What Is Sensory Overload?
Sensory overload occurs when our sensory systems (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) get bombarded by too much stimulation from the environment. It’s like your brain goes, “Hold on, I can’t handle all of this input at once!”
While it is commonly associated with neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD, this can affect anyone.
People who experience sensory overload tend to have highly-sensitive senses compared to the average person. It means they perceive sensory input in a way that might be more intense or overwhelming.
Signs and Symptoms
Recognising the signs and symptoms of sensory overload is a great first step. Here are some common indicators to be aware of:
1) Overwhelm and Emotional Distress:
Firstly, sensory overload can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally distressed. This heightened state can hinder the ability to engage in daily life.
2) Tiredness and Difficulty Concentrating:
Secondly, when the senses are overwhelmed, it can be hard to concentrate or engage. Normal activities can feel incredibly difficult and draining.
3) Irritability and Mood Changes:
Additionally, it can trigger irritability and mood changes as the body moves into a ‘fight or flight‘ state. Oftentimes sufferers withdraw or disengage from others, in an attempt to block some of the input.
4) Discomfort or Pain:
Finally, sometimes people experience physical discomfort or pain as a response to sensory overload. This can manifest as headaches, muscle tension, or heightened sensitivity to sound, touch or textures.
The Link to Eating Disorders:
Eating disorder behaviours often develop as a way to cope with difficult feelings and emotions. Therefore, sensory overload can exacerbate the need for these coping mechanisms.
For some, sensory triggers can include smells, textures and flavours, which can play a part in eating disorders developing. Those suffering from avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) often have strong preferences around the smell, texture and flavours of food.
Identifying your triggers and finding healthy ways to cope can help you to feel in control when sensory overwhelm occurs.
How Natural Food Therapy Can Help: Sensory Overload
At Natural Food Therapy, we understand that sensory overload can play a role in eating disorders. That’s why we consider it as part of your recovery process. Together we can overcome the challenges it brings, creating a nurturing environment for lasting recovery.
Click here to learn more about our online private recovery programme.
