Sensory overload: the feeling that occurs when the brain can't take it anymore and collapses
Sensory overload, a state where the brain is overwhelmed by too much sensory information , can lead to extreme responses such as fight, flight or freeze. This phenomenon, which is more common than you might think, affects people of all ages, causing everything from loss of control to exhaustion.
In situations of sensory overload, everyday activities can become challenging, making concentration and emotional stability difficult. The episodes, although intense, are usually transient, disappearing after a few minutes, especially in those who have experienced previous episodes.
Some people are particularly susceptible to overload. Photo: iStock
The triggers for overload are varied and even everyday: bright lights, loud sounds of sirens or transport, and strong aromas persist as clear examples.
Sometimes symptoms appear without an obvious trigger, but that doesn't mean the individual is losing his or her mind; on the contrary, it is a common and recognized response of the brain to excess stimuli.
Origins and detection of sensory overload Anna Jean Ayres, an American therapist, identified this phenomenon in the 1970s, noting that the brain can receive conflicting signals when it fails to process information from all the senses properly. In addition to the five known senses, Ayres highlighted the importance of proprioception and the sense of movement , which are fundamental to understanding overload.
Grace Tworek, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains that sensory overload can paralyze a person, comparing it to a computer displaying a blue screen when it can't process any more data. "It's the sympathetic nervous system that activates our emergency responses," Tworek adds.
Vulnerable groups and management strategies People with sensory processing disorders, such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , are particularly susceptible to overload. Research indicates that the different brain structure in individuals with ADHD influences how they process stimuli.
There are common triggers for overload, such as bright lights, smells and loud sounds. Photo: iStock
To manage and potentially prevent sensory overload in children and adults with autism, cognitive-behavioral and exposure therapies are recommended. Stella Maris De Vita, a graduate in Psychopedagogy, emphasizes that these therapies should be supervised by professionals, since inadequate management can initially increase anxiety.
How to live with sensory overload Identifying the stimuli that trigger overload is key. Loud noises, visually saturated environments, strong smells, or particular textures can be common triggers.
De Vita also mentions that family and educational support is crucial, especially for children who may show signs of being overwhelmed through disruptive behavior or tantrums.
Finally, it is essential to communicate to loved ones what it means to live with sensory overload . Suggesting alternatives for social gatherings, learning relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, and having items on hand that can counteract negative stimuli, such as calm images or pleasant aromas, are useful strategies for managing this sensory challenge on a daily basis.
More news in EL TIEMPO *This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from La Nación (GDA), and was reviewed by a journalist and an editor.
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