Getting harder to cope with meltdowns

[88cev88]

I’m autistic and it feels like it’s getting harder for me to cope with my meltdowns. They happen almost everyday at this point. I just need a break from all of this!

[Bee-bop]

Hi there,

I am just wondering what is triggering your meltdowns? Can you see a pattern to them such as are you at work/college/home when they happen. Is there sounds/sights/smells that lead to overload? Are they at a certain time of day etc

[NotJim]

Hi, I'm sorry to hear you've been going through a rough time. It sounds exhausting. I have autism too, and meltdowns are no fun.

What I've found has helped me in the past is trying to identify what triggers the meltdowns, to see if there's something in particular that's setting them off, and then if there is a trigger, seeing if there's a way of reducing the impact it has on you, either by finding ways of avoiding that trigger (though not to the point where avoidance becomes unhealthy/a solution instead of dealing directly with the issue) or else changing the way you respond to that trigger.

E.G i hate the news at the moment, (TV, newspaper and online) because headlines trigger anxiety attacks, but i know the main issue is I'm jumping to conclusions without taking time to rationalise the information, and how the presenters say it. If i can give myself time to think, or find someone I trust to tell them something's bothering me and then they can help me understand what i've heard.

ASD meltdowns might be different to anxiety attacks, but the same sort of strategies might help in dealing with them.

Another thing would be finding what helps you calm down and relieves the feelings during the meltdown. What do you have / what places in your home / what activities (even really simple things) do you find help calm you down, and let you feel safe and comforted?

If you maybe make a little list of some of the best ones, and then refer to that list when you feel the meltdown coming on, you can use that as your resource to help you ease the meltdown as it happens. E.G if my brain starts fizzing out of control, and I start to feel really overwhelmed, I read some of my writing that I do for fun, because it takes me out of my head a bit, and is a safe zone that i'm in control of. Or I pet my cat, as pets are often wonderful for soothing emotions.

I hope some of this helps, and that you can feel better soon

[Mybestfriends in reply to NotJim]

Good simple advice, I agree writing & drawings really help my Son focus, & that is So helpful during meltdowns or when a trigger happens. You can have a small Paper or drawing pad in your pocket or bag & a pen or pencil.

[Lizzo30]

Who is the recipient of your breakdowns?