Lets Talk About Coping Mechanisms

Lets talk about coping mechanisms

Many nuerotypicals will say that our coping mechanisms are ‘cringy’ so for all the non mentally ill people, here are some reasons why we use different things to cope.

Age regression: yes, some people do this because it’s a fetish or because they think its cute, but many child abuse or csa victims use this because they feel like their childhood was not theirs to live. Please dont make fun of the 39 yo who sleeps with a stuffed animal, you dont know what theyve gone through.

Kin types/ otherkin: some people just like to do this because they really like a creature, but some of us use this to help us escape our thoughts. Its much easier to calm down from a flashback or panic attack if you can pretend that you are a snake or dragon. It may sound weird to you but remember, you don’t use it as a coping mechanism.

Self harm: although no form of self harm is ok, many people feel like they have no other option. If you self harm, try putting an ice cube on your wrist until it goes numb. Or take a hair elastic and snap it against your wrist. These will still give you that sting that you want, without actually hurting you.

Stim toys: many autistic people or phsycotic people use stim toys to help ground themselves. Adhd and add people also use them. You may think that fidget spinners are cringy, but for many of us tools similar to that help us from having a meltdown or panic attack.

Dark music: you may think that mcr or p!atd is for emo kids, but alot of us use this music so that we can get our emotions out without hurting ourselves.

Asmr: some people are just relaxed by asmr, but for me at least listening to a calm voice or someone eating can actually help you feel less alone or help you relax. Yes some asmr is kinda weird, but alot of us use it to get to sleep.

Lastly, please dont make fun of people’s coping mechanisms. Some may be unhealthy, and you can help those people find better ones, but dont take our tools away. I have to always count my steps and if i get interrupted i have to start over, friends and family make fun of me but it helps me not get overstulimulated. Neurotypicals please reblog this to educate others as to how us neurodivergents cope with our symptoms. Its the same as you guys eating or watching a movie to calm down. We suffer without our coping mechanisms, please dont takevthem away.