I recently was talking to my therapist and realizing I do have more "quirks" than I thought regarding sensory overload. I am still learning the wording of all this but I do struggle with being overstimulated with regard to noise and smells and I think I have always felt this way.

I considered myself mostly "normal" and these sensitivities have kinda thrown me for a loop. I mean clearly they have been around for at least the last five years of my life but I never thought about them in this way. Smells really bother me and it is honestly hard for me to not feel ill if there is an overwhelming smell for a long period of time.

Sound is something I have recently realized too...if it is consistent it grates on me. People's pets and their noises really seem to bother me and maybe I do not actually dislike dogs they just overstimulate me if I am with them for too long. Does that make sense?  I feel kinda crazy.

Anyway, I dont really like the wording of "Highly Sensitive Persons" because it makes me feel weak. I am such a strong and resilient person in every other way and I have been sensitive emotionally but this is different. I feel this in my body and I cannot control my reactions for the most part. I want to learn more about this from others and understand how this is not a bad thing as my therapist says but just another puzzle piece on how I can better take care of myself.