Thursday, May 30, 2013

Triggers, Mishmash & Whatnot II

Several things have helped me with my triggers not necessarily in order, I wrote them as they came.
1) Discovering that I am Autistic, have Sensory Processing Disorder, and Synesthesia. (How my brain works and how environments affects me, a life-long journey. :-) )
2) Learning about trauma, abuse, bullying, and how it affects people, and can affect Autistics differently.
3) Discovering what triggers are and why I had them.
4) Learning to recognize my triggers and the art of redirection. (I am still learning this and believe it will be a life-long learning process. I have discovered some of my biggest ones that have the potential to send me into deep spirals of anxiety and confusion.)
5) Learning how to discern my emotions from others and embracing my emotions without judgment. (Still learning, it’s all about the process.)
6) Being mindful of my thoughts and actions.
7) Discovering that sensory issues can and are traumatic to me and that I cannot simply acclimate or “overcome” my sensory sensitivities.
8) Accepting these things about myself and utilizing the tools and resources I have found to help me.
Such as listening to music with my headphones on in a store while I shop, so I do not become overwhelmed by all the other sounds. 

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

HealingFromBPD.org: 5 Symptoms That Are Often Confused With Borderline...

HealingFromBPD.org: 5 Symptoms That Are Often Confused With Borderline...: Please welcome guest blogger Marcela De Vivo and her post, "Symptoms That Are Often Confused With BPD." TW: This post contains...

Triggers, Mishmash & Whatnot I

There has been a “new” joke that has paraded around the internet with folks. They have been placing “trigger warning” before any and everything. At first, I was confused by this because trigger warnings are a serious matter to me. I have been abused, and I am diagnosed with PTSD. I have some serious triggers that can affect me and cause me to spiral into PTSD symptoms. Since, I am not normally in the “social know” I had no idea why people were doing this.
I am still unsure, I can infer based upon observations, but I may be inaccurate. :-)
At first, every time I saw the words I took it as a serious warning.  It caused me not to read several blogs because of this confusion. However, I get that it is some sort of joke now after several months. I am not offended or anything, but I would like to address some of the importance behind the words “trigger warning” for people such as myself.
I need the warnings at times.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

AStrangerInGodzone: Why We Need Autistic-Only Groups - Part Two

AStrangerInGodzone: Why We Need Autistic-Only Groups - Part Two: A while back, I wrote a post on the need for autistic-only groups. The consequent discussion on Facebook (quotes from which are included...

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Day At The Zoo! (An Anxiety Reducer?)


Day At The Zoo! (An Anxiety Reducer?)

This week we have been VERY busy. I have been pushing the boundaries with the kids to get school complete by the 21st. I have worked with Daniel, stretching him beyond anything I have done throughout the year. It is no wonder the poor guy is having a difficult time, BUT he is doing amazing and it is showing him just how much he can accomplish. Unfortunately, this week is packed with social extravaganza because my mom is in town.
It is good and unfortunate.
She originally, had planned on coming at the end of June, but she was able to get plane tickets $200 cheaper if she came this week. She just got them without talking to me. She had no idea that this would be “crunch time” for the end of school. However, the good thing is that my mom understands and she is staying with my grandma. Those two go on adventures of their own in the morning and then, we see them after school is finished for the day. I wish we were able to see more of her, but the truth is we ALL get socially exhausted. My mom can only spend a certain amount of time socializing before she starts to get cranky and lose her filters. (She is not the only one!)
Once again, I say it is good and unfortunate.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013