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Sensitive to surrounding environment

NAS83345

As an international student, I became very sensitive to the surrounding environment after I came to a foreign country. I am afraid of harsh sunlight, ordinary noise, and even the touch of others making me uncomfortable. I'm extra sensitive to zippers and stitches when wearing a jacket outdoors, and I can't stay outside for too long because of the uncomfortable fabric. Wondering if anyone is as sensitive to their surroundings as I am? Do you have similar needs for clothing? I can only accept soft fabrics. Stiff suit fabrics make me uncomfortable. Are there any solutions?

  • in reply to JT

    The situation appears to be dire... I went through the same experiences as you. But the reality is that we have no choice but to adapt. Stay calm by taking deep breaths. I am hoping for the best. slope game

  • in reply to NAS83358
    NAS83358 said:
    I also hate the sensation of raindrops on my face

    Same here! It means I can't cycle in the rain, which become a problem at this time of year!

    Also, what is with those showers which have a huge head above you to mimic rain?! No way am I ever going to use one of those. Adjustable shower heads so it hits below the face are the only acceptable showers, though I prefer a bath.

  • I can sense big changes before they come, unconsciously. I have light sensitivity that causes me migraines. Noise overwhelme often brings on mutism.

    I get frustrated when people ask me question I feel are obvious just to try and make conversation as it interrupts my chain of though on other things.

    My body gets sick when I feel intense emotions. I think this will genuinely kill me - could this be the cause of cancer perhaps? Trapped emotions...

  • Hi! I struggle with some similar issues. I experience discomfort with natural and artificial bright lights - sometimes I even wear tinted sunglasses inside (but I order them in fun colors so people dont ask me why I am wearing them - they just assume it is for fashion i think). I hate hate hate cold sensations, so weather changes are hard for me to adjust my routine to. I also hate the sensation of raindrops on my face so I always wear a hat if it looks like it could rain.  

    I also relate to your experience with fabrics. I like to shop in person (even though it can be overwhelming) so I can touch all the fabrics to test them. I find myself most comfortable in new environments when I wear my fluffy and soft texture clothes 

  • Hypersensitivity is not unusual on the spectrum. It is not surprising your new environment made it all worse, it was probably overstimulating you and all unfamiliar.

    The best way to deal with it is to find the things which make you more comfortable, like the soft fabrics, and get more of those. Find the things which make you uncomfortable and avoid those as much as possible within reason as you do still have to live! People find noise reducing headphones helpful and sunglasses. If you find yourself getting overstimulated try and find somewhere quiet to sit and process until you feel able to face the world again. Being tired makes it worse so try and get enough sleep.

  • in reply to Rosy

    Yeah, going into a heated room with heavy clothes makes me irritable. :(

  • I don't like bright screens and sunlight. During the summer months wear man made fibres. Find shops to hot for me. Sensitive to hot and cold. Also people touch me.