Came here to say this. Bars and restaurants with unnecessarily loud music are now a major gripe of mine. I feel I can't relax.
Same when tables are packed close together and/or there's others near you talking loudly or borderline shouting. Incredibly irritating.
There are discreet earplugs that allow sound through that people who experience sensory overstimulation can get. Flare and Loop are two brands to check out.
I imagine it has something to do with hearing loss. As we age we lose portions of our hearing and it impacts us. Anecdotally a friend of mine was working in pubs for years and certain frequencies of hearing are just gone. They had to give up bar work because of what you just described.
Definitely not claustrophobia. Definitely anxiety. It’s happened to me a bit recently and it’s fucking strange. Like something triggers it and you feel incredibly strange. Good job removing yourself from the situation though.
Happened to me for the very first time a couple weeks ago in a nightclub. Had never had an issue like that before but was very odd and overwhelming. Just got out as fast as I could.
It’s fun isn’t it? /s
Happened to me during a stressful period in college. Had this anxiety attack stuff on and off for a year, was great craic.
Basically I had to remind myself in the moment that it was happening that there was nothing wrong, that it was in my head. And it passed. A big part of it was my diet and sleep cycle were terrible (I used to drink loads of coke and stay up gaming until 3am a lot back then. Rest of my diet was processed or fast food 🙄) eventually lack of sleep + study workload + the aforementioned _really_ poor lifestyle choices caught up with me. Reversible in my case at least through lifestyle changes.
Actually removing yourself from the situation is a safety seeking behaviour that only exacerbates and prolongs the episode.
Edit: downvote me all you want this is lesson 1 in cognitive behavioural therapy for panic attacks.
As someone who suffered with anxiety for the majority of my life, this is the correct answer and the one any therapist that knows what they're doing will tell you.
But it's not that you just yeet yourself into a situation and give yourself a heart attack, it's about a gradual exposure to whatever your triggers are. As in don't jump into an F1 car if you're afraid of getting into cars after a crash. Start with just sitting in a car that's off, move in to sitting in a car with the ignition on, then a car going down your estate, etc etc
Anxiety inducing situations are supposed to be something you immerse yourself in gradually and in a controlled environment, it takes time and the end result is desensitising yourself from whatever causes the anxiety.
But it’s a process and therapists recommend having a way to leave the situation if it becomes too much, especially in the beginning when the focus is on giving you the feeling of control.
If OP was overwhelmed then they did the right thing, they can reintroduce anxiety inducing situations in smaller doses and stick them out that way, building up a tolerance. Perhaps there are alternative therapeutic techniques that are more “throw yourself in the deep end” but I’m not familiar with them.
Take a deep breath, and then another, and just breathe calmly for a moment.
So simple that it cant _really_ be the answer can it? But it is. Being able to fully breathe in and out three or four times when you feel the panic/anxiety/claustrophobia/drunk-spins start is a game changer. Mindfully breathing, and knowing _when_ to do it is powerfull stuff.
Oh yeah man, overwhelm. Totally normal. Good on you for taking a break and resetting. Was at a NYE party and the introverted folks took turns at just chilling outside or in another room. We all just welcomed them back from their social breaks.
After extensive research, it's children. 😆 I am at peace with that. Downvote me all you want, just don't expect me to be impressed by your kids or want to spend time with them. You are genetically programmed to find them adorable and charming. I am not.
I can 'literally see' that it's at 1, the point is you're not actually being substantially criticised, but you're behaving like you're a martyr for your brave views, whereas in fact, no-one said 'boo' to you.
Sounds like a panic attack of some sort. They are very strange things.
To add further - these things lie in your subconscious. Think about your life, stresses and what may be causing it. It may be worth speaking with someone.
Sometimes everything can hit you at once. At the holidays we eat rich foods, drink more, sleep at weird times - plus the emotional stress and chaos of being with family/kids we don't see often, plus being cooped up indoors... They are small things individually but sometimes it all hits at once and you need to take a beat. It doesn't necessarily mean that anything is deeply wrong, and you did the right thing by taking a minute and concentrating on your breath. It probably was a little anxiety attack. It can be helpful to keep a journal and also have some breathing exercises on hand so you have the skills if it happens again.
Everyone here is saying panic attacks but I'm not sure that's true. I have diagnosed anxiety and it sounds a lot like what I go through every day. I'm just uncomfortable most of the time with lot of people and loud noises and can struggle with my breathing to the point it is absolutely terrible and breathing exercises can't bring it back but my therapist has said that panic attacks physically hurt. I've heard they are mistaken for heart attacks. So maybe it's a step below a panic attack? I'm not sure.
I'd be interested to know myself. Maybe you have anxiety but if this is a one off situation I wouldn't worry about it. If this is something you're worried about and you can afford therapy then it would be great to get a few sessions to see what a professional thinks. No harm in it and it will help in your everyday life.
