Someone with Asperger's (ASD) regularly experiences meltdowns, the symptoms are relating to the situation that is unexpected, or wishing to expect to occur. It is a symptom from anxiety and depression. In general, 1 in 2 people have anxiety and depression around the world, and say it is normal. People with ASD is prone to meltdowns, which is also normal but on different demand.
From my personal experiences, I get into meltdown when my anxiety kicks in. I do not have medications or treatment to eliminate this issue, but when people with ASD the brain is wired differently, thus treatment take effect differently. I usually take consideration to share to my family and friends about how I feel, in return I get treated by explaining the situation that is not a problem for me.
Though during the meltdowns, my brain tends to automatically locks or trapped in negative environment. The 're-wired' part of the brain couldn't handle the situation thus hard to escape, whereas the 'bad chemicals' couldn't release. Though I do eventually get out of, usually helps by talking to people. No matter its my friends, or a counselor. But the problem with speaking to a psychologist and counselor is the timing of the meltdown. I am easily brain locked in very extremely different perspective than being consistent and positive. I cannot describe my moment when speaking to someone while being positive. Hence two different perspectives.
So my family and friends get a fair share experiences of my meltdowns. In return, they are my best mentors and role models whose eager to help me to escape it. I encourage anyone to explain to my counselor because of their perspective is clear when I am in brain locked moment that I wouldn't explain. This measure seem effective to me.
So why I get meltdowns? How they get started? The earliest memory I get of where and how it coming from is usually from being apathetic and jealous of someone/something that I cannot get. For instance, that person with less experience got a job while I have more experience that couldn't get a job. Then I tend to brain locked being frustrated and disappointed. I can't feel how I get into this. It just seems my mind automatically senses it and react to the situation. I have seen people tend to fall into meltdowns in a similar way as me, especially from my perspective I couldn't understand why I have these when I shouldn't have experience it.
Meltdowns easily discourage people. I lost friends and opportunities from these moments. I had people blocked me on Facebook, walked away from me and not bothering to talk to me in reality. When I observe people do that after my meltdowns, I become discouraged to do anything because people's reactions from me make me feel disappointed. I feel like have no support. I probably experienced this countless times, even more than anyone else on the mainstream. Just until more recently, my friends learns about who I am whose developed awareness including my hearing loss. They tend to avoid disappointment in me. I am lucky to have them and that what friends are for.
How to avoid meltdowns? I wish I can eliminate this problem, but I have to deal with it for rest of my life since the fact there are no cures for ASD. Just like my hearing loss, I have to deal missing out a lot of information because people. Next time when you see me, and as well anyone else with ASD, please take consideration to remind us that nothing is wrong. Its normal.
