Key Takeaways
- Research suggests that sensory overwhelm or overstimulation may be more common among people living with bipolar disorder.
- Sensory sensitivity may be especially heightened during manic episodes, but may occur during other mood changes.
- If you have bipolar disorder and are struggling with sensory overload, identifying your triggers, practicing coping strategies, and attending therapy can help.
A note on language: People describe their experience of bipolar sensory overload in a variety of ways. They may call it a sensory issue, sensory sensitivity, hypersensitivity, or sensory overwhelm. While “sensory overload” is not an officially recognized symptom of bipolar disorder, there’s evidence to suggest that it’s a very common experience for people who live with the condition.
Sensory overload occurs when a person encounters a taste, sight, smell, sound, or physical sensation that creates overwhelming distress. This can result in uncomfortable symptoms like anxiety, dizziness, heart palpitations, and more.
Anyone can experience sensory overload. But research shows that it might be more prevalent among people with bipolar disorder, especially those with bipolar type I. Learning more about this connection can help you manage the increased sensitivity that often accompanies bipolar disorder.
What sensory overload feels like with bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings. It involves periods of low mood (depressive episodes) and euphoric states (manic episodes) that are severe enough to impact daily functioning.
During these mood changes, a person may become more susceptible to sensory overwhelm. One study found 82% of people with bipolar disorder experience sensory changes during a manic episode and 65% during a depressive episode.
Some examples of how this increased sensitivity might manifest include:
- Noise sensitivity: A person has trouble filtering out the background noise in their home. Even quiet sounds like the hum of the refrigerator are overwhelming, and the person is unable to focus on anything but the noise.
- Sensitivity to touch: The tag on the inside of a person’s shirt feels like a cat’s claw is digging into their skin. They become so irritated by the sensation that they tear their shirt as they scratch their neck.
- Sensitivity to smell: Odors from cleaning products or personal hygiene products that a person doesn’t usually notice become so strong that they feel physically ill.
- Light sensitivity: A person goes to a grocery store with bright fluorescent lights. The experience is so intense that they feel panicked and make an abrupt exit.
- Sensitivity to taste: The foods a person normally enjoys now taste too bitter, salty, or spicy, and it feels impossible to enjoy a meal.
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Why people with bipolar disorder are prone to overstimulation
We don’t fully understand why people with bipolar disorder might be more prone to overstimulation. But it might be due to some differences in how their brains process information. A 2018 study found that during manic and depressive episodes, people with bipolar disorder experience functional differences in the parts of the brain that control visual and sensory processing. This suggests underlying neurobiological factors may contribute to sensory sensitivities in people with bipolar disorder.
Another potential contributor to overstimulation in people with bipolar disorder is the presence of co-occurring conditions. If you have bipolar disorder and live with any of the following, you may be more susceptible to sensory overwhelm:
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Sensory processing disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
On the surface, it can be challenging to determine if someone is experiencing sensory overload due to bipolar disorder or another condition. But remember that sensory overwhelm in bipolar disorder is specifically tied to mood. That isn’t necessarily the case for these other conditions.
For example, a person with ASD might experience hypersensitivity all the time. But sensory sensitivity may not be universally present for a person with bipolar disorder. Rather, it may only accompany significant mood changes.
Overcoming sensory overwhelm in bipolar disorder
If you have bipolar disorder, here are some things you can do to manage the impact of sensory sensitivities on your daily life.
Know your triggers
Understanding what triggers your sensitivities can help you take steps to prevent overwhelm. For example, if you’re going to be in an environment that may get loud, pack some noise-cancelling ear buds. Or if you know scent tends to be an issue for you, try to purchase fragrance-free products.
Practice coping skills
While it might not be possible to completely avoid sensory overwhelm, you can take steps to navigate it. For example, grounding strategies like breathwork can help you calm your mind and body in difficult moments.
Talk about it
Everyone can play a role in making our world a more welcoming place for people with sensory sensitivities. For example, if someone in your office wears a strong perfume or blares loud music from their desk, kindly let them know how it affects you.
You can say: “Hey, I hope this isn’t awkward, I just wanted to mention that I have some sensory sensitivities, and strong scents can be a bit overwhelming for me. Your perfume is lovely, but it’s a little intense for me at times. I’d love to find a solution that works for both of us. I really appreciate your understanding!”
Ask for help
If you’re struggling with sensory overwhelm and bipolar disorder, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Therapy can be a safe space to cultivate self-compassion, learn new coping strategies, and improve your self-regulation skills.
Shifts between manic and depressive states can significantly impact sensory perception, which is important to explore in therapy. During mania, you may experience heightened sensitivity to sound, light, or touch, while depressive states can bring either blunted sensory response or increased irritation to stimuli. With a therapist, you can build awareness around these shifts to support emotional regulation and reduce overwhelm.
Find care with Rula
If you have bipolar disorder and you experience heightened sensory sensitivity during depressive or manic episodes, know that help is available. With the right support, you can balance your mood, manage your hypersensitivity, and improve your quality of life.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
About the author
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
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