Holiday Sensory Overload: How do you manage?

I so like being with my family. I have learned to tell them I am tired and they have to go home, which is so hard to do. The recovery after one busy day does rake 2-3 days.

I really like the responses. I hadn't realized there was another person "like" me, let alone "many"! What a strange comforting it is, too. My neighbors and friends, such as I have, have complained about my seclusion or need to be alone. I truly do understand and hope my last days will be as open to others like me .

@bodega You're never alone here on Mayo Clinic Connect. There are unknown numbers of people gently nodding their heads in agreement with your comments! I liken it to an iceberg. You see, anyone can access these forums, without the requirement of signing up or becoming a member. It's only when we decide to ask a question, or offer a response, that we need to go through the protocol of becoming a member.

That said, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, again. Like you, neighbors and friends sometimes raise their eyebrows or "cock their head" when I have to stand up for myself and want time alone. Taking care of yourself is paramount.
Ginger

I keep it small, manageable and honest. If I don't feel up to it, I share that. No excuses, no little white lies! Just the real deal! I believe the holiday rigor catches up with everyone, even our most outgoing holiday enthusiasts! Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays and a wonderful new year!

@bodega Hello there. Needing to have alone down time is essential for many people. I'm glad you found comfort in others sharing and felt less alone.

@rwinney @windyshores @yellowdoggirl @bnancy @budo7 @jansendscards @gingerw @louisezielinski, can you describe what the sensory overload feels like?

Also, what signs would you like others to notice when you're starting to feel overwhelmed? How might they help?

@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

Well said! Thank you for sharing! It is like receiving an unfavorable health diagnosis, questions are everywhere, once you put a label on it you become empowered and can make a plan to navigate the waters! Thank you!

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?

I love that you communicate, and advocate for yourself, Ginger.