In September I got tickets to see MCR in July with my sister. This is the concert we have both dreamed about since we were teenagers, and it means so much to us. When I got the tickets I wasn't very well, and since September I have still been struggling to recover from burnout, but, I am starting to make some good progress.
I sometimes get days where things go really well, like yesterday, where I could cope and actually got excited about the gig. Today I got really overwhelmed by a smell, and it's sent my mind racing. I am not worried about the actual gig itself per se, I am more worried about the crowds, the noise, food, how we'll get there, that kind of thing. I have signed up to start CBT next week, as I think having some therapy will help me not catastrophise so much. At the moment, every time something goes wrong, my brain goes 'well you won't see MCR'. I know it's because I care, but it's still scary!
I have never had CBT, but am hopeful it will help. But I know with autism there is also so much more that goes on. Whilst it might help my thoughts, it might not help with my sensory struggles with smells, crowds, etc.
So, my question is, those of you who attend concerts, or go to events, or have been to crowded places, what are your best coping mechanisms? What are some techniques that really help you get through these tricky times? What is something that grounds you when overwhelm and fear are too much?
And, also, any positive stories would help me a lot. Thank you!