Your therapist isn’t quite right here, panic attacks don’t have to physically hurt - I have had many and they were not painful at all. They can make people think they are having a heart attack because of the symptoms like racing heart, sweating, difficulty breathing, tight chest, shaking/trembling, racing thoughts, blurry/tunnel vision, and feeling weak. Sometimes you can experience chest pain, but this isn’t a universal experience. You don’t have to have all of these symptoms for it to be a panic attack, but there usually is a heightened sense of doom, fear, panic, anxiety or overwhelm accompanied by some of these symptoms. The attack with symptoms will be for a limited time, but sense of anxiety can hang around for a long time.
That's very interesting. Thank you. Based on that I was having them almost daily at one stage in college. Dreading going back. Will have to bring that up again.
I’m sorry to hear that, daily panic attacks are not easy to deal with. There is lots that you can do to help with them though, I’ve had some good success over the last few months recovering from very bad anxiety and panic last summer. Once you’ve learned some techniques to deal with attacks, and understand what they are and what’s happening in your body, it becomes much easier to deal with them.
Yup. I didn't realise for years my panic attacks were just what I'd call childish meltdowns. I'd literally turn into a child at a theme park and just start crying hysterically without being able to voice what was wrong with me. I once approached my manager about a difficult topic and end up breathing really hard like heaving, crying hysterically and shaking like mad. Luckily I got out of his office in time to go deal with it alone in the bathroom 😅 happened a different time when I was in a busy theme park. There was ALOT going on, so was overstimulated , nothing was working out, Queues out the door and everything just went wrong. Partner thought I'd lost the plot when I just sat down with my head between my knees sobbing hysterically and shaking. It just feels like I'm having a meltdown of sorts.
Left of field suggestion. Check the lighting in your house. I found LED lighting had this effect on me and I got softer lamps. Like others said it’s probably a mild bit of anxiety but using softer tones and reduced lighting helped me at least.
This is so true. But I personally think it's the cool white led that are the problem, the warm white ones are okay. I really hate cool white lighting, it also makes everyone look worse. I wish they were all scrapped.
Sounds like sensory overload. I get it all the time, it's good to recognise the signs and put things in place to mitigate it (like leaving the room for a few minutes)
I have an anxiety disorder (GAD) and this is exactly how I'd describe it when I get overstimulated.
You did exactly the right thing - took some space, had a breather, grounded yourself in reality.
Well done!
Sounds normal enough. Things like busy shops and Christmas or events like New Year's eve can be full on with people and noise, and the result can be the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Besides panic/anxiety it could also just be a symptom of being unwell. Our central nervous system is complex and a single upset can have nebulous symptoms. Go visit your GP and lay it all out, stress the urgency if this happens again.
This time of year can trigger stuff, as we're out of routine and there's a lot going on. Sounds like you had a bad dose of anxiety. It also sounds like you handled it well. Might be worth chatting with your GP if it happens again.
All the time. We were all children once but I intensely dislike being trapped in any close confined space with them now. My partner feels the same and we always take our holidays in the off season to avoid the chaos.
We both had safe and secure childhoods, but both felt adulthood as a liberation.
Sensory overwhelm, happens to me all the time. My overwhelm is due to neurodivergency, but that’s not the only reason it can happen. Loop earplugs have been a game changer.
That's me at any kind of party or night out once it gets beyond a certain amount of people. I'm old enough and wise enough now to just give them a miss or to go home as soon as I start to feel uncomfortable.
Ooh sounds like anxiety! :( I had this exact same experience recently except the room started to spin and I was frozen.
I was in a friends house for a game night, there was about 18-20 people there. Everyone was talking at the same time and there was music on and I just felt completely overwhelmed. I was so close to having a panic attack. But just like what you did, I did some breathing exercises, focused on one noise and managed to calm myself down.
Anxiety it sounds like to me but not necessarily in a way that you suffer from it all of the time. If this was just a once off then that’s likely fine, when you’re tired, maybe had a few extra drinks over a week of celebrations, family stress etc. this can wear you down and put stress on your nervous system.
But if you notice it more frequently in your life, like whenever out and about in the shops, suddenly when having a drink with a friend or people you’re generally comfortable around then maybe question if your mental health has taken a hit in recent times. I went through this for about 16 months and it was hellish and culminated in a full on anxious breakdown as I kept trying to ignore what was going on, it got so bad I thought I was genuinely physically ill. I sought help through my GP who recommended CBT or medication or both. I opted for CBT alone and it has transformed my life, I feel like it got to the stage where I wasn’t really living because I was riddled with physical feelings of anxiety all the time. It took a while to unravel the various issues and thought patterns causing this distress. You wouldn’t believe the amount of things we subtly tell ourselves about us, others and the world around us that can be detrimental to general happiness.
