Understanding the Situation
Sometimes grown-ups get overwhelmed by loud noises, fast movement, and lots of feelings all at once. When your mum is overstimulated, she might yell because she feels stressed, tired, or doesn’t know how to calm down in the moment.
What is Overstimulation?
- Overstimulation happens when there are too many things to pay attention to at once.
- It can make someone feel irritable, anxious, or frustrated.
- Yelling is not OK, but it can be a reflex when emotions are high.
Why Yelling Might Happen
- Noise, crowd, or lots of running around can be too much.
- If she is tired or worried, she may react more strongly.
- She might be trying to get your attention quickly to keep you safe.
What You Can Do
- Pause and breathe: Take a slow breath (in through the nose, out through the mouth) for 5 seconds.
- Use a calm signal: Agree on a quiet word or hand sign to show you need a break.
- Ask for a calm space: If you feel loud or overwhelmed, go to a quiet area for a minute.
- Talk later: When things are calmer, say, “I notice we both get loud when I scream. How can we handle this better?”
How to Talk About It with Your Mum
- Choose a calm time to chat, not right after a yell.
- Share your feelings: “I feel scared when you yell.”
- Ask for solutions together, like a plan for when things get loud.
Good Boundaries and Safety
- Everyone benefits from quieter ways to communicate during overstimulated moments.
- If things ever feel scary or unsafe, tell a trusted adult right away.
Remember, overstimulation is not your fault, and your mom is trying to handle a hard moment too. With calm signals and a plan, you both can feel safer and more in control.