Understanding and Supporting a Sensitive Nervous System
A sensitive nervous system is not only experienced by people with autism, ADHD, and trauma.
We’re all born with a certain level of neurological sensitivity that can be impacted by our environment and life experiences. Our nervous system can become more sensitive as we age, due to various factors such as stress, physical illness or injury, and the effects of trauma. It’s important to understand what it means to have a sensitive nervous system so we can better support our overall mental health.
What does it mean to have a sensitive nervous system?
Having a sensitive nervous system means that you are extra sensitive to your environment and the signals your body sends you. For example, someone with a sensitive nervous system may experience heightened levels of stress or anxiety when exposed to loud noises or crowded areas. They may also be more prone to sensory overloads in which they become overwhelmed by too much information coming in at once. People who have a sensitive nervous system may also be more emotionally reactive than others—they can go from feeling content one minute to feeling angry or anxious the next.
How to support your mental health when you have a sensitive Nervous system?
If you have a sensitive nervous system, there are some steps you can take to manage it and reduce its impact on your day-to-day life. The first step in supporting your mental health is understanding that it’s ok to be extra-sensitive. Accepting this fact about yourself will make it easier for you to take steps towards improving your mental health in the long-term. The second step would be to identify which activities or environments trigger your sensitivities and develop strategies for managing them when they arise. This might include bringing noise cancelling headphones when going out in public places. It may also be helpful to practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises which can help reduce stress levels and improve focus and concentration. Taking regular breaks throughout the day is also beneficial as it gives you an opportunity to step away from stressful situations or overwhelming stimuli before they become too overwhelming. Additionally, getting enough sleep each night is essential for maintaining emotional balance and regulating moods. Talking about how you feel with someone close to you (such as a family member or friend) can provide much needed emotional support during difficult times. Additionally, talking with a mental health professional about how best to manage your sensitivity may be beneficial in providing personalised advice tailored specifically for your needs.
Having a sensitive nervous system does not have to mean living with constant feelings of anxiety or overwhelm; there are ways we can support ourselves that will help us cope better with these feelings when they inevitably arise. By understanding what it means to have a sensitive nervous system and taking proactive steps towards self-care, we can foster healthier mindsets that will ultimately lead us down paths of greater happiness and wellbeing. With practice and dedication, anyone can learn how best manage their unique level of neurological sensitivity and make positive changes in both the short-term and long-term that will benefit not only yourself but those around you too!
If you or your child has been recently diagnosed with ASD & ADHD you can have a look at Michaela’s 40min session “Creating insight into ASD & ADHD (for adults)”, or the caregiver version “Creating insight into your child’s ASD & ADHD (for caregivers)”.