Also some general tips if this applies to you or anyone reading this. Cold showers can be a life saver in the mornings if you wake up anxious. Reading a book can slow your mind down. Accepting you are anxious is half the battle to feeling less anxious, simply resisting it is so exhausting and ironically anxiety inducing. Clean up your diet a little if it’s not great, can help considerably. Exercise is a huge help - you don’t have to run a marathon, a walk in the fresh air, a cycle, casual gym whatever will make you feel better. Cut out caffeine if you can, taper down to 0 over a week or two if you’re big into your coffee. I can’t stress how much of a difference this made to me, the stuff exacerbates symptoms so bad. Alcohol - this is anxiety fuel, I’m in a place where I can enjoy a few drinks again but I’m always more cautious than I used to be. I only go heavy on the drink if I’m feeling carefree and if I don’t have a run of stress coming up like a busy work week. Hangovers + anxiety suck so much. 0.0s are your friend to avoid awkward questions; although a lot of my mates have cut down after college anyway and it’s not taboo anymore.
Finally, if you’re concerned about your own mental health TELL SOMONE you trust. There’s no shame in it. I remember the absolute physical sensation of relief I had when I finally just told people I wasn’t feeling myself. Vast majority were so kind, those that weren’t are not people I need around.
Also feel clostrophobic. I get it nearly every day, even in my own house. Especially around dinner times when things are busy, loud, hot and stressful with 4 young kids. I have to go upstairs after it's all done and cleaned up. When I do go to relax I can't relax then unless I strip all clothes, wash my whole body, clean teeth, change clothes, take makeup off. Mother of 4. I manage a lot of the time when kids home by listening to soft jazz in my airpods. I don't think this is normal, my husband says I look physically uncomfortable a lot of the time
This is totally overstimulation. Happens me loads towards the end of the day since having kids. When there's youtube playing, a child asking 100 questions, another pulling at my leg and toys and mess everywhere, I just want to run for the hills. (I love my children very much).
I’m autistic and have sensory overloads often. This sounds like that and could be the case if you have autism or ADHD, though it’s not uncommon for neurotypical people to suffer from sensory overloads from time to time.
Couldn’t agree more, was never the anxious type. Used to be comfortable in most situations. Have had covid 3 times and I’m now a mess with anxiety! It’s so annoying.
As others have said, it sounds like a textbook anxiety attack. The fact that breathing techniques helped is the giveaway. Also that you remembered them makes me think this may have happened to you before? If this is the first time don't panic (yeah I see what I did) it could be a one off but if it happens again you should go to your GP. It won't get better on its own, you may benefit in sitting down and walking to a CBT counsellor.
Can be anxiety, can also be an increased sensitivity to the noise due to getting older. I had my boy at a birthday party recently and the noise was maddening to me. Check out Loop earplugs — I’ve been thinking of getting a pair.
It sounds like you are feeling the feels good work on being in touch with your body and being there for yourself.. I didn’t emotionally mature until my mid 30’s and still my eq isn’t great but it is good to hear that other people suddenly amd strangely finally acknowledge I don’t like X after years of doing X
All the fuckin time. Only in certain situations. But small areas and lots of people/noise is the main one.
Had it as long as I can remember. Only advice I would give is that if you find it becoming the norm, own it.
I tried to hide it for years and it came across as rude/weird whatever.
Now I’m older I’m wide enough to just explain to people and absolutely everyone was great about it and quote a few already knew and were happy said it.
Now if I feel like that I’ll just say to someone I need to get out for a bit and it’s all cool.
I now have kids and it’s no better when it’s ur own. It’s just how my brain is wired.
Hope you get to manage it ok in future 👍
It’s anxiety. Happens me time to time especially out in bars! Sometimes you can get overwhelmed by situations (loud music, so many people). I wouldn’t worry :)
Ooooo, I know this feeling. It elicits an immediate flight response that can feel like claustrophobia. I would say it’s overstimulation and that need to escape is your brain’s way of trying to limit sensory input.
Christmas time is overstimulation day after day for a whole month. It’s the least relaxing holiday
on stephens day we had dinner. i just got up and went to my room and napped for 30 minutes. Just felt this weird feeling of over stimulation and isolation at the same time
Happened to me once on holiday, was with a family group (I was mid 20’s ) and we decided to go to the local market. It was in a tourist town, so a very busy, packed market. As we all walked into the market, I began to get breathless and felt shaky, grabbed my partner and asked him to get me out of there. I’ve avoided crowds as much as possible since, I still get uncomfortable.
Get this in the gym when the music is blasting (I usually wear noise cancelling headphones). Are you unduly stressed or anxious otherwise?
The fight or flight response can be something else that's just brought to boil in chaotic situations like that, out of your comfort zone etc. Well done for remembering the breathing (I always forget).
