Overstimulation is on the rise, arguably now more than ever. It is becoming increasingly prevalent and affecting people of all ages and demographics. But what exactly is overstimulation, and how does it begin?

Overstimulation occurs when our brains receive more information or sensory input than we can adequately process. This influx of stimuli can lead to anxiety, exhaustion, and feelings of overwhelm. It can also impair cognitive functions, making it harder to engage in executive decision-making, process new information, or maintain attention effectively. Prolonged overstimulation may result in chronic stress or burnout. By building awareness and deepening our understanding of overstimulation, individuals can take steps toward prevention, reducing its effects, and developing effective coping strategies.

Recognizing Overstimulation

Identifying overstimulation is essential. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, irritability, agitation, difficulty concentrating, avoidance, and shutdowns. Individuals may struggle with decision-making and experience an urge to withdraw from social situations. Heightened anxiety or increased stress levels are also common responses.

There are three primary sources of input that can overwhelm the nervous system: sensory overload, information overload, and emotional overload. When these demands become excessive, they can lead to distress or panic.

Examples of Overload:

Sensory Overload: Crowded spaces, bright or sudden lights, loud noises, intense smells, and other strong sensory stimuli.
Information Overload: An overwhelming surplus of data from multiple sources, such as continuous electronic notifications, emails, text messages, news updates, and social media.
Emotional Overload: Managing multiple responsibilities at once, experiencing conflicting emotions, feeling unable to express emotions, dealing with interpersonal conflicts, or providing emotional support to others.

Causes and Effects of Overstimulation

Environmental factors, technology, and internal pressures all contribute to overload. One of the most significant causes of overstimulation is the constant use of technology. Continuous exposure to notifications, emails, and social media updates places excessive demands on the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for decision-making and attention. This overstimulation reduces productivity and impairs our ability to relax and recharge.

For example, scrolling through social media triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. While this may feel good in the moment, frequent activation can lead to sensory overload and even addictive behaviors, making it more difficult to disengage and achieve mental clarity (Montag & Diefenbach, 2018).

However, overstimulation is not limited to digital devices—it can also arise from our physical surroundings. Urban environments, with their bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces, can overwhelm the senses. A 2020 study from the University of Chicago found that people living in cities are 21% more likely to experience anxiety than those in rural areas, largely due to increased sensory input. Consider a daily commute through a busy city: the honking of car horns, flashing billboards, and constant movement of pedestrians all compete for attention. This unrelenting sensory input can drain the nervous system, leaving individuals fatigued and irritable (Evans & Wener, 2007).

The Role of Internal Factors

Beyond external influences, internal factors such as perfectionism, multitasking, and high expectations can also contribute to overstimulation. When we attempt to juggle multiple tasks or stress over unrealistic standards, our cognitive load increases. A study published in Psychological Science (2018) found that multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40% while increasing stress (Ophir, Nass, & Wagner, 2009).

For example, imagine a parent responding to work emails while helping their child with homework and preparing dinner simultaneously. The constant mental effort required to switch between tasks can quickly lead to cognitive fatigue and emotional overload. Additionally, the mental load, or the invisible cognitive effort involved in managing personal, professional, and academic responsibilities, can be mentally and physically exhausting.

Moving Toward Balance

Understanding overstimulation and its contributing factors is the first step toward managing it effectively. By recognizing how technology, environmental stressors, and internal pressures contribute to sensory overload, individuals can make conscious choices that promote well-being.

In the next part of this series, we will explore practical strategies for preventing and coping with overstimulation while fostering balance in daily life. If overstimulation is significantly affecting your well-being, consulting a mental health professional may be beneficial. Therapy can help identify personal triggers, develop coping skills, and manage stressors that contribute to overstimulation.

Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.

References

Evans, G. W., & Wener, R. E. (2007). Crowding and personal space invasion on the train: Effects on arousal, stress, and cortisol levels. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 27(1), 90-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2006.10.002

Markov, D., & Harris, J. (2021). Digital overload and cognitive strain: The impact of screen time on mental health. Computers in Human Behavior, 125, 106976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106976

Montag, C., & Diefenbach, S. (2018). Towards homo digitalis: Important research issues for psychology and the Internet. International Journal of Psychology, 53(3), 189-199. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.12429

Ophir, E., Nass, C., & Wagner, A. D. (2009). Cognitive control in media multitaskers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(37), 15583-15587. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0903620106

This blog post was written by Anna Worden.

This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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