u/Mely089

Hi,

I’m looking for similar experiences.

I’ve been dealing with severe visual overload for a long time. I can’t watch TV, driving is not possible, and even normal visual input (screens, movement, busy environments, lighting) quickly becomes overwhelming. I also have strong light sensitivity and a constant feeling of sensory overload and mental exhaustion.

It often feels like my nervous system cannot properly filter input anymore, leading to rapid overwhelm and shutdown-like states.

Background:

• strabismus since birth + hyperopia
• convergence problems/spasm
• nighttime rotational vertigo attack → severe exhaustion and clear worsening afterwards
• very sensitive nervous system
• on SSRI treatment (Escitalopram) for several years; dose reduction at one point seemed to worsen symptoms
• symptoms also fluctuate with stress and overload

Main issues:

• severe visual overload / brain fatigue
• cannot tolerate TV or driving
• strong light sensitivity
• constant overwhelm from sensory input
• long-term course (months/years)

Has anyone experienced something similar long-term (1+ year)?
Did SSRIs or anything else help stabilize things?

I’m not looking for quick fixes, just shared experiences.

Thanks.

Hi,

I’m looking for people with similar experiences.

I’ve been dealing with severe visual overload for quite a while now. I can’t really watch TV anymore, driving is not possible, and even everyday visual stimuli (movement, screens, busy environments, lighting) quickly become overwhelming. I also have strong light sensitivity and feel easily overstimulated in general.

Background:

• history of eye issues (hyperopia + convergence problems / spasm)
• very sensitive nervous system / autonomic symptoms
• symptoms worsened after a period of visual strain and a medication adjustment (Escitalopram dose reduction)

Main symptoms:

• strong visual overload / brain fatigue from visual input
• inability to tolerate screens or TV
• driving not possible
• light sensitivity
• overall sensory overload

I’m mainly trying to understand:

• Has anyone experienced something similar (especially inability to watch TV or drive for long periods)?
• Did this last months or over a year for you?
• Did medications (SSRIs, etc.) help at all?
• What actually helped you function day-to-day?

I’m not looking for quick fixes, just real experiences.

Thanks.