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MindBlind
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14 Aug 2014, 5:47 pm

So of course we know that when suffering from anxiety, you find that its a lot harder to think rationally. I guess that's a consequence of the fight or flight mechanism shutting down higher brain functions until threat is evaded.

However as a consequence of NOT being hunter-gatherers anymore, anciety is more of an obstruction to our daily functions. One such example is basic problem-solving skills. And for many autistics, because of our propensity for high anxiety and tendency towards rigid thinking, I think many of us struggle to "see the forest for the trees" as some would say. I know I certainly do and it still affects me just as much as it always has. Just thinking about trying to solve my personal problems is already making me feel agitated and fearful, though this is one of the few instances where I feel able to properly commentate on how I am currently feeling. Usually my feelings escelate beyond the point of reason and I simply cannot bring myself back down enough to describe my feelings.

That is the problem I struggle with the most - seeing perspective and thinking rationally while going through emotional turmoil. I know for a fact that I am under no more stress than anyone else I know. It is simply a matter of cognition and perspective that makes it harder for me to properly process my feelings and subsequently overcome them and whatever obstacles that I face.

How many of you have this problem and how many of you can suggest advice on what to do (this would be most appreciated if the advice is specifically tailored towards autistic people as our rigidity is a major obstacle when it comes to looking at things in perspective).



em_tsuj
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14 Aug 2014, 9:42 pm

medicine, mindfulness, problem-solving, list making, asking for help



MindBlind
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15 Aug 2014, 7:30 am

em_tsuj wrote:
medicine, mindfulness, problem-solving, list making, asking for help


Thanks for the laundry list, but I was more interested is a discussion I guess. I mean, its not really advice or Sharing personal experiences - just spouting buzzwords doesn't really do much for anyone (though I appreciate if that is the full extent of what you can offer).
Personally, I think mindfulness is overrrated.



krackatoa
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15 Aug 2014, 4:49 pm

I'll respond to this because I am an autistic with an anxiety issue who came here looking for support. I've had a horrible bout with anxiety this morning. It was like an attack out of the blue. I ended up crying my eyes out after emailing someone I confide in three times and calling him twice. I feel so humiliated when I end up doing that.. but the fear is just so overwhelmingly... terrifying... and irrational. No, I could not think straight. And the subject matter I was upset over is a common issue for me, but one almost no one could possibly understand or relate to, making me feel absolutely nuts.

I'm not sure there is a way to gain a mental perspective of clarity in this state. The chemicals in the emotions by nature prevent that. In retrospect, I really wish I'd used my weighted blanket because that usually helps. I did take klonopin and I did sleep eventually. I woke up feeling ashamed and having fear of driving my friend crazy. I wish I hadn't done all that.

Asking for help doesn't work. My caregiver was with me this morning and she was pretty much useless. Lists and problem solving were impossible.

Well, the storm is over now. I hope there isn't any interpersonal damage done through my neediness. Since I don't do this often, I doubt there is. I think the weighted blanket, medication and waiting before contacting people OR contacting an insanely understanding person ONLY ONCE would help. But, no one can think rationally when emotional chemicals are flooding the brain. It would be like trying to think during a meltdown from overstimulation.

Oh, and as for rigidity.. that kind of is what set it off. I could not have something I'd set rigidly in my mind. I don't know what to do about myself with that. Maybe I should mentally prepare in advance for different scenarios.



joshandtaraforever
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15 Aug 2014, 7:42 pm

i am 17 yrs old i have anxiety and its bad because its hard for me to concentrate at school, and i go to a psychiatrist to for my problems and it helps a lot i do breathing exercises and learned about the whole mindfulness thing it helps, i also have been doing yoga at home on my yoga mat after school unless I have a lot of homework. But i hate deing with this it sucks i dont like it.



krackatoa
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16 Aug 2014, 12:16 am

I hate it too. And I spend close to an hour a day in meditation and that has no impact sometimes.



MindBlind
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16 Aug 2014, 6:15 pm

Krackatoa, I completely identify with your feelings of humiliation for seeking help. That was and still is me - needy and desperate, especially during one of these episodes. You fear that eventually, they will cut you off and you'll be left to fend for yourself.

I personally take issue with some aspects of mindfulness, especially because it takes its roots from Buddhism, which I have reason to reject. I take issue with many teachings of Buddhism (especially the western pop-Buddha crap).

It seems to be some daft fad. I can see that it can be a useful tool to calm down, but its not a problem solving tool - just a form of voluntary apathy or dissociation. Nothing is dropping you from getting back to the state you were before. How does one remain rational and engaged if mindfulness is about staying in the present and not thinking about the future?

I already have a problem with procrastination.



MindBlind
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16 Aug 2014, 6:15 pm

Woops, double post



iRunforfun
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18 Aug 2014, 6:48 am

I struggle with problem-solving as well.

I'm a very avoidant person. If I see a problem that poses a threat or makes me nervous, I will avoid and avoid and avoid it until the cows come home. Not always very effective though because then important things don't get done...

For example, I have Aspergers and chronic anxiety. Always have. So phone calls are a BIG one for me to avoid. I find phone calls extremely stressful, and I never know when to speak... and I can't see any facial expressions. So I will push off calling so and so, even if it's for work, until someone practically forces me to call. Even calling to make a doctor's appointment... I'll avoid it for weeks, even if it's just a simple question.

I wish I had suggestion of what to do, but this is something I'm currently working on myself.

I find that sticky notes and lists help a lot for little things, but when a real problem comes along... I'm pretty much defenseless.



Gita
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19 Aug 2014, 10:44 am

Krackatoa, that realy struck a chord in me. I end up spilling my guts to near total strangers, and rather than feel ashamed, I drop them like hot potatos. I avoid them, deleat them from my life, and have occasionally told them to leave me alone or I will get a restraining order...just because I shared a part of my life with them. The internet is easier. I can make a comment, and then never come back to see if any one answered.

I don't like having friends, and I don't trust or feel comfortable around emotion, so I run from it. Its not typical running though. I make people into non people, not caring what so ever if they have feelings or not.

Interesting.