bit disoriented and dazed by it all. Recently I was shopping with a friend who is very comfortable shopping--she can orient herself in any unfamiliar store anywhere anytime--and we were in a very overstimulating store in a very overstimulating mall. I let her lead the way, and we did have a plan for only going to certain stores where she and I needed to look at things (ie, not cruising the whole gigantic mall). In this particular store, I got that dazed and confused look on my face. We were looking at some things I was considering buying, but I just couldn't focus or engage in the process of deciding--I kind of zoned out--not entirely, but partially. I think it was a bit of derealization--feeling somewhat removed. I know it was the coping strategy my mind needed to deal with the overstimulation. My friend said it was pretty striking how zoned I was compared to my usual way of being. I decided to not make a decision at that time because of the overstimulation and feeling zoned, and we moved on and out quicker, although I was able to tolerate being there while she got her stuff, which didn't take long. Now that I know what that mall and store are like, I probably won't go there much, and if I do, it will probably be a more limited, targeted shopping trip.

I can handle movie theatres, but wouldn't say I am comfortable in most--in the coming and going part--once seated I'm fine. Some that are known to me to be too hot, too crowded, too overstimulating--I don't go to those.

I tend to find noises louder than other people do. Sometimes at the movies, it hurts my ears. This was especially so when I was very depressed---I would plug my ears with tissues and it would still seem too loud! But even when not depressed, I find loud noises irritating, where other people seem not to mind. Same with lots of color and lights, etc.


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