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Can light cause anxiety?

Ladybird

Lights used in my workplace are fluorescent lights but they always were the warm yellow fluorescent lights. The place was a bit dim (there are no windows) but it was nice. I liked it that way. 

Few days ago few lightbulbs burned out and today they were replaced. By new ones which give strong cool white light. They are really bright, too bright. 

Most people said they’re too bright, complained a bit, joked a bit (“now I can see through you”) and then went back to work. 

I complained a bit about the new light as well, squinted a bit and then went back to work but after few minutes I’ve noticed that my heart beat is really fast and I’m hyperventilating. 

Is it the light? 

And if the light is causing my anxiety what can I do about it? They’re not going to change it back.

Parents

  • Hi, Ladybird. I struggle with this too - it sounds like the lights are causing sensory overload. I find bright, fluorescent lights really harsh and I get very stressed by them - I can't focus on anything else.

    Does your workplace know you're autistic? You could actually speak with occupational health about the lighting; they should be able to accommodate changes if they're making you feel uncomfortable and stressed (e.g. they may be able to replace the bulbs, they could sit you further away from the lights, or they could allow you to wear sunglasses in the office). This would be classed as a reasonable adjustment.

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  • Hi, Ladybird. I struggle with this too - it sounds like the lights are causing sensory overload. I find bright, fluorescent lights really harsh and I get very stressed by them - I can't focus on anything else.

    Does your workplace know you're autistic? You could actually speak with occupational health about the lighting; they should be able to accommodate changes if they're making you feel uncomfortable and stressed (e.g. they may be able to replace the bulbs, they could sit you further away from the lights, or they could allow you to wear sunglasses in the office). This would be classed as a reasonable adjustment.

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