Episode 259: Overstimulation & Recharge and the Impact on Relationships - Patricia Young

In this conversation, Patricia explores the themes of overstimulation, the importance of recharging, and the dynamics of friendship, particularly in the context of neurodivergence. She shares her personal experiences with protesting, the challenges of feeling safe in crowds, and the emotional complexities of friendships, including rejection sensitivity, and the trauma that many Autistics have experienced in relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-care, understanding one’s limits, and the significance of connection in navigating life’s challenges.

HIGHLIGHTS

We often need to recharge after overstimulation.
Protesting can be a positive experience despite initial fears.
It’s important to communicate needs in friendships.
Rejection sensitivity can affect how we perceive relationships.
Predictability and routine can provide comfort for neurodivergent individuals.
Self-care is essential for emotional regulation.
Understanding our triggers can help in managing our responses.
Friendships can change, and it’s okay to let go.
We should honor our sensitivity and the way we connect with others.
It’s important to recognize that not everyone is meant for us.

SOUND BITES

“You have a right to rest.”

“You are not meant for everyone.”

SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT’S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED

You have a right to reach out to friends.
You have a right to rest.
You have a right to be playful.
You have a right to be serious and quiet.
Our idea of fun is not always what a neurotypical’s idea of fun is, and that could be studying a language, studying something that you’re interested in, doing a craft project, spending time with animals.
You have a right to be quiet.
You have a right to be loud.
You are not meant for everyone and everyone is not meant for you.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Navigating Overstimulation and Recharge
06:04 Experiencing Protest: A Personal Journey
11:54 Friendship Dynamics and Rejection Sensitivity
18:48 Patterns of Engagement and Disengagement

PODCAST HOST

Patricia was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it’s like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren’t alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you

HIGHLIGHTS

CHAPTERS

PODCAST HOST

LINKS