Everyone on the Internet Feels Overstimulated - but Are You, Actually?

In a compilation of vaguely chaotic clips, creator Dani Cole shows herself struggling with a noisy juicer, fighting to slice a watermelon, and expressing frustration over an uncooperative hair clip. "Just a girl that gets easily overstimulated," she wrote in a February TikTok, garnering over one million likes. Given the video's popularity, Cole clearly touched on a relatable sentiment. But is her TikTok a legitimate example of overstimulation?

"Hey! So this is not the definition of overstimulated! Hope this helps!" reads one of the video's top comments. Others disagree. "As someone with diagnosed autism I can confirm this is overstimulation," another chimes in. Still, the debate makes it clear that social media has some strong feelings about overstimulation — and several lingering questions.

Admittedly, the term "overstimulation" is thrown around quite a bit online. People often use it to describe heightened emotions without understanding the true context of the word. But although overstimulation is commonly associated with mental health conditions like anxiety or autism, it's true that anyone can experience it.

To go beyond the buzzword, we asked an expert what it actually means to be overstimulated. Read on to learn the basics, including common signs, triggers, and ways to cope.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Ryan Young is the marketing and social media manager at mental health organization, Give an Hour.

What Is Overstimulation?

"Being overstimulated refers to a state in which an individual becomes overwhelmed by excessive sensory, emotional, or cognitive input," explains Ryan Young, marketing manager at a mental health company. You may experience overstimulation when your brain is struggling to process a large volume of stimuli such as loud noise, bright lights, or crowded environments.

"This overwhelming experience can trigger a stress response, leading to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and exhaustion," Young says. "It's the mind and body's way of signaling that they need a break to re-calibrate." This kind of sensory overload can interfere with daily functioning, and is often associated with anxiety and other mental health conditions, per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Should overstimulating experiences get in the way of your day-to-day life, reach out to a mental health professional for additional support.

Signs of Overstimulation

Overstimulation might make sense on paper, but how do you know if you're experiencing it yourself? "Recognizing overstimulation involves paying attention to both physical and emotional cues," Young says (and they may differ from person to person). Here are a couple signs to look out for:

"These signs are the brain and body's way of saying, 'Enough,'" Young explains. With that in mind, there are some other mental health conditions that can have similar effects. "Anxiety or chronic stress can mimic the symptoms of overstimulation, such as irritability and difficulty concentrating," Young says. "Burnout — a state of mental and physical exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress — can also feel similar, as can sensory processing sensitivities, which are common among neurodivergent individuals."

Unlike overstimulation — which is temporary and can affect anyone — those with sensory processing sensitivities are naturally more sensitive to environmental stimuli at all times. Ultimately, if you notice yourself feeling uncomfortable or agitated at any point, it's important to figure out why so that you can properly address the issue.

Potential Triggers

We live in an overstimulating world, and it's not just flashing lights and loud noises. "With the rise of digital connectivity, people are constantly exposed to information via smartphones, social media, and the internet, often with little time to disconnect," Young points out. "This constant stream of input can lead to information overload, making it harder for individuals to process or filter what they're experiencing."

While we often think of things like crowded spaces, noisy venues, and bright lights, too much screen time can also be a major trigger for overstimulation. Uncomfortable textures, unexpected physical contact, and environmental changes (like temperature) can also make you feel overstimulated.

How to Manage Overstimulation

If you catch yourself feeling overstimulated, don't panic. The first step is to pause and identify what may be causing the overstimulation. "Once you've identified the source, reducing input — whether by wearing noise-canceling headphones, dimming the lights, or taking a break from technology — can provide immediate relief," Young says. "Self-regulation strategies such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or a brief walk outdoors can also help ground your senses." For longer-term support, you may also want to consider speaking with a mental health professional who can help you manage overstimulation more effectively, Young says.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.