Why do I get overstimulated in busy places?

Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the body’s senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell, or taste become overstimulated. In this crazy fast-paced world in which we live, we are constantly bombarded with stimuli. Fatigue and stress can also contribute as they may result in heightened senses. For example, think of a simple trip to the grocery store. As soon as you enter the store, your brain is immediately hit with a massive amount of information. Noises coming from multiple sources; music playing, overhead loudspeaker announcements, the constant chatter of customers and staff. Then add in bright overhead lights, rows of products and colors and shapes, people everywhere pushing their carts, and staff working to stock the shelves. Your brain has received more input from the five senses than it can handle. Your brain receives all its information from your senses, interprets it, then controls your reaction. But if it is receiving more information than it can process or make sense of, it sends signals to your body that you need to escape from the source of the overload. This can start off as feeling anxious, but if you are unable to remove yourself from the situation and feel trapped, it can quickly build into panic. Each person is different when it comes to sensory overload. One person may be extremely sensitive to loud noises, whereas another may be bothered by strong odors. Sensory overload can cause you to feel irritable, restless, and have difficulty focusing. It is overwhelming, frightening, and exhausting.