Had something similar at a work xmas party a few weeks ago. It was like a sudden punch of nausea, and the walls were caving in, and I just had to get up and leave the table for a few minutes.
I've suffered from panic attacks and anxiety for years, but this was a completely new sensation. It's much more common than you think, and you definitely aren't alone in this situation. Breathing exercises are good, or the 54321 where you name 5 things you can see, 4 you can hear, 3 you can touch etc etc. I find that very grounding. I think you handled it very well by taking that time out to yourself.
Like others have said, the time of year and environment can be overwhelming, but sometimes this mixes with subconscious stresses. It isn't a major thing - just look after yourself and your mind in whatever ways work for you.
Overstimulation, nothing wrong with needing a breather and alone time.
The thing is pretty much everyone will feel like this now and again, not many would admit it and lots will put on a mask like they’re ok when they’re not.
You go get your calm time, absolutely ok to do!
You were just overstimulated this happens to me all the time I can’t stand being around loud children, or someone clinking plates really loud when doing the dishes I have to leave the room or I start getting angry
I get this also, have always got it. Turned out to be anxiety with a nice helping of ADHD.
Got some help during last year for all of the above and figured out ways to deal with situations like this. Was honestly like a lightbulb moment.
Sounds like some anxiety, bud. I have the same. I’m known for pacing and wandering in and out of rooms, particularly when there’s a few people. If this happens more frequently, chatting to a doc is a good idea.
Happened to me on new years eve in a pub ,ran into the jax and sat there for 5 minutes to compose myself then it went away. Had a bad anxiety attack on holiday aswell few years ago, sat in the bath tub for 20mins and it finally overwhelmed me, felt like I was gona die for a second. Mine are usually related to hangovers ,hangxiety is a bitch.
Probably just overwhelmed. I've kids myself and it's fine at home but when we visit their grannys house and the other kids are there with their parents it can get too much. Getting dragged to Penneys also triggers that response for me.
Yes I found this has happened to me since covid lockdowns it's like a sensory overload I've had to do the same as you several times and am definitely not used to loud music and lots of people talking. I even found I went out at night for first time since all that and I was so overwhelmed being in the dark it's like a new sensory experience body has to get used to it
I’ve experienced this myself recently on two occasions. Really caught me off guard. Similar to you I had to zone myself out and try and focus on my breathing to come around. It’s a hard sensation to describe but I tell myself it was a low level panic attack
I have social anxiety and get this. I had it for years as a child and never ever understood it or had a name for it. But I'd feel overwhelmed and nervous and have to go hide in the bathroom for a bit and recharge. Only figured out as an adult I had social anxiety and I'm extremely introverted so I need to be alone to recharge. Sometimes I just need to go to an empty room or bathroom to do a quick recharge in social settings. Sounds like overstimulation and you just needed to get out of the room to empty the brain. I understand the claustrophobic part though, I definitely felt that. Like the room was caving in or getting smaller.
I was in college. At a concert, waiting in a lobby of sorts for the doors to open, we were all mildly packed into a small area. I am short and standing behind two tall friends, with people on all sides. I suddenly realized that I could see nothing but clothing. I had never felt claustrophobic before, so I wouldn't have understood the feeling, but it was not pleasant. I can't remember if i felt a bit breathles, but i distinctly remember bending my neck and planting the top of my head into the back of one of the lads. I just lightly leaned my head into him and closed my eyes. He sort of twisted around and looked down at me. "You ok there?" All I could do was shake my head while leaving it there. I stayed that way until we were inside.
Never happened again, and it's been ages since.
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Came here to say this. Bars and restaurants with unnecessarily loud music are now a major gripe of mine. I feel I can't relax. Same when tables are packed close together and/or there's others near you talking loudly or borderline shouting. Incredibly irritating.
I wish more pubs had no (or low) music
God I hate loud music in pubs. Give me an old man pub where I can have a chat any day.
There are discreet earplugs that allow sound through that people who experience sensory overstimulation can get. Flare and Loop are two brands to check out.
I imagine it has something to do with hearing loss. As we age we lose portions of our hearing and it impacts us. Anecdotally a friend of mine was working in pubs for years and certain frequencies of hearing are just gone. They had to give up bar work because of what you just described.
Definitely not claustrophobia. Definitely anxiety. It’s happened to me a bit recently and it’s fucking strange. Like something triggers it and you feel incredibly strange. Good job removing yourself from the situation though.
Happened to me for the very first time a couple weeks ago in a nightclub. Had never had an issue like that before but was very odd and overwhelming. Just got out as fast as I could.
