My spectrum of meltdowns ACTIVITY E. YOUR WRITING PROMPTS PAGE 230-231

Event: What happened? What impact does emotional overwhelm have on you? Do you find it hard to identify or express your emotions which means they build up into a meltdown? Have you noticed an increase in your inability to manage emotions since becoming a teenager? What impact do other people have on you? Do other people’s reactions towards you or treatment of you lead to meltdowns? Do relationship pressures make you become hyper-stressed and more at risk of a meltdown? Are demands to do things or stop doing things as part of a family or romantic relationships a trigger?

Reaction: What happened in my body and mind? Are you totally unable to control your reactions? Do you want to scream or hit things? Will you cry or hit yourself? Have you ever pulled your hair out during a meltdown? Do you feel any pain during a meltdown? Are you aware of what you are doing? Do you lose any sense of danger in the middle of a meltdown?

Delayed reaction: What happened in my body and mind afterwards? Do you feel ashamed of your reactions? Will you feel as though it is your fault and you should be able to act better? Does having meltdowns almost become a burden to yourself because you feel so badly about it all afterwards? Does it make you want to be someone else? Do you sometimes feel that life is too hard to cope with? How does this make you feel about the future?

Meaning: What did my reactions mean? Is it a natural part of your emotions? Does it seem like an effective way of releasing them? Is this your only way of getting frustrations and anger out? Do your triggers indicate that you need to be in control of what is happening and/or reduce any unexpected demands/changes?

Effect: How did other people react? Do they get frightened by your reactions? Are they confused or overwhelmed by the situation too? Do they avoid you because of a previous meltdown? Do they seem to panic at the loss of control for both you and themselves? Is there anyone who knows how to take control and help you to calm down?

Strategies: How can I prevent meltdowns? Could you have a safe space in your house to retreat to and let off all your emotions? Is there someone who could keep close by to make sure you don’t hurt yourself? What about when you are at school? Can you discuss your triggers and strategies with teachers to help you cope better and let them support you in the best way possible?