World Mental Health Day
Today is World Mental Health Day. You read the same advice everywhere. Take a break. Write a list. Just relax. This does not work for a brain with autism and ADHD. I need different solutions to treat my mental health.
Two opposites work in my head. The autistic part loves predictability and strict rules. The ADHD part hates routine and constantly needs new stimuli. During overload, this leads to a complete standstill. I cannot even start.
One solution for me is a notebook. I start every day on a completely new page. The physical book gives the autistic part the necessary structure. The blank page provides the ADHD part with a fresh start. Writing by hand helps to remember information better.
Another topic is masking. Social interactions cost me a lot of energy. To balance this, I have a fixed appointment with myself at the end of every workweek. I call this block “Rest and replay” (thanks to a colleague). During this time, I am completely by myself. Nobody disturbs me. I use this phase to disconnect and process the impressions of the week.
Winding down after a lot of stress is also difficult. The body is tired, but the mind is racing. Silent meditation does not always help. My nervous system often needs physical release. I use a jump rope for this. The rhythm and the physical effort force the body to calm down. It is a physical reset button.
Just remember, treating mental health is highly individual.
0 #ADHD #AuDHD