Overstimulation vs Understimulation

At this point, I hear “I’m feeling overstimulated,” all over the place.

We can all get overwhelmed, but just like with masking, over- and understimulation happens much more often for neurodivergent people.

And without caution, this swinging can run your whole life.

Overstimulation vs Understimulation

It might be obvious, but both overstimulation and understimulation are caused by not getting the right amount of stimulation for your brain.

For ADHDers, this struggle is daily, because our brains don’t regulate dopamine—the focus chemical—well (or at all).

So here’s a look into each, all based in my personal experience.

Overstimulation feels like anxiety.

When I’m overstimulated, I can’t think straight, sit still, or sleep.

I feel jittery in my brain and body, and can’t seem to slow down no matter what I do.

Naturally, this comes with a whole host of problems, like:

• Insomnia

• Inability to relax

• Missed deadlines

• Speaking too fast

And because overstimulation feels like anxiety, it can even trigger panic a…