A new wave of psychological research is shedding light on why we often become irritable or even mean when we’re overstimulated—a problem that resonates with thousands across the globe and is highly relevant as life in Thailand grows more fast-paced, urban, and digitally driven. According to a viral phenomenon discussed in a recent HuffPost report, people overwhelmingly share the experience of getting snappy or short-tempered when their senses and minds are bombarded with too much information, chaos, or noise (HuffPost).
This topic matters deeply in contemporary Thai society, where urban environments like Bangkok are notorious for rapid-fire sensory input: blaring horns, crowded BTS trains, and omnipresent smartphone notifications. The research reveals that feeling “mean” when overstimulated is a physiological process, not a character flaw. Experts interviewed by HuffPost, such as a Texas-based psychotherapist and a California-licensed marriage and family therapist, explain that overstimulation occurs when our senses—sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste—are constantly bombarded. This leads to the brain’s prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational decision-making, temporarily going “offline.” As a result, rational thinking gives way to primal, reactive behaviors, making us more likely to lash out in frustration.
Physiologically, this means the body’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response is activated, even if the stressors are not conventionally dangerous. Everyday stress accumulates with small triggers—such as running late, losing an item, or facing traffic woes. When the threshold is reached, even minor inconveniences can provoke disproportionately strong reactions. The issue is compounded by technology: as the Texas-based expert notes, constant phone alerts, emails, and social media notifications create an environment ripe for sensory overload.
Technology is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it keeps Thais connected and informed, crucial for business and maintaining social ties (Line chat groups and Facebook Messenger are essential communications platforms in Thailand). On the other, these very tools flood the brain with constant micro-stressors. The therapist points out that, compared to a few decades ago—when a moment of calm waiting was normal—today’s society rarely disconnects, making overstimulation almost inevitable.
Managing this overload is key. The California therapist recommends simple but powerful techniques to regulate emotions: deep nasal breathing with a longer exhale than inhale can help signal to the brain and body that the situation is not dangerous, calming the nervous system. Mindfulness practices—like noticing three things around you of a certain color—redirect attention away from stress triggers. Crucially, creating daily routines that foster calm, such as taking a few minutes of quiet in the morning, limiting phone use upon waking, or setting reminders to check in with one’s needs (hydration, movement, rest), builds resilience against sensory overwhelm.
What does this mean for Thailand? In the urban Thai context, where city living is defined by relentless activity and sensory stimulation, these findings are particularly pertinent. Population density adds to crowd-induced stress, while the rapidly changing digital landscape means that even children and the elderly are subject to a “switched-on” existence. Cultural values around saving face and harmonious relationships can compound the issue—making it difficult to express or acknowledge when one feels overwhelmed. This makes the physiological understanding of overstimulation invaluable for destigmatizing natural emotional reactions.
Thai mental health professionals, such as counselors at leading Bangkok hospitals, note a steady uptick in stress-related complaints and increasingly cite digital overload as a factor. While traditional Thai practices like meditation and mindfulness are aligned with expert recommendations, the challenge is integrating these into everyday fast-paced life, not just reserving them for temple retreats or the occasional dhamma session.
Historically, Thailand’s Buddhist traditions have promoted practices to cultivate calm and present-moment awareness—a cultural asset in coping with modern overstimulation. The new scientific understanding aligns closely with these teachings, offering a bridge between modern neuroscience and cultural wisdom. However, adoption among the younger, hyper-connected population remains limited.
Looking forward, experts predict that managing overstimulation will be an important health and quality-of-life issue for Thais, especially as smart devices, advertising screens, and urban development intensify sensory demands. There is potential for a greater public mental health campaign to normalize emotional reactions to overstimulation and promote both traditional and evidence-based self-regulation methods. Schools and workplaces could play a major role by teaching mindfulness and stress management from a young age and offering digital literacy focusing on the mental health impacts of technology use.
So what can Thai readers do? Small, practical steps can make a difference: set clear boundaries with phone use, create daily calm rituals, and cultivate mindfulness moments, even on the go. Recognizing when you are approaching your sensory threshold allows for early intervention—before the reactive “mean” streak emerges. Remember, your impulse to snap is a sign that your brain is overwhelmed, not that you are a bad or unkind person. Regular practice of deep breathing, gratitude, and checking in with your emotional state can go a long way toward preserving harmony in both the household and the broader community. A little self-compassion—something at the heart of Buddhist culture—can break the cycle of guilt and reactivity.
For those seeking more support, consider consulting a mental health professional at a local hospital or community center (see resources from the Department of Mental Health: dmh.go.th). For those in educational settings, teachers and counselors can help students identify and manage sensory overload, especially during exam periods or crowded school events.
Ultimately, as Thailand continues its rapid development and urbanization, strengthening our collective capacity to manage overstimulation will be vital—not just for individual mental health, but for the social fabric as a whole.