Admittedly, the term “overwhelmed” is a common one on the internet. People often use it to describe heightened emotions without understanding the true context of the word. But while being overwhelmed is usually associated with mental illnesses like anxiety or autism, it can actually happen to anyone. So what is online overload?
Content What is overload and online overload?What is online overload: signsPotential overload triggersHow to deal with overload
WomanEL offers to learn the basics, including common signs, triggers, and ways to deal with them.
What is congestion and online congestion?
“Overload is a state where a person becomes overwhelmed by excessive sensory, emotional, or cognitive input,” explains psychology expert Ryan Young. You may experience overload when your brain is trying to process a large amount of stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or crowded environments.
“This can trigger a stress response, leading to feelings of anxiety, worry, and fatigue,” says Young. “It’s the mind and body’s way of signaling that they need a break to reorganize.” According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), this kind of sensory overload can interfere with daily activities and is often associated with anxiety and other mental health disorders.
If overwhelmed feelings are interfering with your daily life, reach out to a mental health professional for additional support.
What is online overload: signs
Overwhelm may be obvious on paper, but how do you know if you’re experiencing it yourself? “You can recognize overload by paying attention to both physical and emotional signs,” says Young (and these can vary from person to person). Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Excitation.
- Irritability.
- The desire to go to a calmer environment.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Rapid heartbeat.
These symptoms are the brain and body’s way of saying, “Enough is enough,” Young explains. But there are other mental illnesses that can have similar effects. “Anxiety or chronic stress can mimic symptoms of an overstressed body, such as irritability and difficulty concentrating,” Young says. “Burnout—a state of mental and physical exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress—can also cause similar feelings, as can sensitivity to sensory processing, which is common in neurodivergent people.”
Unlike overwhelm, which is temporary and can affect anyone, people with sensory processing sensitivity are naturally more sensitive to environmental stimuli at all times. Ultimately, if you notice that you feel uncomfortable or agitated at some point, it's important to figure out the reason in order to properly address the problem.
Potential triggers of overwhelm
We live in a world that is overloaded with stress. And it’s not just flashing lights and loud noises. “With the rise of digital technology, people are constantly bombarded with information via smartphones, social media, and the internet, often with little time to disconnect,” says Young. “This constant stream of information can lead to information overload. As a result, it becomes more difficult for people to process or filter what they are experiencing.”
While we often think of things like crowded places, noisy establishments, and bright lights, too much screen time can also be a major trigger for an overloaded body. Uncomfortable textures, unexpected physical contact, and environmental changes (like temperature) can also cause feelings of overload.
How to deal with overload
It's useful to take breaks from gadgets, Source: freepik.com
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t panic. The first thing you need to do is pause and identify what might be causing your overload. “Once you’ve identified the source, reduce the amount of information coming in. Putting on noise-canceling headphones, dimming the lights, or taking a break from your gadgets can provide immediate relief,” says Young. “Self-regulation strategies like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or taking a short walk outside can also help calm your feelings.”
For longer-term support, Young says, you should reach out to a mental health professional to help you cope more effectively with your overload.
Are you having a panic attack or an anxiety attack? Find out what the difference is and how to learn to tell the difference.