It happens to everyone: after a long day filled with noise, digital pings, and never-ending demands, you snap at a loved one or lose patience in a seemingly trivial moment. According to new insight featured in HuffPost’s recent article, “So THAT’S Why You Get Mad When You’re Overstimulated”, this isn’t just a personal flaw—it’s a biological response experienced by countless people worldwide, including many Thais adapting to the nonstop rhythm of modern life (HuffPost).
The phenomenon of becoming “mean” or short-tempered when overstimulated is gaining wider recognition, particularly as an increasingly digital lifestyle amplifies sensory overload. Over 55,000 people identified with the viral tweet that sparked the HuffPost discussion, confessing, “I can be really mean when I’m overstimulated.” It’s a familiar pattern: after a rough morning or a barrage of notifications, minor inconveniences suddenly trigger outsized angry reactions. But why does this happen, and what can people—especially in bustling places like Bangkok—do about it?
Understanding this behavior requires a look at the human brain’s architecture, explained in expert interviews with psychotherapists featured in the report. The brain takes in continuous streams of information through all five senses. When this input becomes excessive, it overwhelms the nervous system—a situation called “overstimulation.” According to a US-based psychotherapist, being overstimulated means “our senses have received a lot of information, and now we are feeling overwhelmed as we’re receiving this information.” At the neural level, the prefrontal cortex—the seat of rational thinking—goes “offline” during stress, as described by a California family therapist. Instead of reflective, measured responses, the brain defaults to survival-driven reactivity. “When we’re stressed out, the prefrontal cortex goes from reflective and rational to reactive,” she explains.
This neurological shift explains why irritable outbursts or what Thais might call “jai ron” (ใจร้อน, hot-headedness) occur during moments of high stress or sensory overload. The body’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response, designed to handle threats, activates regardless of whether the stimulation comes from urgent deadlines or a cacophony of Line notifications. These findings echo recent research published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, which confirms that chronic exposure to high sensory load impairs executive function and heightens emotional reactivity (ScienceDirect).
A typical day in Bangkok or any urban Thai environment offers countless opportunities for overstimulation. Heavy traffic, construction noise, brightly lit shopping malls, and deeply embedded smartphone culture mean that many Thais, from office workers in Silom to students commuting on the BTS, regularly contend with sensory overload. An American practitioner notes, “Technology is probably playing a huge role in your overstimulation…Between texts, emails and social media notifications, it’s easy to reach sensory overload.” In Thailand, where nearly 90% of the population owns a smartphone and more than 50 million people regularly use social media (Digital 2024 Thailand), the temptation and threat of constant information are especially high.
For many, particularly parents or professionals balancing home life and career, the stress accumulates in layers. The therapists in HuffPost’s article recount typical scenarios: start the morning in a rush, misplace your keys, spill your coffee, get stuck in traffic—all “micro” stressors that build up until a minor incident becomes the proverbial last straw. In Thailand, the intensity of city life is coupled with cultural expectations to maintain “sabai sabai” (สบายๆ, easy-going) attitudes. When the nerves finally fray, social guilt can make matters worse.
Neuroscientific research underscores this process. Once the brain tips into an overstimulated state, self-regulation becomes much more difficult. A therapist explains: “When you’re already in overdrive, any annoyance or inconvenience is going to trigger instant reactivity. You’ll be more likely to yell at your kids or snap at a colleague if you’ve reached your overstimulation threshold.” Interestingly, many Thais may not even recognize the creeping buildup; research from Chulalongkorn University found that “a significant proportion of working adults in Bangkok are unaware of the effects of cumulative stress and sensory overload, attributing their irritability to personality rather than environmental causes” (Chula Research).
As digital technologies continue to permeate daily life, the frequency and intensity of overstimulation rise. The contemporary Thai lifestyle is more digitally connected than ever, with work, communication, and even religious practice sometimes mediated through screens. “While many of us may be addicted to our phones, we actually crave peace and being in the moment—two things that phones do not offer,” explains an expert counselor in the report. Line, Facebook, and TikTok can create both social connection and emotional exhaustion.
But if overstimulation is so common, what can be done? The HuffPost article highlights practical strategies endorsed by therapists. First, notice when your body and mind are approaching capacity. Signs might include irritability, fatigue, or a sense that your thoughts are “speeding up.” Breathing exercises, specifically those that extend the exhale, can signal safety to the nervous system and begin to recalibrate emotional balance. “When my breath slows down, my nervous system starts to slow down, and that will, in turn, slow my thoughts down,” one therapist advises.
Mindfulness is another critical tool, a concept that resonates with Buddhist principles familiar to Thai readers. Techniques include focusing on sensory details in the present moment, such as mentally naming three green objects nearby. These small interventions help direct attention away from the cascade of stimulation and foster a feeling of agency. Recent studies from Mahidol University’s Department of Psychology show that regular mindfulness practices among Thai office workers reduce stress and improve workplace harmony (Mahidol Mindfulness Study).
Digital boundaries are equally important. Therapists warn against the lure of 24/7 connectivity, suggesting Thais try “digital detox” moments throughout the day—such as avoiding phone checks immediately after waking, carving out short windows of alone time, or even relocating the phone to another room during meals. While it’s not necessary to embark on an hour-long yoga practice, the therapists emphasize the cumulative power of micro-changes: “These small moments end up having such a large impact in a way I don’t think most people anticipate.”
Social and historical context further influences how overstimulation is handled. In Thai society, where concepts like “kreng jai” (เกรงใจ, deference to others) may cause people to suppress their own needs, unaddressed stress can fester until it manifests in an outburst. Moreover, recent research into work-life balance in Thailand notes that the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent work-from-home trends have intensified the experience of sensory and emotional overload, as professional and personal boundaries blur (Bangkok Post).
If the trajectory of digital immersion and urbanization continues, the risk of chronic overstimulation may rise. Experts warn that, without wider awareness, issues like burnout, anxiety disorders, and even interpersonal conflict could become more common among Thais of all ages. However, the growing openness to mental health conversations, especially among younger generations, bodes well for the adoption of healthier practices.
What can Thai readers do, starting today? Begin by reflecting honestly on your relationship to technology and environmental stress. Learn to recognize your own “red flags” for approaching overload. Consider experimenting with simple, short mindfulness practices—perhaps integrating traditional Thai rituals like sa bai-relaxation, temple visits, or even just slow evening walks along the soi. Take advantage of local resources: many public hospitals, universities, and mindfulness centers now offer workshops in stress management and digital well-being (Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Ministry of Public Health).
Above all, remember that being irritable during moments of overwhelm is a normal, biological reaction—not a personal failing. By understanding the science behind it and implementing daily boundaries, Thais can foster more patient, harmonious lives for themselves and those around them. For further reading and expert advice, visit the original HuffPost article and explore wellness resources from trusted local institutions.