Sensory Anxiety: Not Your Ordinary Anxiety Part 2
By Erin Clarelli, MS. OTR/L & Jessica Jordan, MS. OTR/L
What Sensory Anxiety Looks Like in the Body
Sensory anxiety can show up in the body in many different ways, some of which may not be immediately recognized as anxiety.
Here are just a few physical and emotional signs:
Flushed face or tight facial expression
Trembling, shaking, or rigid posture
Stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea
Poor balance or coordination
Dizziness or disorientation
Racing thoughts or frozen behavior
Dilated pupils or excessive sweating
Lethargy
It’s important to remember: sensory overload can lead to physiological stress, even before an individual is fully aware of what triggered it.
How to Support Sensory Anxiety
Make It Known
Help individuals identify and share which sensory systems are most impacted. For example, “Loud sounds are hard for me” or “I need space when there’s a crowd.” When others understand these needs, the environment can be adapted to be more sensory-safe.
Allow Avoidance Without Shame
It’s okay to turn down invitations to events that might feel overwhelming. Avoiding certain sensory situations isn’t failure; it’s a form of self-awareness and self-preservation.
Gear Up Proactively
If certain sensory anxiety can’t be avoided, it is good to be prepared emotionally and physically. Before the encounter, it is okay to take time to use techniques useful for sensory issues. These can help the nervous system prepare for the upcoming input and stay more regulated through it. Some examples are:
jumping on a trampoline
Wearing noise-reducing headphones
Using a fidget
Deep pressure (compression clothing or heavy blankets)
Grounding tools (cold water, calming scent-based items, movement breaks
Decompress Afterwards
Recovery is essential. Post-event decompression allows the nervous system to recalibrate. That might look like quiet time, snuggling under a blanket, stretching on the floor, or time alone in a calm space. There’s no shame in needing to rest after a taxing event. That rebound time matters.
Final Thoughts: Sensory Anxiety Deserves Support, Not Shame
Sensory anxiety isn’t “dramatic” or “overreacting.” It’s a real and valid experience tied to how the brain and body process input.
If you're parenting or supporting someone who experiences sensory anxiety, you're not alone. Our team at SUNRISE Therapies offers private coaching calls, in-person sessions, and a foundational course to walk alongside families navigating sensory and emotional regulation needs with compassion, clarity, and care.
Have questions or stories to share? Leave a comment, we’d love to hear from you.
Resources
Dillon, K. (n.d.). Sensory anxiety: Not your ordinary anxiety. Sensory Anxiety: Not Your Ordinary Anxiety. https://sensoryhealth.org/node/1129
Rosen, P. (2023, June 15). Sensory overload anxiety. Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/sensory-overload-anxiety
Helpful Links
If you found this post helpful, you’ll love our therapy resources! Whether you’re a parent or therapist, our apraxia and autism courses are here to offer practical tools, compassionate guidance, and real-world strategies you can use every day.
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