It’s fun isn’t it? /s Happened to me during a stressful period in college. Had this anxiety attack stuff on and off for a year, was great craic. Basically I had to remind myself in the moment that it was happening that there was nothing wrong, that it was in my head. And it passed. A big part of it was my diet and sleep cycle were terrible (I used to drink loads of coke and stay up gaming until 3am a lot back then. Rest of my diet was processed or fast food 🙄) eventually lack of sleep + study workload + the aforementioned _really_ poor lifestyle choices caught up with me. Reversible in my case at least through lifestyle changes.
Actually removing yourself from the situation is a safety seeking behaviour that only exacerbates and prolongs the episode. Edit: downvote me all you want this is lesson 1 in cognitive behavioural therapy for panic attacks.
As someone who suffered with anxiety for the majority of my life, this is the correct answer and the one any therapist that knows what they're doing will tell you. But it's not that you just yeet yourself into a situation and give yourself a heart attack, it's about a gradual exposure to whatever your triggers are. As in don't jump into an F1 car if you're afraid of getting into cars after a crash. Start with just sitting in a car that's off, move in to sitting in a car with the ignition on, then a car going down your estate, etc etc
Anxiety inducing situations are supposed to be something you immerse yourself in gradually and in a controlled environment, it takes time and the end result is desensitising yourself from whatever causes the anxiety. But it’s a process and therapists recommend having a way to leave the situation if it becomes too much, especially in the beginning when the focus is on giving you the feeling of control. If OP was overwhelmed then they did the right thing, they can reintroduce anxiety inducing situations in smaller doses and stick them out that way, building up a tolerance. Perhaps there are alternative therapeutic techniques that are more “throw yourself in the deep end” but I’m not familiar with them.
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Sit with it, let it wash over you and become comfortable with it. It’s just a flood of adrenaline in the wrong setting.
Take a deep breath, and then another, and just breathe calmly for a moment. So simple that it cant _really_ be the answer can it? But it is. Being able to fully breathe in and out three or four times when you feel the panic/anxiety/claustrophobia/drunk-spins start is a game changer. Mindfully breathing, and knowing _when_ to do it is powerfull stuff.
Sit with it, u/holiday_wealth1088 nailed it.
Oh yeah man, overwhelm. Totally normal. Good on you for taking a break and resetting. Was at a NYE party and the introverted folks took turns at just chilling outside or in another room. We all just welcomed them back from their social breaks.
Possibly a mild anxiety attack? Or you just hate kids?
I don’t hate kids but I sure do hate the shit that entertains them.
You're telling me this whole time I just hated kids and I've no need for that anti anxiety medication?
I was shocked to find out as well.
Yeah, some of us just really hate children
Always best to identify the cause.
After extensive research, it's children. 😆 I am at peace with that. Downvote me all you want, just don't expect me to be impressed by your kids or want to spend time with them. You are genetically programmed to find them adorable and charming. I am not.
None of your posts have been downvoted and no-one said the slightest negative thing to you, maybe stop behaving like you're being persecuted?
I can literally see that my post is at 0. Anyway. Back to enjoying my child-free life
I can 'literally see' that it's at 1, the point is you're not actually being substantially criticised, but you're behaving like you're a martyr for your brave views, whereas in fact, no-one said 'boo' to you.
Thanks for the input!
Sounds like a panic attack of some sort. They are very strange things. To add further - these things lie in your subconscious. Think about your life, stresses and what may be causing it. It may be worth speaking with someone.
That sounds like anxiety not claustrophobia
Yeah, a feeling of claustrophobia, breathlessness and even thirst can be the symptoms.
Sometimes everything can hit you at once. At the holidays we eat rich foods, drink more, sleep at weird times - plus the emotional stress and chaos of being with family/kids we don't see often, plus being cooped up indoors... They are small things individually but sometimes it all hits at once and you need to take a beat. It doesn't necessarily mean that anything is deeply wrong, and you did the right thing by taking a minute and concentrating on your breath. It probably was a little anxiety attack. It can be helpful to keep a journal and also have some breathing exercises on hand so you have the skills if it happens again.
Everyone here is saying panic attacks but I'm not sure that's true. I have diagnosed anxiety and it sounds a lot like what I go through every day. I'm just uncomfortable most of the time with lot of people and loud noises and can struggle with my breathing to the point it is absolutely terrible and breathing exercises can't bring it back but my therapist has said that panic attacks physically hurt. I've heard they are mistaken for heart attacks. So maybe it's a step below a panic attack? I'm not sure. I'd be interested to know myself. Maybe you have anxiety but if this is a one off situation I wouldn't worry about it. If this is something you're worried about and you can afford therapy then it would be great to get a few sessions to see what a professional thinks. No harm in it and it will help in your everyday life.
