Does anyone else get overstimulated from going out in public during busy times?

I find that by brain tends to get more emotional and random, and wondered if this was a common bipolar experience. Also, just nice to list on this forum and hear people’s thoughts.

i think it can happen if one is not used to it but i don't really know not having bipolar mysef. i Hope other people will be able to provide more useful insight than me. Sending many Safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @Rebecca1, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!

Hi Rebecca, It's nice to see you here.

I get overstimulated by practically everything - I actually never thought of that particular word, but it really fits! As far as going out in public during crowded times...yes. Absolutely. In fact, I get overstimulated and anxious in a crowd and tend to just dissociate. Everything becomes dream-like, sometimes so strongly that I feel I might pass out. I do my best to practice grounding breathing exercises, untense my body (dropping my shoulders is always the first place to start).

Is overstimulation a problem for you?

Over-stimulation is also a big issue for me. And I know that my flavor of bipolar disorder is the main reason. Really, any stress (positive or negative) can send my mood upwards. If not in an elated sense, then at the least in some agitated way. It's almost as if I'm like a toddler, in terms of stimulation. If it is long-lasting, it can definitely trigger a full blown episode. Other times, it can last just hours and then subside, as the stimulation subsides.

When I'm in a crowded place or other situation that seems faced-paced, it might bring on a more anxious elevation, mild to stronger rage, or what I call my "Star of the Show" or "Over the top" mode(s). I might become ultra sociable, louder than usual, impulsive, reckless, and/or disinhibited. The degrees to all of this vary, but the situation is notable.

I'm glad to see you join us, Rebecca1!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour Over-stimulation is also a big issue for me. And I know that my flavor of bipolar disorder is the main reason. Really, any stress (positive or negative) can send my mood upwards. If not in an elated sense, then at the least in some agitated way. It's almost as if I'm like a toddler, in terms of stimulation. If it is long-lasting, it can definitely trigger a full blown episode. Other times, it can last just hours and then subside, as the stimulation subsides. When I'm in a crowded place or other situation that seems faced-paced, it might bring on a more anxious elevation, mild to stronger rage, or what I call my "Star of the Show" or "Over the top" mode(s). I might become ultra sociable, louder than usual, impulsive, reckless, and/or disinhibited. The degrees to all of this vary, but the situation is notable. I'm glad to see you join us, Rebecca1!

Also very familiar.

God yes. That is like half my homework with my therapist. She gets this evil look and her eyes get all dark before daring me to go to Target midday on the weekend. I also find that when I am having mixed episodes things are too bright and way too loud! Much easier to get overstimulated!

Yes, I refuse to go on the weekend and after 4 pm.

This happens to me, too. I disassociate in crowded stores when all the noise seems like individual entities all clamoring for my attention, but all I hear is like 50 car horns at the same time- but worse because they are different distinct sounds, rather than all horns. I sort of leave my body and can't move.

All I can say is yes, I get this, too. I'm diagnosed with derealization in addition to my bipolar, but now I'm starting to wonder whether the derealization isn't a result of having a "bipolar mind", after all.

Yeah I have issues. Crowds, noise, even strong smells get me. Sometimes I'm not bothered and other times it really really gets to me. I tend to have anxiety attacks shopping a lot, so I don't particularly enjoy it.

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