• Replies 1 reply
  • Subscribers 81 subscribers
  • Views 810 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Severe meltdowns - advice, please?!

NAS64875

Hi, I’ve been diagnosed as autistic in the past month. I’m 26 and I’m also visually impaired. Long story short, I eventually went private for a diagnosis as my mental health was so bad and I was havving weekly meltdowns at least. Now I know what my differences are the meltdowns seem to be more frequent and much worse. I often cry so much my whole body hurts, I occasionally have to be supported by someone I trust to be safe during the worst of them and I’ve had quite a few where my mind is going crazy and I just sit still trying not to look like I’m struggling then being unable to communicate at all for a minute or so when someone asks what’s wrong.  The worst are usually saved for when a close person to me is with me and I relax and because I feel safe I suddenly have a meltdown. I struggle with sleeping and have a near miss with a meltdown almost every night when I’m in bed because my anxiety gets so bad. Has anyone else experienced this? Tips/advice please? Thank you for reading/replying. 

  • Stop calling them "meltdowns" for a start your not a nuclear reactor; it's a neurotypical term used by them to try and make sense of your Autistic Breakdown and; because of their ignorance neurotypicals have coined a derogatory term for your breakdown.

    Start noting changes in your behavioral patterns before the breakdown; like changes in breathing patterns; communication; physical changes; mood changes; physical sensations; the environment which may be affecting your behaviour; then "catch" the breakdown before it starts with coping strategies like drinking a glass of cold water; modifying your behaviour; for example if you are standing up sit down; focus on your breathing; clear your head of any thoughts don't even contemplate them and have a calming phrase to replace those racing thoughts.

    Headspace is a very good mobile application to use to help keep your breakdowns to a minimum.  It's very good for getting a good nights sleep martial arts definitely helps it's a good stress reducer.  Meditation music helps (432Hz)

    Keep your mind occupied with character developing/ building strategies keep away from anxiety and stress inducers like toxic people if you can't do that keep contact with stress and anxiety inducers to a minimum. 

    Generally learn to focus your mind when you have something to do; take things in your stride and get good rest especially after a breakdown

    i hope this helps.