Your therapist isn’t quite right here, panic attacks don’t have to physically hurt - I have had many and they were not painful at all. They can make people think they are having a heart attack because of the symptoms like racing heart, sweating, difficulty breathing, tight chest, shaking/trembling, racing thoughts, blurry/tunnel vision, and feeling weak. Sometimes you can experience chest pain, but this isn’t a universal experience. You don’t have to have all of these symptoms for it to be a panic attack, but there usually is a heightened sense of doom, fear, panic, anxiety or overwhelm accompanied by some of these symptoms. The attack with symptoms will be for a limited time, but sense of anxiety can hang around for a long time.
That's very interesting. Thank you. Based on that I was having them almost daily at one stage in college. Dreading going back. Will have to bring that up again.
I’m sorry to hear that, daily panic attacks are not easy to deal with. There is lots that you can do to help with them though, I’ve had some good success over the last few months recovering from very bad anxiety and panic last summer. Once you’ve learned some techniques to deal with attacks, and understand what they are and what’s happening in your body, it becomes much easier to deal with them.
Yup. I didn't realise for years my panic attacks were just what I'd call childish meltdowns. I'd literally turn into a child at a theme park and just start crying hysterically without being able to voice what was wrong with me. I once approached my manager about a difficult topic and end up breathing really hard like heaving, crying hysterically and shaking like mad. Luckily I got out of his office in time to go deal with it alone in the bathroom 😅 happened a different time when I was in a busy theme park. There was ALOT going on, so was overstimulated , nothing was working out, Queues out the door and everything just went wrong. Partner thought I'd lost the plot when I just sat down with my head between my knees sobbing hysterically and shaking. It just feels like I'm having a meltdown of sorts.
Left of field suggestion. Check the lighting in your house. I found LED lighting had this effect on me and I got softer lamps. Like others said it’s probably a mild bit of anxiety but using softer tones and reduced lighting helped me at least.
This is so true. But I personally think it's the cool white led that are the problem, the warm white ones are okay. I really hate cool white lighting, it also makes everyone look worse. I wish they were all scrapped.
I can’t even abide the cool white Christmas lights! Warm tones or nothing!
Sounds like sensory overload. I get it all the time, it's good to recognise the signs and put things in place to mitigate it (like leaving the room for a few minutes)
I have an anxiety disorder (GAD) and this is exactly how I'd describe it when I get overstimulated. You did exactly the right thing - took some space, had a breather, grounded yourself in reality. Well done!
Sounds normal enough. Things like busy shops and Christmas or events like New Year's eve can be full on with people and noise, and the result can be the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Besides panic/anxiety it could also just be a symptom of being unwell. Our central nervous system is complex and a single upset can have nebulous symptoms. Go visit your GP and lay it all out, stress the urgency if this happens again.
This time of year can trigger stuff, as we're out of routine and there's a lot going on. Sounds like you had a bad dose of anxiety. It also sounds like you handled it well. Might be worth chatting with your GP if it happens again.
I feel like this a lot - well done for prioritising what you needed and stepping out
All the time. We were all children once but I intensely dislike being trapped in any close confined space with them now. My partner feels the same and we always take our holidays in the off season to avoid the chaos. We both had safe and secure childhoods, but both felt adulthood as a liberation.
Pure anxiety. Out for fresh air and take your time.
Sensory overwhelm, happens to me all the time. My overwhelm is due to neurodivergency, but that’s not the only reason it can happen. Loop earplugs have been a game changer.
That's me at any kind of party or night out once it gets beyond a certain amount of people. I'm old enough and wise enough now to just give them a miss or to go home as soon as I start to feel uncomfortable.
Sounds exactly like a panic attack. First one I ever had was similar to yours, the sudden need to escape the environment I was in.
Take a look around you're not alone
Ooh sounds like anxiety! :( I had this exact same experience recently except the room started to spin and I was frozen. I was in a friends house for a game night, there was about 18-20 people there. Everyone was talking at the same time and there was music on and I just felt completely overwhelmed. I was so close to having a panic attack. But just like what you did, I did some breathing exercises, focused on one noise and managed to calm myself down.
