My Short Stories
Through my stories, I share real thoughts, feelings and experiences about growing up with a different brain, in the hope that other children feel understood and adults understand a little more too.
My Stories
When The World Feels Turned Up Too Loud
Sometimes shopping and crowds can feel really overwhelming for me. It can feel like everything is closing in and all the noises, lights, colours and people suddenly get turned all the way up. My brain finds it hard to sort everything out at once, and it can make me feel stressed, panicky or upset really quickly.
It doesn’t happen all the time though. Sometimes I can be completely fine, and other times even a small busy shop can feel too much. It can depend on how tired I am, what mood I’m in, or how full my brain already feels that day. I think that’s something lots of people don’t understand, just because I managed it one day doesn’t mean it will feel the same the next time.
There are things that help me when this happens. I use my Loop earplugs to make things quieter, and I have a sunflower lanyard that helps people know I might need a little extra understanding. Sometimes I just need a short break somewhere quiet. And sometimes the best thing for me is leaving completely and that’s okay too.
Things That Help Me In Busy Places
- 🎧 Wearing my Loop earplugs helps make the noise feel quieter.
- 🌤️ My sunflower lanyard helps people understand I might need extra support.
- 🧍 Having space around me can help me feel calmer.
- ⏸️ Taking little breaks somewhere quiet really helps my brain reset.
- 🫶 Staying close to someone I trust makes me feel safer.
- 📱 Sometimes listening to music or using my iPad helps me focus on one thing.
- 🚪 Leaving early is okay if everything starts to feel too much.
- 💜 Being patient with me helps more than people realise.
Would You Like To Share Your Stories?
“I would love to hear your story too. Sometimes sharing our feelings can help other people feel less alone.” — Maddie
