over sensitivity

I just took a packed shuttled bus home from a sporting event. There was just too much going on and I guess I can now understand the term 'over stimulated'. It was awful. Conversations I didn't want to hear. The inebriated college crowd doing everything under the sun. Dude actually lighting up a joint. Plus multiple other sounds and happenings going on around me. It was all I could do to look down and focus on my gloves. The anxiety was unbelievable.

I get anxious in public situations but I've never experienced anything like this before.

Did you try imagining yourself without feeling that (in the very moment you do)?

I'm hyper sensitive, too. Hugs.

Focusing on your gloves was a good move. It can be so hard to be in public and not be overwhelmed. It will take it's toll on the highly sensitive. Hope you can manage to find some space a restore peace.

I feel overwhelmed on the subway platform and inside the train and buses without any special events.

Walkman/ipod works for me - even if just wearing the earbuds to block out some of the noise without the music on.

I know exactly how you feel. I live in the Chicago area and sometimes dread taking public transportation because it can be so crowded.

The worst part was the overwhelming anxiety about being unable to anticipate everyone else's actions.