Sensory overload at work?

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I am not sure if this is what is going on, but I believe so. My schedule has changed at work (again!) and I am now working in a very busy, stimulating environment 5 days a week for 3 hours each time. I had been working there 3 days a week with a break.

This was my first week working all 5 days. By Thursday, I was done and had no patience. I was very grouchy and distracted. Today, I was so overwhelmed that I had to excuse myself to the bathroom to cry and was fighting back tears for the last hour. I didn't particularly feel anxious, just overwhelmed and everything seems extremely loud and annoying.

Does this sound like sensory overload? Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with this? Or experience something similar?

I am not diagnosed yet (I go for my initial appointment on Tuesday), so I can't really ask for any accommodations yet, and might not be able to even if I get diagnosed.

That sounds like how I feel when I am overloaded.

Before considering asking for accommodations (because, then you would have to disclose), try some things that don't require someone else to do something different.

Can you wear earplugs?
What helps when you are overloaded? (For me, jiggling/rocking helps...so, if I can get away for a short period and do that, I may be okay)
Are there other things you can do to avoid overload? What is your life outside work like?
Does certain clothing help? Softer clothing? Compression clothing?

It also might get better after you are more used to it.

Thanks for your response. I have tried talking to family members but they just don't understand and tell me to suck it up.

I caught myself rocking multiple times today

I don't mind disclosing If I get diagnosed, but I worry that they will deem me incompetent if I ask for any accommodations and won't be willing to work with me.

I work with a client one on one in this environment. I can't wear earplugs.

Life outside of work is very stressful and overwhelming too My living situation is less than ideal and I think that is contributing. I don't have any time to "reset" myself on the weekends, so I am constantly overwhelmed and overstimulated lately.

I usually have to isolate myself and go to a dark/quiet place and shut everything down for a bit. Sometimes just removing myself from the situation for even 5 minutes can help me reset. I might just start going to the bathroom half way through to give myself some time.

I have to wear "nicer clothes" although I push that as much as I can. I will look for more comfy but professional clothes this weekend. That is a good idea.

I have also thought about compression clothing. I might try to find some this weekend. I do like pressure but parts of my body are really sensitive to it (like I hate tight stuff on my arms but I like it on my body over larger areas, if that makes sense)

I think it will get better with time too. It seems that every time I get settle or almost settled in, my schedule/clients change. Its awful.

Screen_name had some great suggestions, which I would like to second. I had some other thoughts:

-If you can do earplugs or headphones, rocking would be pretty appropriate even in front of people. It would just look like you were rocking out to music.

-You could try to change comforting stimming things to more socially acceptable alternatives, like drumming your fingers or humming a repetitive tune.

-Changing your schedule is going to make you freak out for a little while, no matter what. It might get easier as you get used to it.

-You really have to find a way to destress after work. No buts about it. If you had a sore leg, wouldn't you insist on coming home and resting it for awhile? You wouldn't just stand around on it even if people told you to. This is the same thing. You're not going to feel better unless you demand time for yourself in a comfortable environment. If people give you problems about it and won't understand explanations, just say you have a headache or feel nauseous. You have the right to look after yourself.

-Once you get a diagnosis, you should have the option of asking for short term anti-anxiety medication that can make you just not care for a few hours. If it's a choice between that and not working, it might be worth it. I have a close AS family member that uses anti-anxiety medication as needed and it really helps him.

It's okay that you go to the bathroom and take a small breakdown. It happens to me on a weekly basis.
I take a break, drink some water, and stare at something "still"... I like to look outside of the window and look at a specific flagpole. It's simple, straight and somehow relaxing.
I know this is a little odd, but I think it helps me to keep on working.

Also, try listening to music or sounds in your headphones.

If everything else fails, ask for your own office space or cubicle - if you're working in an office like me.

What is your job and do you have to talk your co-workers to get things done?