In the rush of a regular day, stress can sneak up on us without warning. Even the simplest tasks can snowball into chaotic messes, leaving us feeling overwhelmed. From a broken washing machine to a complicated work project, unexpected hurdles pop up everywhere. Suddenly, even normally tolerable things like loud noises and bright lights become unbearable. When all of this chaos hits, it’s a sign that you’re overstimulated.
According to a consumer survey by Best Therapies, a staggering 71% of Americans experience overstimulation, with those numbers increasing by generation. Gen Z leads the pack, with 85% feeling they have a low bandwidth to handle things, followed by Millennials at 82%. Overstimulation is a relatively new term in our lexicon, but what does it actually mean? What causes it? And how can you handle it if you or a loved one is experiencing overload?
Dr. Chelsea Sarai, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the Brentwood Therapy Collective, defines overstimulation as when the nervous system receives more input than it can process effectively in a given moment. This input can be external, like noise and demands, or internal, such as emotional content and stress. Being overstimulated is not a flaw, but rather a capacity issue, she explains.
Emotionally, being overstimulated can make you feel edgy, which can be mistaken as irritation or anger by others. Small things feel magnified, patience dwindles, and feelings of irritability, restlessness, or tearfulness may arise. Physically, overstimulation can manifest as muscle tension, a racing heart, shallow breathing, or a desire to escape.
While overstimulation can affect anyone, it may be more common for those with mental health conditions like anxiety, attentional difficulties, or trauma. Dr. Sarai distinguishes between sensory overload, primarily related to the five senses, and emotional overstimulation, which encompasses not only sensory inputs but also relational tension, multitasking, and unprocessed stress.
Recognizing the signs of emotional overstimulation can help you or a loved one navigate these overwhelming feelings. Signs like snapping at minor issues, withdrawing from conversations, feeling disproportionately annoyed by noise, or experiencing decision paralysis are all red flags. Learning to regulate emotions and address lifestyle patterns that contribute to chronic overstimulation can be beneficial in managing these overwhelming feelings effectively.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.