Feeling alone and misunderstood as an autistic person

[Pebblesthemanatee]

I feel like everything’s too much for me at the moment. I’m not really sure how to describe it but does anyone else experience this buzzing feeling when they’re in an overwhelming situation like the noise, people and different scents is all too much.

[NotJim]

Hi Pebblesthemanatee,

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with this. I think I know what you mean. When I feel overwhelmed, it can feel like the smallest thing can send me over the edge. And on the inside it's like a mind-numbing churning mass of emotion and you can't think straight. It's no fun at all.

If it helps, I found it useful in those times to firstly recognise what i'm feeling and acknowledge what it is. Sometimes it's easier to try and push through and think "i'm just overreacting" or "I'm just tired", when actually it may be i'm overloaded and overwhelmed. From there, I try and identify what will help me to feel safer and calmer. This can be different for everyone; it could be finding a quiet space, somewhere familiar, plugging in headphones or speaking to someone we trust. I like to curl up on the floor with my cats for example. They're soft and safe, and I know it's my safe space. This gives me room to process how i'm feeling. If it was somewhere else, like at work, I might find a quiet space to let myself calm down for 20 minutes.

We can't always avoid the things that can make us feel overwhelmed, but we can find ways that help us cope with them.

Best wishes

[JohnKnows in reply to NotJim]

I agree it's so easy to push through or think its rude or downplay and people don't help with the advice 'you will get use to it just give it time', I'm 33 and I can say after many years of trying to assimilate, persevering for a long time just means a longer time to recover and complete shutdown.

When I get overwhelmed I just shut off from the world, no phone calls no messages. I live alone, so I can do that, I have tried having people live with me but then that meant no escape. I would rather pay the price for peace of mind. In the moment though calming music with headphones also helps me when theres so much noise or distractions around.