Verbal shutdown (Can’t talk)

Speaking to animals or objects can be ‘easier’ than speaking to people- e.g. pspsps-ing at a cat is a much easier starting point imo than “hello how are you”. This can even work with pigeons in the park. It might work with non-living objects although I personally find animals much easier! That being said I don’t experience these much, especially not anymore, so my apologies if my idea won’t work. As LegoBear says, these are an important signpost that you’re getting overwhelmed so it’s important not to ignore them- my suggestion is a bit of a ‘push’ but it’s important to then take off the pressure in another way to prevent burnout/meltdown.

Speaking to animals or objects can be ‘easier’ than speaking to people- e.g. pspsps-ing at a cat is a much easier starting point imo than “hello how are you”. This can even work with pigeons in the park. It might work with non-living objects although I personally find animals much easier! That being said I don’t experience these much, especially not anymore, so my apologies if my idea won’t work. As LegoBear says, these are an important signpost that you’re getting overwhelmed so it’s important not to ignore them- my suggestion is a bit of a ‘push’ but it’s important to then take off the pressure in another way to prevent burnout/meltdown.