• 3 Posts
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Joined 1 year ago
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Cake day: July 1st, 2023

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  • Thanks, I use most of these techniques too. The bottom-up process you mentioned for writing is really helpful for a lot of things. I used to write documentation for work, and writing things down as if I were explaining them to someone else, like you suggested, is a great way to see things as a whole. I’ve started using a journal in the same way, just collecting my thoughts and trying to put them all together. Exercise has been a game changer. I’ve started running in the mornings and evenings, as well as lifting weights. I hate to admit it, but the exercise people were right lol


  • No, not really. I’m somewhat of a recluse. There have been specific people at work who have been on the receiving end, but unless I was unmuted or something, they would never know about it.

    I feel things a little too strongly sometimes, but I’ve found something that helps. Another commenter shared this with me. I still don’t understand all of it, but I think the part about ignoring emotions is related to my issue.

    I’ve started keeping a journal, and whenever I feel overwhelmed, I write down whatever I’m feeling. If I remember, I also try to practice mindfulness. It’s only been two days, but I’ve used the journal at least a dozen times, and I can practice mindfulness anytime.

    It actually works. I’ve been silent all day almost.


  • I’m still learning about what they are, and I also have ADHD, which complicates things. I usually don’t pay attention to how I’m feeling, and until recently, I used to just react without really thinking. I was reading about ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and I can see that this is definitely contributing to my situation. It’s more about judgments and exclusions, and less about rejection and criticism. I don’t mind being made fun of; I just want to be accepted.



  • Thank you. This is important, but I need to process it.

    My situation is a little different, but it’s similar to the end of a long-term relationship, and I went through nearly all of what you’ve described. A few months have passed, and I feel like I’m nearing the end of whatever this is. I also reacted strongly to something insignificant, like a basketball, before I realized I needed to address it. If it’s not too personal, could you give an example of what you mean by signs of being in hypoarousal and hyperarousal? I’ve noticed situations where I’ll freeze up if I feel judged, and I’ve also caught myself stimming (rocking side to side in my chair when I’m overstimulated or stressed). I haven’t been officially diagnosed yet, but I no longer have any doubts that I’m on the spectrum.

    Don’t apologize, I do the exact same thing, and I knew you didn’t want to reply unless it was high-quality. What you posted was perfect. Thank you.


  • I’m in the same boat and really struggling with this. I have some unhealthy coping mechanisms that I didn’t realize were that bad or even related.

    Like you, I have trouble getting the words out. My sentences become short and choppy because I can’t process my thoughts or fully understand what I’m feeling when it’s all happening. I didn’t even realize what was going on until a month or two ago, and I’m in my late 30s. It sounds like you’ve already tried writing things down. I just started doing that today, and it’s been incredibly helpful. Another thing I’ve found useful is mindfulness meditation. I almost never listen to my body, but with mindfulness, you sort of have to.

    I didn’t realize how difficult it really is to communicate these things until I tried.











  • I can definitely relate! I have the Predominantly Inattentive type of ADHD and sometimes wonder if there’s some overlap with autism too. I’ve only been paying attention to how I feel for a few months, so it’s interesting to see how differently ADHD affects everyone. I honestly had no idea about the differences in stims between ADHD and autism. The sensory issues and gender differences are new to me too, so I’m learning as I go. Here’s to both of us finding our way, fellow traveler in this fight =)~



  • Over time, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in how I manage sensory issues, though the nature of the triggers has remained the same. My sensory experiences with ADHD differ from what might be typically reported in autism. For me, sensory overload is not constant; it’s specifically triggered by stress and diminishes when the stress is relieved. This transient nature of my sensory responses has stayed consistent through the years.

    Interestingly, I’ve found that engaging in multisensory activities or even intentional sensory overload can actually be calming. For example, focusing on multiple sensory inputs—such as watching TV while listening to music—provides a sense of control and helps to regulate sensory responses rather than overwhelm them. This approach creates a structured sensory experience that can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

    The sensation of being overwhelmed usually doesn’t stem from direct sensory inputs like noise or lights. Instead, it’s triggered by intense environmental or emotional situations. When overwhelmed, I feel a surge of mental clutter and physical tension, as if every nerve in my body is being pulled tight. While I’ve become better at recognizing when to withdraw and give myself space to recharge, sometimes I fail to manage effectively.

    In moments where I can’t withdraw, it can lead to outbursts or complete shutdown. The outbursts are intensely cathartic, serving as a release valve for built-up pressure. They happen because, despite my best efforts, the sensory and emotional overload reaches a tipping point where it becomes too much to contain. It’s a constant reminder of the challenges I face with ADHD, where the boundary between being in control and losing grip can be very thin. As I continue to learn and adapt, my methods for managing these situations improve, helping me reduce the frequency and intensity of these outbursts.

    I’m curious about potential overlaps with autism, as exploring these similarities might further enhance my understanding of how to navigate my own path with greater clarity.


  • It’s not as big of an issue as it might seem. While you might hear about it online, I’ve never encountered someone who genuinely fixates on height in person.

    This could be a form of avoidance. Sometimes, people might lie or exaggerate to steer clear of conflict, rejection, or negative judgment. This behavior is particularly common among those who’ve experienced trauma and become hyper-vigilant about how others perceive them. Past negative experiences might have created a narrative where you felt undesired or unloved, leading to concerns about things like height, even though that might not be the true source of the problem.

    If it’s a common thing, maybe talk to a professional, but one-offs are fine. Don’t carry someone else’s baggage.

    Edit:

    In relationships and social interactions, such tendencies might arise as a way to control the narrative and feel safer in interpersonal dynamics.