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Meltdowns, shutdowns and agoraphobia

Takemetospringfield

Hi,

Long story short: I have agoraphobia, and I am desperately trying to overcome that agoraphobia. I am doing well and am not completely housebound anymore like I was at the beginning of the year. But...my main issue is that whenever I'm trying to do something that really makes me anxious (e.g going for a dental checkup or shopping) I have either a meltdown or a shutdown, and once I'm in that state I can't think rationally and absolutely cannot even consider leaving the house. I'm actively searching for answers of how to either stop this happening or how to cope when it does happen. 

So my main question really is: how can I deal with meltdowns and shutdowns without having to stay indoors? How do you guys deal with your meltdowns/shutdowns when you're out and about? I'd really love to know.

Also, I'm not interested in professional support as I've been there, done that multiple times and actually came out feeling worse, and I'm not interested in medication. I just want advice on how I can deal with the meltdowns and shutdowns in that specific situation (when I'm about to leave the house). Thank you :)

Parents

  • Oh huh, no way should anyone try to medicate meltdown or shut down. It's a core feature of autism and a NICE guidelines 'no no'. Anxiety, perhaps. Some folks go for that, but not because of your melt/shut downs... they are a product of your sensory, information, communication etc. overload. That much is NOT psychological in origin.

    Where it is spilling into your psychology is the fear of them is keeping you indoors when you don't want to be. The answer is going to somehow plan on how to get out without the overload causing a meltdown in the first place. There you need some practical assistance not therapies. 

    You need to isolate the triggers when you are out, try and think them through. How can each one be mitigated for you. The less bombarded you are, the less you'll risk meltdown and the less anxious you'll be. Have you anyone to help you plan this?

Reply

  • Oh huh, no way should anyone try to medicate meltdown or shut down. It's a core feature of autism and a NICE guidelines 'no no'. Anxiety, perhaps. Some folks go for that, but not because of your melt/shut downs... they are a product of your sensory, information, communication etc. overload. That much is NOT psychological in origin.

    Where it is spilling into your psychology is the fear of them is keeping you indoors when you don't want to be. The answer is going to somehow plan on how to get out without the overload causing a meltdown in the first place. There you need some practical assistance not therapies. 

    You need to isolate the triggers when you are out, try and think them through. How can each one be mitigated for you. The less bombarded you are, the less you'll risk meltdown and the less anxious you'll be. Have you anyone to help you plan this?

Children
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