When experiencing moments of sensory overload, it can be difficult to understand the need to step away when a situation becomes too energetic. It can also be difficult that even though what is being experienced by the triggered individual is indeed acute, it is helpful for them to do whatever is necessary to be able to cope with the challenges that they are experiencing in their own way rather than allow it to build up to the point that it becomes more aggressive than it needs to be.

I am one that has often struggled with understanding the need that I need to walk away from a situation before it causes me extensive overload. It may not result in an outburst at the very or near moment, but there will be a moment where it is built in and eventually it will erupt. For some of my situations, this can erupt at my mother because I feel as if no matter what I say or do, she will continue to love me unconditionally. She now knows that I need to just get out the frustration instead of me being subtle by saying things that are hurtful to her or others. It is not her fault.

When experiencing things, there are many opportunities for me to express my feelings in a more positive way other than being verbally aggressive as is often the case. It can be difficult for me to understand that some things are just always going to be sensitive to me and that there are moments that I need to cope with them in a healthier manner than I do now. There also needs to be an understanding of when I need to step away instead of always wanting to match the energy in the room. That has been my fault many times even when prompted in the past to step away from the situation. I refused to listen to what I was being told because I did not believe that it was for my benefit or that it would help me.

Even though there are times when things get overwhelming. I feel like I am going to miss out on something, or my point will not be heard because I am not there. My frustration is at someone because I cannot control them, and their energy is too much for me. There must be an understanding that certain things are not in my control and how much I think I can change things, it is just not possible. Therefore, I must do what I can to avoid a situation that becomes too much.

That can be fluid and as much as I want to be a part of something, it can be hard to understand that in the end, my frustration is going to build up and if the feelings are not channeled in a healthy way, then the result is not going to be good. There are many coping channels and people that are out there to listen to you if you give them the chance to. It can seem as if you are all alone in this world and that there are only a handful of people who listen. In fact, if I just work expressing myself in a healthy manner. It is knowing when to step away from something that is going to cause me more heartache that will result in rumination or other unhealthy behavior that could be very damaging to myself or others in the end.