ADHD + Sensory Overload
So, along with a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis, I also realized as an adult that I have some pretty major sensory processing issues.
Turns out I'm not obscenely irritable in certain situations because I suck as a person, but because my brain literally cannot process competing sensory inputs and goes into crisis mode. Who knew?? It's amazing how the pieces start falling into place once you realize you're not a freak of nature, your brain is just wired differently.
As it happens, tons of nuerodivergent people struggle with sensory overload on a regular basis. From mild discomfort to agonizing, life-disrupting anxiety. It's because our brains can't prioritize sensory input, so it tends to either a) freak out; b) shut down; or c) both.
For example, driving to pick up a grocery order yesterday afternoon almost broke me. My kids were talking loudly in the seats behind me. They weren't fighting, just talking and being loud, as kids are known to do. Then traffic unexpectedly backed up. I started noticing how uncomfortable my pants were, how my ponytail holder seemed to be pulling my hair, and how the seat belt was hitting me in an awkward place. My phone and watch kept buzzing with notifications. Somewhere near me, a car honked. I was ready to crawl out of my skin. I felt so crazy that I turned one intersection too soon and wound up on the freaking interstate instead of turning into the shopping center I was aiming for.
My brain couldn't process all of the incoming sensory input, so it shut down.
This isn't an uncommon experience. I'm the mom that CANNOT tune out the noise when the kids have friends over. I want to. God, I want to. But as I sit there, trying to hold a conversation with the other kids' mom (and one of my closest friends) my attention is constantly pulled away to every squeal, crash, thump, or laugh. I hear multiple voices, music, maybe the sound of a tv. My nerves feel frayed. I try to mask and act normal, but it's almost impossible. Suddenly, I realize the room feels warm.
Is anyone else warm? It's hot in here, right?!
When people think about "sensory overload" they typically think about the obvious things. Large crowds - malls, concerts, amusement parks - maybe bright, flashing lights or really loud noises. But the truth is, there are tons of smaller things that can add up and cause overload in nuerodivergent people, things that neurotypicals might not think twice about.
Clothes that are too itchy, too binding. Tags that scratch. Seams that rub against skin. Socks that aren't lined up just right in your shoes. Shoes, for that matter, that feel too tight, too restricting. Someone's perfume. Competing smells in a crowded place. The textures of certain foods. (gag) Brushing your teeth. Brushing your hair. Clutter. Traffic. Too much movement in your peripheral vision. Competing voices of different people speaking in the same room, or someone trying to talk to you while there's music on or the tv playing in the background.
Any one of these can make someone with sensory issues feel overwhelmed. Combine a few of them in a single situation, and well... it can feel like hell, to put it frankly.
So what can we do? Noise canceling headphones for starters. GAME CHANGER. Buying soft, tagless clothes can help.
But also, let people know when you're struggling.
I frequently tell my kids, friends, parents, whoever I happen to be around, that my brain is having a hard time processing and I need a minute. My oldest has gotten to where she asks what she can do to help. It's absolutely my aim to normalize this for my kids so they know that it's 100% okay to vocalize when they're struggling and tell someone what they need to do to feel better.
Do you struggle with sensory issues? What are some of your triggers?
