Mymlan writes so well about overload. In Swedish but go read!
That is such an apt description of what it is like to live.
Of course there are differences, we are different people. But the main is the same. I use music in earphones just for the reasons she avoids it: It shuts out the world, the context, I don't know what is going on. In a passive situation like sitting on the bus or a train that suits me well.
I remember things. Random things that pop up when getting reminders like this. I never thought I was the only one feeling like this but it is still good to get a reminder that I am not alone, not unique. I don't feel sorry for myself (most of the time), but I am.. challenged by living my life. So are others however!
I especially remember one situation, the beginning of learning to making excuses instead of telling the truth.
I was at work, it was afternoon, friday. My then coworker asked if I wanted to tag along getting a burger or something after work. My mind froze: I had a Plan, going home to clean the kitchen. It was needed. If I went to do something else on the way home that wouldn't happen. I opened my mouth and said "No, I am going to clean my kitchen!". The other coworkers started laughing at what they perceived as a blunt dismissal of the poor fellow. My mind froze again, and I pulled into myself, hiding. After that I started learning to make vague excuses and perhaps a counter offer of a better time. The situation above is however one that I keep reviewing and that pops up in my head a few times a year.
And I presume the context of the above memory won't make much sense if you were unable to read the Swedish text I linked to.