Subject: [Crap] happens, yeah?
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Posted on: 2015-04-12 20:58:00 UTC

Best thing to do with meltdowns/shutdowns/rage-attacks/whatever, is not fear them. They happen, it sucks, it probably ruins her day, but that's life. It's kind of like dealing with seizures--you just give her space, make sure no one's hurt, and afterward let her recover and get some rest.

Personally, I get shutdown type things more often. When I was younger it used to be worse, but nowadays, I just kind of lose it, freeze, can't think or talk or do much of anything, and may or may not be crying uncontrollably, but at least I'm not banging my head on things or hitting anything that gets near me. It still sucks, but at least I don't have to count bruises after I get hold of myself.

Lately I've been realizing that sometimes I don't leave the apartment to do things I need to do because I'm afraid I'll get overstimulated and have a shutdown in public. I have to fight that, because otherwise the fear of having them will stop me from doing things I'm perfectly capable of doing. It's much better to plan for the possibility, reduce the chances they'll happen, go out with as much energy and focus as possible, and take your chances. Otherwise you risk being stuck at home when 95% of the time things would go just fine if you went out.

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