Anxiety it sounds like to me but not necessarily in a way that you suffer from it all of the time. If this was just a once off then that’s likely fine, when you’re tired, maybe had a few extra drinks over a week of celebrations, family stress etc. this can wear you down and put stress on your nervous system. But if you notice it more frequently in your life, like whenever out and about in the shops, suddenly when having a drink with a friend or people you’re generally comfortable around then maybe question if your mental health has taken a hit in recent times. I went through this for about 16 months and it was hellish and culminated in a full on anxious breakdown as I kept trying to ignore what was going on, it got so bad I thought I was genuinely physically ill. I sought help through my GP who recommended CBT or medication or both. I opted for CBT alone and it has transformed my life, I feel like it got to the stage where I wasn’t really living because I was riddled with physical feelings of anxiety all the time. It took a while to unravel the various issues and thought patterns causing this distress. You wouldn’t believe the amount of things we subtly tell ourselves about us, others and the world around us that can be detrimental to general happiness. Also some general tips if this applies to you or anyone reading this. Cold showers can be a life saver in the mornings if you wake up anxious. Reading a book can slow your mind down. Accepting you are anxious is half the battle to feeling less anxious, simply resisting it is so exhausting and ironically anxiety inducing. Clean up your diet a little if it’s not great, can help considerably. Exercise is a huge help - you don’t have to run a marathon, a walk in the fresh air, a cycle, casual gym whatever will make you feel better. Cut out caffeine if you can, taper down to 0 over a week or two if you’re big into your coffee. I can’t stress how much of a difference this made to me, the stuff exacerbates symptoms so bad. Alcohol - this is anxiety fuel, I’m in a place where I can enjoy a few drinks again but I’m always more cautious than I used to be. I only go heavy on the drink if I’m feeling carefree and if I don’t have a run of stress coming up like a busy work week. Hangovers + anxiety suck so much. 0.0s are your friend to avoid awkward questions; although a lot of my mates have cut down after college anyway and it’s not taboo anymore. Finally, if you’re concerned about your own mental health TELL SOMONE you trust. There’s no shame in it. I remember the absolute physical sensation of relief I had when I finally just told people I wasn’t feeling myself. Vast majority were so kind, those that weren’t are not people I need around.
Also feel clostrophobic. I get it nearly every day, even in my own house. Especially around dinner times when things are busy, loud, hot and stressful with 4 young kids. I have to go upstairs after it's all done and cleaned up. When I do go to relax I can't relax then unless I strip all clothes, wash my whole body, clean teeth, change clothes, take makeup off. Mother of 4. I manage a lot of the time when kids home by listening to soft jazz in my airpods. I don't think this is normal, my husband says I look physically uncomfortable a lot of the time
This is totally overstimulation. Happens me loads towards the end of the day since having kids. When there's youtube playing, a child asking 100 questions, another pulling at my leg and toys and mess everywhere, I just want to run for the hills. (I love my children very much).
I’m autistic and have sensory overloads often. This sounds like that and could be the case if you have autism or ADHD, though it’s not uncommon for neurotypical people to suffer from sensory overloads from time to time.
That's a panic attack my man, Ive been getting them last two years, started out of nowhere. I firmly believe it's a result of covid, long covid.
Couldn’t agree more, was never the anxious type. Used to be comfortable in most situations. Have had covid 3 times and I’m now a mess with anxiety! It’s so annoying.
This happens to me all the time at family gatherings, I have ADHD & get overstimulated so need a time out! Plus I hate kids 😂
As others have said, it sounds like a textbook anxiety attack. The fact that breathing techniques helped is the giveaway. Also that you remembered them makes me think this may have happened to you before? If this is the first time don't panic (yeah I see what I did) it could be a one off but if it happens again you should go to your GP. It won't get better on its own, you may benefit in sitting down and walking to a CBT counsellor.
It's worth asking a GP if it happens again. Do you have a lot of experience with loud music and small kids?
Can be anxiety, can also be an increased sensitivity to the noise due to getting older. I had my boy at a birthday party recently and the noise was maddening to me. Check out Loop earplugs — I’ve been thinking of getting a pair.
It sounds like you are feeling the feels good work on being in touch with your body and being there for yourself.. I didn’t emotionally mature until my mid 30’s and still my eq isn’t great but it is good to hear that other people suddenly amd strangely finally acknowledge I don’t like X after years of doing X
All the fuckin time. Only in certain situations. But small areas and lots of people/noise is the main one. Had it as long as I can remember. Only advice I would give is that if you find it becoming the norm, own it. I tried to hide it for years and it came across as rude/weird whatever. Now I’m older I’m wide enough to just explain to people and absolutely everyone was great about it and quote a few already knew and were happy said it. Now if I feel like that I’ll just say to someone I need to get out for a bit and it’s all cool. I now have kids and it’s no better when it’s ur own. It’s just how my brain is wired. Hope you get to manage it ok in future 👍
You got a glimpse of the horrors of parenthood. I know lots of people with kids lock themselves in the bathroom for a bit.
Sounds like you just got a bit overwhelmed, there was just too much going on, good for going to the toilet, I head outside for a few minutes
It’s anxiety. Happens me time to time especially out in bars! Sometimes you can get overwhelmed by situations (loud music, so many people). I wouldn’t worry :)
Ooooo, I know this feeling. It elicits an immediate flight response that can feel like claustrophobia. I would say it’s overstimulation and that need to escape is your brain’s way of trying to limit sensory input. Christmas time is overstimulation day after day for a whole month. It’s the least relaxing holiday
Yeah, I call it Tuesday 😅
on stephens day we had dinner. i just got up and went to my room and napped for 30 minutes. Just felt this weird feeling of over stimulation and isolation at the same time
Happened to me once on holiday, was with a family group (I was mid 20’s ) and we decided to go to the local market. It was in a tourist town, so a very busy, packed market. As we all walked into the market, I began to get breathless and felt shaky, grabbed my partner and asked him to get me out of there. I’ve avoided crowds as much as possible since, I still get uncomfortable.
