@colleenyoung I can speak to my experience, and realize that others may have very different reactions.

Sensory overload comes in the form of auditory stimulation, whether from music, voices, children's high voices. I get jittery [my hearing is very sensitive] and want to shut down/go hide in a quiet area. Likewise visual overload can be presented in too much activity, blinking/changing lights, which can make me simply shut down and be almost catatonic. For me, my senses of smell, sight and hearing are finely attuned, and are easily overwhelmed.

A few times, until he learned, my husband would "laugh it off" seeing me get increasingly uncomfortable in a situation. After careful education and discussion, he has seen what a deep effect it can have on me [and the resulting anger from me when it is not taken seriously]. Now, I usually do not subject myself to an environment where there may be a chance of overload. He has learned I would rather be away from crowds, busy commercial venues. And if there is a sudden situation, when we are together, he will will ask me, "would you like me to finish and you can go back to the car?", allowing me to make the decision, which I appreciate greatly.
Ginger

In my case, having CSS, I am in a position of trying to overcome or increase my tolerance by using graded exposure, or realizing my plateaus and adapting to them. For example, light. When in the florescent lightbulb lit classroom at Mayo rehab, I was taught to introduce bright lights for 5 minutes one day, 10 minutes the next, 15 minutes the next, before putting on my baseball hat for eye protection. This did help and began to de-sensitize my over sensitized sensors. In addition, I removed medications that were not medically necessary which also allowed for my sensors to calm down.

I am pleased to say that graded exposure helped me in some cases to a degree with light, sound, temperature, to reduce sensitivity. I'm very grateful for that. CSS will always remain and adapting to environments for the best quality of life remains a goal. I do have deal breakers that I will not put myself in such as concerts, fireworks, laser lights, movie theaters. If an event or party occurs I do my best to join, as to not not isolate myself, but with a time limit set for my tolerance. I communicate honestly with my family and friends so they understand and respect my needs, and always try my best to problem solve and find solutions. Sometimes it just is what it is though and its ok to state your deal breakers if its for your best comfort.

For me, discomfort may occur from exposure or overexposure because my sensors respond to stimuli at a mush higher level. I may feel pressure, pain, tightening, aching, stabbing. Calming things down by removing myself, setting time limits, using breathing exercises, meditation, and visualization is the best way for me to manage. In discussing pain, its also important to understand that each time you talk about pain, think about pain or respond to pain negatively, you access your pain pathways giving pain more life. Don't access the network, so to speak. It's not always easy but it does work.

I hope everyone had a nice holiday season! In what way were you able to find small pieces of sensory comfort and joy?

@colleenyoung , Awareness is the first step in managing it. Next is naming, where I paused. I get hot, feel pressure like my whole body is being squashed, can't concentrate, can't "do anything" productive, feel like a trapped animal, and just need to escape.
It seems that the only people who can tell or help are those who know me well and/or those who share the same reaction/response.
The pandemic has helped a little by reducing crowded events, avoidance being my main control.
I have not yet been able to substantially improve my response to overload. Recognizing it while in process is as far as I have come.