Janvier

overwhelmed

Posted on 10/19/09, 04:13 pm

It is exhausting being highly sensitive. I need some free time just to unwind. I try to plan ahead knowing how I can easily feel overwhelmed. Any other ideas on how to cope?

• Reply #1 10/26/09  12:15pm
  
  ClayC
  I have to have peace and quiet.. it's not easy in todays society to have this.. I have a routine and a quiet time for myself is included.. i switch off all my phones and just for an hour and a half I relax and forget about everything.. it's not easy, i have a lot of stress with in laws and illness, but without this time to myself I would be sick all of the time..
• Reply #2 10/27/09  9:50am
  
  PoeticDiva
  Janvier,
  
  I certainly can relate to being exhausted with being a HSP. It is draining!
  
  However, in my case, I am seeing a light at the end of that big, huge, scary tunnel!! After being diagnosed with Adult ADD in July, I took the advice of the neurologist, and I got into CBT therapy to help me cope with my emotions, anxiety, and of course, the many problems that go along with being ADD.
  
  I am finding the therapy very helpful. I am taking meds for the ADD, but the therapy is helping me get into some semblance of �normal�. I am learning to plan and organize, and it is relieving some of my feelings of being overwhelmed.
  
  For me, this whole thing is a HUGE vicious circle. In a nutshell, this is how it works with me...
  
  Procrastinate on something
  Have anxiety over the issue I procrastinated on
  Emotions and sensitivity run amuck
  I become overwhelmed.
  
  Another scenario:
  
  I take on too many things (appointments, obligations, requests, etc)
  I start feeling overwhelmed and exhausted
  Anxiety and panic kick in, and I start to feel sick (emotionally and physically)
  Emotions and sensitivity rear its ugly head
  I shut down.
  
  So now I learning in CBT to change my way of thinking. I am learning how to plan my calendar so I am not taking on too much in any given day or week. I make sure to have a �quiet� night JUST for myself. I can do whatever I want that night. I can read, write, watch TV, blog, surf the web, call friends, etc. It is MY night.
  
  I have to take this time because with all of my issues (Adult ADD, Anxiety, HSP) and my husband�s health concerns, I will lose my mind if I do no take the time for me.
  
  I think it is all about learning to organize the social calendar, scheduling ME time, and making sure to stay focused or you lose the sense of �self�.
  
  
  
• Reply #3 10/27/09  10:06am
  
  Janvier
  Hi Poetic,
  
  The 2 "scenarios" you just mentioned could have been written by me. That is exactly how I feel.
  
  I also have ADD & am always tired. I keep thinking "today is the day I'm going to get my life in order". I'm almost ready to give up.
• Reply #4 10/27/09  10:10am
  
  Janvier
  Hi Clay,
  
  Sometimes I think I should tell everyone I'll be away for a week. (or a month) I get so fed up with having to give excuses or reasons or having to explain myself.

the highly sensitive person is someone who cares deeply about everything ... feels emotions with great intensity ... highly conscientious ... has a rich & complex inner life ... very intuitive ... needs lots of quiet time & space & freedom