What others let pass like background noise can settle deep within, leaving the heart swollen with feelings that are not entirely its own. Overstimulation for the sensitive soul is not just about too much sound or light, but about carrying too much presence, too much energy, too much of everything all at once.
But what is actually going on when someone feels like they can’t filter stimuli?
Let’s explore some common causes:
- Negative Self-Talk
Constantly battling with your inner critic takes a toll. The voice that tells you “I’m not doing enough”, “I’m falling short”, or that you need to be “better” keeps you in a heightened state of stress. This creates a loop where you are constantly on edge, trying to prove yourself, yet feeling inadequate at the same time. The mental energy required to counter this negativity is exhausting.
- Excessive Screen Time
Between social media, work emails, and endless scrolling, your mind never gets the chance to unplug. The constant barrage of information, comparison, and the pressure to be “always on” leaves anyone feeling mentally fried. Further, the blue light exposure late into the night disrupts the sleep cycle, and the digital overload only adds to your stimulation. - Codependency
Codependency creates a high mental, emotional, and cognitive load. Codependency creates this deep-rooted belief of “I need to be there for everyone, even at the expense of my own well-being”. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, it leaves you feeling an obligation to take care of others' emotions, problems, and needs. While this comes from a place of love, it can lead to burnout. The emotional drain of constantly supporting others without replenishing your own energy feels like an endless cycle. And yes, this is highly stimulating and taxing. - Over-Commitment & Lack of Boundaries
Saying “yes” to everything, even when you know you should say “no,” will leave you feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s taking on extra tasks at work or agreeing to social events, the overcommitment comes because you secretly don’t want to disappoint anyone. This lack of boundaries means you have no space for yourself, resulting in mental and emotional exhaustion. Carrying the fear of disappointment or disappointment is a constant negative voice circulating in your mind…. This is high stimulation. This stimulation is only louder when you are pushed to your limits and not allowing yourself to pause, rest, and reset. - Information Overload
The sheer volume of news, opinions, and “advice” you are exposed to daily makes it hard to filter out what’s actually important or relevant. Your brain is constantly processing data, even if it doesn’t need it. This overload affects your ability to focus, contributing to a sense of restlessness and mental fatigue. Information is stimuli. Too much information overwhelms and becomes cheap, watered down, and too much noise.
Figuring out how to de-stimulate and simplify your stimuli requires specific types of boundaries and skills to tune in with yourself. Stay tuned in our next blog “Real-World Solutions for an Overwhelmed Mind” to learn practical tools that you can implement.
