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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How do you handle sensory overload?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Orlando, FL

I have recently discovered that when I’m in crowds, loud music, multiple conversations I become unusually anxious. Even if I am having a good time. When I get home my husband says I’m talking crazy fast, louder and just hype. My mom told me the same.

May 2
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Answer Summary

Members related strongly to the question about sensory overload, sharing how crowds, loud music, and busy environments trigger anxiety,... Read more

Members related strongly to the question about sensory overload, sharing how crowds, loud music, and busy environments trigger anxiety, exhaustion, headaches, and even short tempers. Several members described how these struggles changed their life plans, with one noting retirement dreams of travel and socializing replaced by a preference for quiet at home, and others finding humor and solidarity in how the disease reshapes daily life. A recurring theme was the comfort in knowing these experiences are common, not isolated, with one long-time member sharing that building coping skills over decades helped them live well despite a late diagnosis.

MyMSTeam

What you're experiencing sounds very much like sensory overload, which is a real and recognized challenge for people with MS. Your nervous system can become overwhelmed when processing too much stimulation at once — crowds, noise, and multiple conversations all hitting at the same time can push it into overdrive.

The Show Full Answer

What you're experiencing sounds very much like sensory overload, which is a real and recognized challenge for people with MS. Your nervous system can become overwhelmed when processing too much stimulation at once — crowds, noise, and multiple conversations all hitting at the same time can push it into overdrive.

The "hype" feeling afterward makes total sense — your nervous system has been working overtime and hasn't quite wound down yet. Here are some strategies that may help manage sensory overload:

- Take planned breaks — step outside or find a quiet space during busy events to give your nervous system a reset
- Limit background noise — position yourself away from speakers or high-traffic areas
- Practice deep breathing — this can help calm your nervous system in the moment
- Give yourself wind-down time — build in quiet decompression time after stimulating events
- Give people a heads-up — letting your husband and close ones know what's happening helps them support you better

One MyMSTeam member described it well: *"Sensory overload is a huge problem I have, and it leads to feeling extremely overwhelmed and agitated."*

It's also worth bringing this up with your neurologist, as they may have additional strategies or referrals to help manage it effectively.

May 2
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member this is me too, combined with the fact I (a 6'6" man) and am regularly out paced by my 5'4" wife, who often reminds me that that I used to be able to keep up and even once set the pace...

May 3 (edited)
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member & @A MyMSTeam Member it really is a life changing disease. Every day things become a chore

May 3
A MyMSTeam Member

I don't handle crowds or loud very well. I get anxious and a little short tempered

May 3
A MyMSTeam Member

I understand! My daughter is a professional child singer and we have to go to NYC often for shows etc. I get very overwhelmed, it is so loud and crowded and people shouting. I almost always get a headache and feel exhausted after .

May 3

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