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Holiday Sensory Overload: How do you manage?
Managing sensory overload during the holidays or other social settings can be challenging. Due to Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS), my brain receives louder messages from my body and surrounding stimuli. I have sensitized sensors that over-react to light, sound, smell, taste, temperature, movement and touch. That being said, comfort and control may not be easy in all settings, especially holiday gatherings where there are multiple people talking, laughing and joking. Music playing, mixtures of aromas from food, candles and perfumes, along with a spectacle of lights and temps. Not to mention stress alone from the hustle and bustle.
I would love to hear how you have worked towards controlling sensory overload? What tips can you share that helped you be more comfortable in social settings that produce sensory overload?
MODERATOR'S NOTE
The knowledge exchange shared in this discussion helped to create this article written for the Mayo Clinic app and website. Knowledge for patients by patients and beyond Mayo Clinic Connect.
– Sensory overload? Try these tips for socializing https://www.mayoclinic.org/connected-care/sensory-overload-try-these-tips-for-socializing/cpt-20525812
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Sounds like MS or CSI.
Regards,
Rob
@yellowdoggirl Good question. It depends on doctors extended knowledge and awareness about chronic conditions beyond their specialized lane. Many doctors are not aware or familiar with CSS. At Mayo Pain Rehab there is an interview process with doctors to determine if they think CSS is present. They look at the patients entire health history and records to determine if CSS is present. Diagnosing is process of elimination. Determining that a condition has moved from acute to chronic. Have you rallied back to your PCP? They should have your entire health history to review.
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1 ReactionThe tips shared in this discussion helped to create this article written for the Mayo Clinic app and website. Thank you everyone for creating knowledge for patients by patients and helping to share these tips beyond Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you @rwinney @budo7 and @yellowdoggirl for your contributions.
See the article here:
– Sensory overload? Try these tips for socializing https://www.mayoclinic.org/connected-care/sensory-overload-try-these-tips-for-socializing/cpt-20525812
Kudos!
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6 Reactions@colleenyoung Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm proud this conversation was useful and helpful in creating an article used for Mayo Clinic beyond Connect.
@budo7, @yellowdoggirl and all who share and participate to not only help themselves but others, thank you. You never know who's watching, reading, or listening. Kudos all around!
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5 ReactionsIt's the time of year again that sensory overload is bound to happen. As the family, food favorite Thanksgiving approaches and kicks off the holiday season - what thoughts, concerns or ideas do you have regarding sensory overload from the smells, sounds, sights, temperatures and touches?
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1 ReactionI had no idea that there was actually a name for what I experience every time I’m in a noisy, brightly lit environment! I have a lot of compassion for those of you with this condition. I have learned to limit my exposure to people who speak and/or laugh loudly and avoid places that are very brightly lit. Loud music makes me very jittery and uncomfortable. By uncomfortable, I mean borderline pain. Thank you for the suggestions to deal with this.
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3 ReactionsI'm so happy to hear you found some helpful information. Isn't it so much more comforting when you can understand the reasons why something may affect you? You mentioned limiting time which is one of the tools to help with CSS symptoms. In addition to time limitations, graded exposure has also been very helpful for me. Gradually exposing so that your sensors can adapt gently. That may mean 5 minutes each day then building up to 6 minutes each day 7 the next so forth so on. Some people can overcome certain symptoms through graded exposure, others hit a plateau and find their sweet spot. Have you ever tried using graded exposure to build up your tolerance to sensitivities?
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2 ReactionsI have not heard of graded exposure. I understand the concept but how would that work? Seems like I would want the opposite, less and less exposure to sensitivities. Please explain.
We have a number of family members with these sensitivities - some on the Autism spectrum.
We handle it by having a quiet space for those who need to have hit their limit - for my daughter & nephews, this includes a quiet, companionable activity like a jigsaw puzzle. They wander in and out of the larger gathering as their comfort allows. We are still adjusting with our grandson, but he is usually happy with a quiet spot, a box of crayons or markers and some paper. We have a 3 season porch that we heat for the holiday with a space heater, and a door that closes.
We also have a number of people who easily get audio overload, including me, and some who are hearing impaired and can't deal with the background noise. So no background music and NO TV at gatherings.
Sue
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5 ReactionsThanks for posting this. I don't know if what I have is CSS or early stage dementia or the normal slowing of mental processes with old(er) age (I'm 70), but when activity increases like when my kids and grandkids come over, my brain can't keep up with it - mentally overloaded - so much so that my brain tends to tune it out.
I'm having a hearing test soon because I can't discriminate speech from background noise, but I suspect there's a lot more to this.
Suggestions?
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