Why can't we be quiet?

One of my biggest struggles is overstimulation. Odd, if you think about it because I come from Nigeria. If you know anything about Nigeria, you'd know that it is one very loud country. From the loud car horns, to the loud music and road sellers. We feel the need to communicate with passion and vigour and volume. So how am I, a fully born and bred Nigerian, overwhelmed by this noise? It's funny to even think about but it's my reality.

Overstimulation is something that affects people living with ADHD, like me. I get overwhelmed by loud music played at parties, people talking over each other at events, bright and odd lights and humans entering my space. How do I deal with it?

I've learnt to detach myself while also being present. My earbuds sometimes help to drown the noise and I sometimes close my eyes if the place gets too bright.
You might wonder why this story matters. I'll tell you.

Sometimes I feel like to be Nigerian is to loud. I subscribe to the plan and I go with it. I can be boisterous, excitable and downright hyped- until I'm not. When the switch goes off, I feel left out and unseen. I don't feel Nigerian enough. Until I do again.

This back and forth tidal movement leaves me exhausted on most days and makes me wonder- why can't we be still, even for a moment?
I don't have an answer to this. I don't know if I ever will.