“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.”
– Rachel Carson (1907-1964), an American marine biologist, conservationist and writer who is best known for her groundbreaking book ‘Silent Spring’, published in 1962.
LAST week, I dove into the intricate world of sensory processing. In my exploration, I encountered the complex challenges individuals face when their brains can’t adequately process the flood of sensory information.
This journey helped me glean a deeper understanding of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and its substantial impact on one’s daily life. As I reflect on that experience, I can’t help but notice how our fast-paced, hyper-stimulated world amplifies another pressing issue: sensory overload.
So, why explore sensory overload in our modern society? Our lives are filled with vibrant sights, alluring sounds, rapid technological advancements, and an avalanche of information.
While this stimulation can be exhilarating and enriching, it can quickly morph into an overwhelming barrage that takes a toll on our emotional and physical well-being.
In an era where simply walking down a busy street can trigger a cacophony of sounds and visuals, it becomes essential to understand how these stimuli affect our wellness and mental health.
Being keenly interested in understanding the human experience, I can’t ignore the alarming statistics related to sensory sensitivity and overload.
A study published in ‘Sensory Processing and Neuroscience’ highlighted that approximately 5-16 per cent of the population experiences sensory processing difficulties, with many unaware that they’re facing sensory overload.
According to Dr Lucy Jane Miller, an expert in sensory processing, “around one in six children has sensory processing difficulties, which can carry over into adulthood”.
With the growing prevalence of technology, our world has become a relentless sensory playground. Notifications from our smartphones, blaring car horns, and the constant chatter in coffee shops create a backdrop of sensory input that can quickly become overwhelming.
As mentioned in a peer-reviewed article in the ‘Journal of Abnormal Psychology’, prolonged exposure to high levels of sensory stimuli may lead to increased anxiety, stress, and in some cases, depression.
In 2023, researchers found a significant correlation between sensory overload and the incidence of anxiety disorders, underscoring the need for awareness and intervention.
Understanding the concept of sensory overload is crucial for not just those who may experience SPD, but for everyone navigating this stimulus-rich world.
The signs vary widely among individuals but generally include irritability, difficulty concentrating, headaches, fatigue, and emotional instability.
Dr Temple Grandin, a prominent autism advocate and scientist, highlights the importance of creating sensory-friendly environments saying, “Sensory overload can deepen feelings of anxiety in people who are wired differently. It’s critical to recognise those signals and carve out spaces that support calmness.”
As we become more adept at recognising these signs in ourselves and our loved ones, we can begin meaningful conversations about our shared experiences. Acknowledging sensory overload can pave the way for both individual well-being and collective societal change.
Increasingly, experts agree that sensory overload is not just an acute phenomenon but a chronic struggle for many. A recently published study by research scientist Dr Mona DeLuca at the University of California, Berkeley, highlights the brain’s remarkable yet sometimes overwhelming ability to adapt to sensory inputs.
Dr DeLuca points out that “the sheer volume of sensory stimuli in our modern lives can overwhelm even the healthiest of brains”.
While our neurons are equipped to process vast amounts of information, chronic overload can disrupt neural pathways and lead to decreased psychological resilience over time.
This brings us to a crucial point: understanding our sensory environments can lead to healthier, more balanced lives.
One of the key aspects of human experience is our ability to sense the world around us. Our senses – sight, sound, touch, taste and smell – are vital for our understanding of reality.
However, the fast-paced digital age we live in has generated an enormous amount of sensory stimulation that can be hard to manage. A study published in the journal ‘Psychological Science’ indicates that running concurrent tasks that involve heightened sensory engagement can impair cognitive function and lead to diminished emotional well-being over time.
The study also suggests that individuals report greater levels of anxiety, decreased attention spans, and impaired social interactions during periods of high sensory overload.
The importance of addressing sensory overload isn’t merely about comfort. It has tangible implications for mental health.
Chronic sensory overload can elevate stress hormones, interfere with sleep, and disrupt overall mental health, leading to anxiety disorders or even depression in vulnerable populations.
A notable quote from Dr Karen O’Kane, a leading expert in sensory processing, highlights this connection: “Our brain’s ability to maintain equilibrium amidst constant stimulation is vital for our mental health – and when we fail to do so, the consequences can be profound.”
For the average person, becoming aware of the signs of sensory overload can be empowering. Symptoms may include irritability, headaches, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating.
Recognising these indicators is the first step toward addressing them. With this awareness, we can take proactive steps to minimise sensory overload in our daily lives.
Simple practices, such as creating calm spaces at home, engaging in mindfulness techniques, utilising noise-cancelling headphones in public areas, dimming lights, and engaging with calming scents, can enhance comfort and well-being.
A recent study published in ‘Environmental Psychology’ found that such adjustments could lead to decreased stress levels, not only enhancing individual well-being but also fostering a more inclusive environment for those experiencing sensory overload.
Navigating a world filled with potential sensory overload might seem daunting, but various strategies can help mitigate its impact. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and grounding exercises, have been found to be effective in reducing stress and helping individuals regulate their responses to sensory stimuli.
According to Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program, mindfulness can create a “space between stimulus and response”, allowing individuals to gain control over their reactions to overwhelming situations.
As we delve deeper into understanding sensory overload, it’s imperative to advocate for awareness and solutions in our society. More than ever, workplaces, schools, and public spaces must prioritise sensory-friendly designs.
This could mean creating quiet zones in busy offices, allowing for flexible working conditions, or even implementing sensory breaks during classrooms. As Dr Miller emphasises, “If we can make environments more inclusive, we will help everyone thrive.”
While individual strategies are essential, systemic change requires collective effort. Advocating for policies that foster sensory-safe spaces and encourage mental health resources will create an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of sensory sensitivities.
To summarise, may my exploration of sensory overload serve as a reminder that we must pay attention to the overwhelming world around us.
Recognising the signs and understanding the importance of sensory processing can facilitate a deeper connection to ourselves and others. It is through this understanding that we can engage in meaningful dialogue surrounding mental health, create inclusive spaces, and strive for a more harmonious existence in an increasingly complex world.
This journey is not taken lightly; it’s an invitation for all of us to reflect on our experiences, advocate for ourselves and others, and ultimately foster a more understanding society.
As we navigate this stimulus-rich world, we can evolve toward a future that values well-being as much as it does stimulation. And in this evolving landscape, advocacy, awareness and understanding will be our guiding stars.
In the upcoming sharing, I shall delve into cultural narratives and practices, uncovering how cultural backgrounds shape and define unique sensory experiences.
Join me next week as we continue this journey into understanding the cultural dimensions of sensory perception, enriching our approach toward achieving well-being in a world full of sensory wonders.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
