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I don't stim, but maybe I should start

Nessie

I've read a lot about how stimming is a common—almost universal—autistic behaviour, but it's not something I've ever done (to my knowledge). Depending on the situation, either I get quite OCD about cleaning and tidying everything around me (it has to be absolutely spotless and aligned perfectly parallel), or I self-harm, but I don't stim in the traditional sense (or maybe I'm misunderstanding the term).

Given that my education, career and general life keeps getting interrupted with stress-induced illnesses, I'm wondering if I need to find a suitable stim to help me cope in daily situations rather than holding everything in until I meltdown, shutdown or completely burnout.

  • Can you remember a time when you didn't stim? If so, when did you start and how did you settle on the stim you now use?
  • Or, have your stims changed over time? If so, why did you choose one in preference to another?

Any insights and advice welcome. Thanks.

Parents

  • This might sound odd but in a similar situation to you (lots of stress induced illness and anxiety) I was actually advised by a psychologist to find things that were calming... lots of the things we came up with would def count as stims. Maybe try some? Really do help me.

    So I clearly already did stim - flicking book pages is one I’ve always done and is a reason I read real books not kindles. Added in-using weighted objects (I have a blanket and cushion), listening to wave sounds to help concentration, playing with fidget spinners etc and anything that feels nice (bizarre this but running your hands through (uncooked!) lentils is lovely!)

Reply

  • This might sound odd but in a similar situation to you (lots of stress induced illness and anxiety) I was actually advised by a psychologist to find things that were calming... lots of the things we came up with would def count as stims. Maybe try some? Really do help me.

    So I clearly already did stim - flicking book pages is one I’ve always done and is a reason I read real books not kindles. Added in-using weighted objects (I have a blanket and cushion), listening to wave sounds to help concentration, playing with fidget spinners etc and anything that feels nice (bizarre this but running your hands through (uncooked!) lentils is lovely!)

Children
  • in reply to Zomted
    Zomted said:
    I was actually advised by a psychologist to find things that were calming

    Thank you, I think that's really good advice.

    I like the idea of weighted objects and uncooked lentils. Slight smile

    It would be good to find something I can do, especially at family gatherings or at work (when I am well enough to work again), which is both subtle and doesn't result in self-injury.