How Sensory Processing Differences Impact Mental Health

Apr 27

Author: Mokshvi Shah, BS Northeastern University Student

Published: April 2024

Understanding the Hidden Strain Behind Everyday Experiences

We all experience the world through our senses, sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and body awareness. But for people with sensory processing differences, the way those sensory messages are received and interpreted by the brain can feel overwhelming, uncomfortable, or even painful.

Sensory processing differences are commonly seen in autism, ADHD, PTSD, and other neurodivergent conditions. And while they often go unnoticed by others, their impact on mental health can be profound.

What Are Sensory Processing Differences?

Sensory processing refers to how our nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input. For some people, this system works differently. They may be:

Sensory sensitive (hypersensitive): Easily overwhelmed by light, noise, touch, or movement
Sensory seeking (hyposensitive): Craving strong input like bright lights, deep pressure, or constant motion
Mixed: Sensitive in some areas and under-responsive in others
These differences aren’t inherently “bad,” they’re just different ways of experiencing the world. But when those experiences are invalidated, misunderstood, or constantly triggering, they can take a toll on mental health.

Everyday Sensory Stressors That Others Might Miss

Imagine this:

Fluorescent lights flicker and buzz just enough to distract you all day
The feeling of a tag in your shirt makes your skin crawl
You’re in a loud classroom, but the background noise feels like someone shouting in your ear
The smell of a coworker’s perfume gives you a headache within minutes
Someone hugs you unexpectedly and your whole body tenses up in panic

Now imagine this happening every day, without others recognizing how hard it is. That’s the daily reality for many people with sensory processing differences.

The Mental Health Connection

Living in a world that constantly bombards your nervous system can lead to:

Anxiety and hypervigilance
Constant sensory overwhelm can keep your body in a fight-or-flight state, making it hard to relax or feel safe.
Meltdowns or shutdowns
When the system is overloaded, emotional regulation becomes harder. This can lead to intense emotional outbursts, or going completely numb.
Depression or burnout
Chronic stress from navigating sensory distress can lead to fatigue, low mood, or feeling hopeless and misunderstood.
Social withdrawal
Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger sensory discomfort can shrink your world, and make it harder to connect with others.
Misdiagnosis or stigma
Sensory needs are often misread as “difficult behavior,” leading to shame, punishment, or being told to “just toughen up.”

Sensory-Aware Mental Health Support Matters

Mental health care is most effective when it honors the full experience of the individual, including sensory needs. At the FLOAAT Center we try to: