What is a Sensory Overload in a Person - aeonSolutions/AeonLabs-Safety-Health GitHub Wiki

Sensory overload occurs when a person's senses—such as sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell—are bombarded with more input than the brain can process effectively. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, or even panicked. The experience is often described as an inability to focus, where everything feels too intense or chaotic.

• Irritability or agitation: Feeling easily frustrated or annoyed.
• Difficulty focusing: Trouble concentrating or processing information.
• Anxiety or panic: Feeling anxious, uneasy, or on edge.
• Physical discomfort: Headaches, nausea, or a sense of being physically overwhelmed.
• Withdrawal or avoidance: Wanting to escape from the situation or avoiding places with too much sensory input.

• Loud noises: Crowded places, alarms, or loud music.
• Bright or flashing lights: Strobe lights, bright screens, or intense visual stimuli.
• Strong smells: Perfumes, chemicals, or strong food odors.
• Touch: Unexpected or excessive physical contact.
• Multiple stimuli at once: Trying to process multiple conversations, sounds, or sights simultaneously.

• Neurodivergent individuals: Those with conditions like autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder (SPD) are more prone to sensory overload.
• People with anxiety disorders: Anxiety can heighten sensitivity to sensory input.
• Anyone under stress: Even neurotypical individuals can experience sensory overload in highly stressful or stimulating environments.

• Remove yourself from the situation: Find a quiet, calm place to regroup.
• Use sensory tools: Noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, or fidget toys.
• Practice grounding techniques: Deep breathing, focusing on one sense at a time, or mindfulness exercises.
• Create a sensory-friendly environment: Reducing clutter, minimizing noise, or using soft lighting.

Understanding and managing sensory overload can help improve daily functioning and reduce stress in environments that are overly stimulating.