Coping Skills

ofcourseitsmyhead:

So, if you’re willing to help a friend out, I’ve realised something.
When I am at max capacity, and I cannot continue functioning at the current level of ability, I can do one of two things:

I can fall into a nonepileptic seizure
or
I can shut one or more functions down, to conserve energy

The easiest ‘function’ for me to shut down is speaking. I’ve been doing it for years, and it’s quite helpful in surviving overwhelming situations. Most recently it helped me finish grocery shopping without having a panic attack, which was super useful.

BUT

If I do this, it then leaves room for an unintended but unfortunate consequence: Nobody can converse with me. So, my husband and I picked up small, key phrases in American Sign Language so that I can still communicate back, but I don’t have to speak. It’s quicker than typing something on a screen, and I can still portray emotion fluidly and get my point across effectively as long as I’m understood.

So if you’re a friend, and you’re local, consider watching some videos on ASL. You don’t necessarily have to practice the gesticulations, but if you know the words I’m going to be using with my hands and body, it’ll help us all carry on a conversation when my voice needs a break.

And then, I won’t feel left out! 🙂