I think I might have Sensory Processing Disorder

by Michelle Jones
(Saginaw, Texas)

As I was growing up, I had a hard time holding on to things. I broke a lot of things and spilled a lot of things. My mother was very mean to me and did not allow me to go into the kitchen. As I got older, I became very sensitive to sounds, touch, and smells. About a week before my period, it gets almost unbearable. I get nauseous from bathrooms, cooking smells, and perfumes. Things even taste weird. It's very depressing.

I've also been diagnosed with ADD recently. My entire life has been a big mess. While in the Air Force, I would be late, lose things, and miss appointments. I was a chapel manager and bookkeeper and it caused problems on my job. Needless to say, I was almost kicked out.

I think the worst place to go when my senses are out of control is Wal-Mart on the weekend. One time I had to call my daughter because I was having a panic attack. People's smells, screaming kids, and people getting to close to you. It's so maddening.

My husband doesn't believe in all of this stuff, but he has no idea what its like to be me. For the past 10 years I have been an English Teacher. In those 10 years, I have had 6 jobs. Because I am so disorganized and have problems with my senses it's so hard to cope. I can't believe I made it that many years of teaching. Last year I worked for an evil Assistant Principal. Instead of trying to be helpful, she tried to use any mistakes I made against me. I finally had a nervous breakdown.

This year I have been working part time at J.C. Penney's. It's ok most of the time unless I am having hypersensitivity issues.

I currently take aderall and zoloft. You know people look at you different if they find out your taking those kinds of medications. As long as I take it everyday I'm ok, not great, but ok. I can survive. If not like today because I don't have the money till next week to get more, I can't seem to get off of the couch. It sucks.

I still have hope that someday I will get better. This week is just really bad because I have extreme PMS. So I know I will get better.