mrtamnus1,

Lightrail and Berkeley are correct. But you need to add some skills to this kind of situation. Try to be aware of how you are reacting in small ways. If you get a feeling of needing to put extra effort into focusing your vision/eyes, or need to "stop to think" to remember what you went into the store for, these are likely signs of impending sensory overload. Remove yourself from the environment to a place that is quiet both visually and auditorily.

Then, on a subsequent day, put on the hat, sunglasses and ear protection and carefully try again. Make a list of the things you are going into the store for. Trying to remember with just memory will put too much cognitive load on your brain. Be on the hunt for those items. Get them, and get out.

Also, choose your days and time. Go during the slow times, late at night or first thing in the morning. Call ahead and ask when the crowds are the least.

You need to give your brain time to re-acclimate to the busy environments. Rebuild this skill and capability slowly being aware of those times where you are pushing too hard.

Your brain has not healed. It has just recovered to a point where it can start a second level of recovery. You need to support it by taking it slow.

My best to you.