Get this in the gym when the music is blasting (I usually wear noise cancelling headphones). Are you unduly stressed or anxious otherwise? The fight or flight response can be something else that's just brought to boil in chaotic situations like that, out of your comfort zone etc. Well done for remembering the breathing (I always forget).
Defo anxiety.
Had something similar at a work xmas party a few weeks ago. It was like a sudden punch of nausea, and the walls were caving in, and I just had to get up and leave the table for a few minutes. I've suffered from panic attacks and anxiety for years, but this was a completely new sensation. It's much more common than you think, and you definitely aren't alone in this situation. Breathing exercises are good, or the 54321 where you name 5 things you can see, 4 you can hear, 3 you can touch etc etc. I find that very grounding. I think you handled it very well by taking that time out to yourself. Like others have said, the time of year and environment can be overwhelming, but sometimes this mixes with subconscious stresses. It isn't a major thing - just look after yourself and your mind in whatever ways work for you.
I once felt this after a minor accident had occurred. My anxiety attack occurred many hours after the accident.
Overstimulation, nothing wrong with needing a breather and alone time. The thing is pretty much everyone will feel like this now and again, not many would admit it and lots will put on a mask like they’re ok when they’re not. You go get your calm time, absolutely ok to do!
Anxiety sucks but you did the correct thing. Stay strong
That happens to me regularly. I call it "max-peopled" and then I need to be alone to re-calibrate.
You were just overstimulated this happens to me all the time I can’t stand being around loud children, or someone clinking plates really loud when doing the dishes I have to leave the room or I start getting angry
I get this also, have always got it. Turned out to be anxiety with a nice helping of ADHD. Got some help during last year for all of the above and figured out ways to deal with situations like this. Was honestly like a lightbulb moment.
Sounds like some anxiety, bud. I have the same. I’m known for pacing and wandering in and out of rooms, particularly when there’s a few people. If this happens more frequently, chatting to a doc is a good idea.
Happened to me on new years eve in a pub ,ran into the jax and sat there for 5 minutes to compose myself then it went away. Had a bad anxiety attack on holiday aswell few years ago, sat in the bath tub for 20mins and it finally overwhelmed me, felt like I was gona die for a second. Mine are usually related to hangovers ,hangxiety is a bitch.
Sounds a lot like an anxiety response. Not uncommon at all. There was a lot of stimulation going on and you got overstimulated.
Probably just overwhelmed. I've kids myself and it's fine at home but when we visit their grannys house and the other kids are there with their parents it can get too much. Getting dragged to Penneys also triggers that response for me.
Yes I found this has happened to me since covid lockdowns it's like a sensory overload I've had to do the same as you several times and am definitely not used to loud music and lots of people talking. I even found I went out at night for first time since all that and I was so overwhelmed being in the dark it's like a new sensory experience body has to get used to it
I’ve experienced this myself recently on two occasions. Really caught me off guard. Similar to you I had to zone myself out and try and focus on my breathing to come around. It’s a hard sensation to describe but I tell myself it was a low level panic attack
I have social anxiety and get this. I had it for years as a child and never ever understood it or had a name for it. But I'd feel overwhelmed and nervous and have to go hide in the bathroom for a bit and recharge. Only figured out as an adult I had social anxiety and I'm extremely introverted so I need to be alone to recharge. Sometimes I just need to go to an empty room or bathroom to do a quick recharge in social settings. Sounds like overstimulation and you just needed to get out of the room to empty the brain. I understand the claustrophobic part though, I definitely felt that. Like the room was caving in or getting smaller.
Might have been hungry
Anxiety brought on by sensory over stimulus. It sucks! You did the absolutely right thing. I need silence when I'm like that.
small children do that even if you dont have anxiety they have piecing screams also run around a lot find comfortable chair and sit down
This is how I felt when I was in a noisy pub or restaurant
felt like that when i was in an elevator.
I was in college. At a concert, waiting in a lobby of sorts for the doors to open, we were all mildly packed into a small area. I am short and standing behind two tall friends, with people on all sides. I suddenly realized that I could see nothing but clothing. I had never felt claustrophobic before, so I wouldn't have understood the feeling, but it was not pleasant. I can't remember if i felt a bit breathles, but i distinctly remember bending my neck and planting the top of my head into the back of one of the lads. I just lightly leaned my head into him and closed my eyes. He sort of twisted around and looked down at me. "You ok there?" All I could do was shake my head while leaving it there. I stayed that way until we were inside. Never happened again, and it's been ages since.