Sensory chaos that you just cant escape

[Misery]

Okay, there's a lot to say about this topic in the starting post so I'm going with the format introduced in my previous topic. This is a lot more focused since there's, well, a topic to focus on.

Any responses to any of it are very welcome.

 

[Shamar]

Okay, there's a lot to say about this topic in the starting post so I'm going with the format introduced in my previous topic. This is a lot more focused since there's, well, a topic to focus on.

Any responses to any of it are very welcome.

As an anthrophobe, I always have to take a window seat. If I don't get one, the entire flight is a battle to prevent a full blown ballistic panic. Airports themselves are usually not too bad, I just find the place furthest away from the crowd. Lines and security I just endure. As far as sensory over stimulation, I try my best to avoid those situations. Crowded shopping malls, especially now, are the worst. Crowds and incoherent background noise overlaid with that never-sufficiently-cursed Christmas music (I've written about this before). When things get too bad, I can just mentally ..... leave. I just move away and watch what is happening to me as sort of a third party. It was a useful skill to have when I was being beaten by my father.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Literally, as I am sitting here, my wife is cooking on our brand new conduction cooktop,...the first time we have used it. All of a sudden, this piercing, high-frequency sound is screaming in my ears,...drilling a hole into my brain. My wife,...doesn't hear it at all. I've been tested and can hear sounds in the 25,000Hz range,...normal adults top out at around 15,000Hz. I had to have her turn the stove top off. Crazy.

But, more to your point,....my tinnitus and visual snow syndrome,...is pervasive,...never goes away, even when I sleep and dream. Then there is the situation when company over at the house, or I am at a busy social event,...I have to take mini-breaks or separate myself from the conversation and activity. Even at work, busy ICU,...all sorts of noises, lots of electronics...5-10min. mini-breaks,...bathroom, locker room, storage room,...whatever.

 

[Misery]

As an anthrophobe, I always have to take a window seat. If I don't get one, the entire flight is a battle to prevent a full blown ballistic panic. Airports themselves are usually not too bad, I just find the place furthest away from the crowd. Lines and security I just endure. As far as sensory over stimulation, I try my best to avoid those situations. Crowded shopping malls, especially now, are the worst. Crowds and incoherent background noise overlaid with that never-sufficiently-cursed Christmas music (I've written about this before). When things get too bad, I can just mentally ..... leave. I just move away and watch what is happening to me as sort of a third party. It was a useful skill to have when I was being beaten by my father.

Huh. I'm the opposite with the plane, I gotta have an aisle seat so I dont feel "stuck" (AKA, cant get up to walk to bathroom without practically crawling over someone).

Is it the visual of the outside that allows it to be more of an escape by the window?

Literally, as I am sitting here, my wife is cooking on our brand new conduction cooktop,...the first time we have used it. All of a sudden, this piercing, high-frequency sound is screaming in my ears,...drilling a hole into my brain. My wife,...doesn't hear it at all. I've been tested and can hear sounds in the 25,000Hz range,...normal adults top out at around 15,000Hz. I had to have her turn the stove top off. Crazy.

But, more to your point,....my tinnitus and visual snow syndrome,...is pervasive,...never goes away, even when I sleep and dream. Then there is the situation when company over at the house, or I am at a busy social event,...I have to take mini-breaks or separate myself from the conversation and activity. Even at work, busy ICU,...all sorts of noises, lots of electronics...5-10min. mini-breaks,...bathroom, locker room, storage room,...whatever.

What is this "visual snow syndrome"? I dont recall hearing about that before, though it sure sounds like a bit of sensory irritation that just follows you around.

I cant imagine that. Even with a plane I can at least get away from it once the flight is done... heck even my stupid headaches must fade after a time. But dealing with some sensory thing that just always follows and never shuts up? That's what it sounds like, I dont know how you must deal with that.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

What is this "visual snow syndrome"? I dont recall hearing about that before, though it sure sounds like a bit of sensory irritation that just follows you around.

Visual Snow Initiative | Collaborate, Educate, and Cure
Visual snow syndrome | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program

A while ago, there was an informal poll, and roughly 50% of autistic responders said they had it.

 

[Shamar]

Huh. I'm the opposite with the plane, I gotta have an aisle seat so I dont feel "stuck" (AKA, cant get up to walk to bathroom without practically crawling over someone).

Is it the visual of the outside that allows it to be more of an escape by the window?

The visual helps, of course, but the main reason is to have one side that is NOT people. I suppose it is a form of claustrophobia, but with people instead of enclosure. To a claustrophobe, being 3/4 enclosed is better than being fully enclosed.