Supermarkets are my nemesis, blotting my copy book on an otherwise quite successful recovery from stroke. In my opinion, they contain all the elements needed for a perfect storm. Strip lighting, endless shelves of products to search through, background music, announcements, and bustling crowds can feel like an assault on the senses.
What I experience is called sensory overload, and it can happen to anyone. However, it is more common in people living with a stroke, brain injury, autism, PTSD, fibromyalgia, and other neurological conditions. When too much information is processed at once, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, confusion, and panic.
Understanding sensory overload has helped me recognise my triggers and develop coping strategies that allow me to remain independent and continue doing everyday activities.
What is Sensory Overload?
Sensory overload occurs when the brain receives more information from the senses than it can comfortably process.
If you think of the brain as a computer and your senses as the way information is received, sensory overload becomes easier to understand. When too many sights, sounds, smells, or other sensations compete for attention at the same time, the brain can struggle to filter what is important.
For people recovering from a stroke or living with a brain injury, this process can become even more challenging.
I didn't fully understand this until a particular incident during the nation's infamous "toilet roll shortage". Faced with empty shelves, crowded aisles, and rising stress levels, I found myself becoming completely overwhelmed. The noise seemed to merge into one overwhelming sound, and a simple search for baked beans ended in panic. I abandoned my shopping and headed straight for the exit.
Only later did I realise this was sensory overload in action.
Common Symptoms of Sensory Overload
Sensory overload can affect people in different ways. Common symptoms include:
- Feeling overwhelmed in busy environments
- Increased anxiety or panic
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion or disorientation
- Tearfulness or frustration
- Irritability
- A strong urge to leave the situation
- Fatigue after spending time in crowded places
Understanding your personal triggers is often the first step in managing symptoms effectively.
For me, the biggest triggers are loud noise, harsh lighting, and crowded spaces.
Coping Strategies for Sensory Overload
While sensory overload can be challenging, there are practical ways to reduce its impact.
Online grocery shopping can be a helpful option for some people. Personally, I prefer planning supermarket visits during quieter periods and shopping with my partner, who understands my needs and recognises when I may be struggling.
I also divide shopping into smaller, more manageable tasks and use a list to reduce the amount of time spent in the store.
Wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard can also help. Many supermarkets recognise the scheme and understand that individuals wearing the lanyard may require additional support or patience.
These strategies do not remove sensory overload entirely, but they help me feel more confident and in control when carrying out everyday activities.
How Home Care Support Can Help
For people living with the effects of stroke, brain injury, or other long-term conditions, practical support can make everyday life more manageable.
At Right at Home Solent, our Care Assistants can provide companionship, support with shopping trips, community access, and personalised home care support that helps individuals maintain their independence and confidence.
Having the right support in place can make it easier to continue enjoying everyday activities while managing the challenges associated with sensory overload.
If you would like to learn more about the services available, please contact our friendly team on 01329 556719.
Helpful Resources
You can learn more about sensory overload and coping techniques through these resources:
- Understanding Sensory Overload – The Busy Papa
- Coping Strategies for Sensory Overload – The Health Sessions