As this pandemic continues to take a hold of our “normal” socialisation and overall conversation and connection, there is something that needs to be addressed. We have become reliant on sites like “Zoom” to allow us to continue these conversations, which is fantastic, I believe these sites are a perfect way to stay connected with friends and loved ones.

It has been shared that I have dyspraxia; a developmental disorder that can affect co- ordination and cognition. This also affects the way I approach social situations and myself personally also has some sensory struggles. In short, I don’t take to noises well, it has hugely affected the way I communicate with people, I hate noises that I can’t control. Yes I go to concerts and comic cons but in some ways I do have an element of control there. What I cannot handle is noises in very inclosed spaces where I don’t feel I have a lot of control. For example I was in a tent/ bar where it was absolutely jam packed with people, while a man was playing his guitar and singing. While this would be a normal thing for me, because the space was so packed up and I could barely walk through the crowd to find my family, he sang louder. As he started to sing louder, it’s like I was in a danger zone. It was so loud so many people were all talking at once, shouting to get a word in. It felt like the room was getting smaller and closing in, I began hitting my head, crying, I needed out.

Zoom calls have hugely affected this too. Just last week I was in a call with a group of a community that I love and adore. I don’t know if it was because some of the moderators were away and there was just the one, but there was a lot of noise, a lot of people talking over each other, getting louder to have there voices heard. I understand people will be excited to see others, but the excitement led to a lot of people talking very fast also. So a mixture of so many voices, talking at a very fast pace. I would say something but I am just one voice trying to get over others. I was back in that place I was in that tent, although I wasn’t physically showing my triggers and emotions, I was struggling. I left fairly quickly after my triggers started. I know I did what was in my best interest but it also left my feeling isolated. It’s an awful feeling.

I want everyone reading to know this isn’t shaming anyone being loud and expressing themselves, in fact I love it and encourage it. I wish I had the confidence to be so expressive. I just want to share with people to just be aware, not just of myself. There are so many people out there with sensory problems, this could be with noise, lighting, touch, anything to do with the senses. People who have these struggles can be people with Autism for example. Individuals also react to a sensory overload in different ways so please be aware. If you think this person struggling with this situation, stop and think. What would you do if it was a friend of family member, allow this person some time to try and comprehend what would be for them an impossible situation, reach out to the person too, don’t let them feel left out.

I know I have rambled quite a bit, this is just something that has been on my mind and I encourage everyone to be aware of there surroundings and who may be affected by something like this.

Please stay safe during this crazy time and of course stay connected!