When I first saw this my stomach dropped. It was like a check-list in my head and I was quickly checking things off...and I will admit...there are even some I could add.
Now I don't live with Aspergers...but I do live with PTSD, depression, anxiety and chronic pain...and I have noticed times in my life when I've lost my stuff and had a meltdown.
In the past I didn't handle them well...I lost my tempter, I lost my cool, and I lost myself...BUT...with patience, time and a new understanding...things began to change.
When you look at the meme...are you checking things off too? Can you add a few of your own? What are your meltdown triggers?
My next question is...what do you do for yourself when you've been triggered?
To be triggered to a meltdown will happen but it's what we do about it that matters most...and what we do do...shouldn't leave scars behind.
Now I don't live with Aspergers...but I do live with PTSD, depression, anxiety and chronic pain...and I have noticed times in my life when I've lost my stuff and had a meltdown.
In the past I didn't handle them well...I lost my tempter, I lost my cool, and I lost myself...BUT...with patience, time and a new understanding...things began to change.
When you look at the meme...are you checking things off too? Can you add a few of your own? What are your meltdown triggers?
My next question is...what do you do for yourself when you've been triggered?
To be triggered to a meltdown will happen but it's what we do about it that matters most...and what we do do...shouldn't leave scars behind.
So...
As you read the meme...what came to your mind? Did you give thought to all the times you lost your stuff? Did your body respond when you read it? If you're like me...my mind went the most recent time I was triggered and also the most powerful of my triggers...and like I said...my stomach dropped.
Life is triggering and sometimes we can't avoid being triggered...but when we are...what we do about it is in our control. Handling what triggers us comes with knowing what our triggers are... and there may even be times you won't know it's a trigger until you're in and triggered...but...that still doesn't mean you can't prepare for it.
What triggers you? - write it down...write down as many as you can think of and keep the list...add to it if you need later as you learn more of your triggers.
Next...for every trigger you list...write down at least three things you can do in the moment to help you through it...some ideas should be portable meaning they go where you go and can be used when you need it and not having to wait till you're home.
Then list a few more that you can try...positive self talk, meditation, visualization, music (headphones)...the more options you have to try the better prepared you can be when you're triggered by something you're not prepared for.
List all the people you can depend on for help when you're triggered...let them know what you need and how they can help...but you have to ask for the help...and you have to let them help....okay?!
Now here is the biggest one of all in my opinion...give thought to how you talk to yourself when you're feeling triggered...during the meltdown...and even afterwards...HOW DO YOU TALK TO YOU? the words we use can either empower us through or it can tear us down. Words have power!! even when we're talking to ourselves...so keep your words helpful, supportive, and encouraging. YOU need this from YOU.
And when it's all over...take care of your needs. You probably feel pretty worn out and your body needs to rest. Apologize if you need to and let people know what happened. The more they know about what happened...the more they can understand and support you through the next one.
Life is triggering but you can't stop living...learn what triggers you...plan for it...and when it happens...take good care of you. This time will pass and you are safe! The more you know about what triggers you and what helps you through...the better you are at managing them when it happens.
take good care of you eh?
meme found at AspergersReality on Facebook
As you read the meme...what came to your mind? Did you give thought to all the times you lost your stuff? Did your body respond when you read it? If you're like me...my mind went the most recent time I was triggered and also the most powerful of my triggers...and like I said...my stomach dropped.
Life is triggering and sometimes we can't avoid being triggered...but when we are...what we do about it is in our control. Handling what triggers us comes with knowing what our triggers are... and there may even be times you won't know it's a trigger until you're in and triggered...but...that still doesn't mean you can't prepare for it.
What triggers you? - write it down...write down as many as you can think of and keep the list...add to it if you need later as you learn more of your triggers.
Next...for every trigger you list...write down at least three things you can do in the moment to help you through it...some ideas should be portable meaning they go where you go and can be used when you need it and not having to wait till you're home.
Then list a few more that you can try...positive self talk, meditation, visualization, music (headphones)...the more options you have to try the better prepared you can be when you're triggered by something you're not prepared for.
List all the people you can depend on for help when you're triggered...let them know what you need and how they can help...but you have to ask for the help...and you have to let them help....okay?!
Now here is the biggest one of all in my opinion...give thought to how you talk to yourself when you're feeling triggered...during the meltdown...and even afterwards...HOW DO YOU TALK TO YOU? the words we use can either empower us through or it can tear us down. Words have power!! even when we're talking to ourselves...so keep your words helpful, supportive, and encouraging. YOU need this from YOU.
And when it's all over...take care of your needs. You probably feel pretty worn out and your body needs to rest. Apologize if you need to and let people know what happened. The more they know about what happened...the more they can understand and support you through the next one.
Life is triggering but you can't stop living...learn what triggers you...plan for it...and when it happens...take good care of you. This time will pass and you are safe! The more you know about what triggers you and what helps you through...the better you are at managing them when it happens.
take good care of you eh?
meme found at AspergersReality on Facebook
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