Meltdown Prevention

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This week is uber-chaotic for me. First, it's tax season, and I still have some details to iron out. Second, I have a lot of late classes and homework due this week, which is cluttering up the weekdays. However, the coup de grace comes on Friday, where after a class that lasts till 10:00 PM Thursday, I will need to wake up at 4:00 AM the next morning in order to catch an early-morning plane to Chicago in order to participate in an all-day university open-house event that ends at 10:00 PM. I will then, the following morning, need to wake up similarly early in order to catch a 7:40 AM flight back. All told, I will probably not be able to reach my apartment until 1:00 PM on Saturday. I am mildly concerned because sleep (and food) deprivation is a major meltdown trigger for me. I'm not terrible during meltdowns, but I do have a tendency to burst into tears in public, resulting in nasty headaches later. Knowing in advance that I am probably going to face this trigger in a highly active environment like an open house, I was wondering if anyone could offer some tips on how to avoid meltdowns until I can safely snuggle into bed at my apartment again.

this is a shot in the dark, but maybe a prophylactic vitamin b-12 injection before you take off on that busy trip? aside from that, get as much rest and hydration as possible before the trip and nap whenever possible during the trip as well as maintaining good hydration. indulge in as much good food as possible also during this. you will need the nutrition.

It won't hurt unless you overdose on it or something.

Yes, injections work faster. When I was in the hospital they gave me one. They do it as a precaution, just in case, because having a deficiency can cause psychological symptoms that can mimic some mental illnesses. Because there are very few contraindications, when someone comes in with symptoms that could be a B12 deficiency, they give them a supplement just because it won't hurt them if they don't have a deficiency and will help if they do.

Regarding meltdowns: You really need to establish some ways to diffuse stress before it starts to push you to a meltdown. Small, private moments. Stim toys. If you can find little hideaways in the places where you'll be, that should help--try out-of-the-way restrooms (single-toilet disabled restrooms are quite useful; just be sure they are not the only disabled toilet in the area if you are likely to need to stay there for a while). Try little-used hallways. When all else fails, draping a blanket or cloak over yourself is a handy way to isolate yourself from some of the sensory crazy, and on a bus or plane it won't look too odd because it'll just seem like you're trying to get some sleep.

Bring some high-protein snacks--nuts are good. These will give you energy without a sugar rush and fill your calorie needs without being too bulky. Drink enough water.

If you will need accommodations on the plane, it is best to ask ahead of time. I don't know how experienced you are with plane travel--I haven't had trouble with it, but that was only because I researched it ahead of time to figure out what to do. I do know that in most places you can't take water on the plane with you and have to ask for it from the flight attendants, so that's one social thing you'll probably have to know how to do.

There should be some enjoyable things about it. I always liked looking out the window of a plane, to see the clouds below. If you've got a good head for heights, you will probably rather enjoy it.

Don't feel bad about asking for accommodations for the flight(s), but do it 48 hours in advance. That's when they're used to people asking for accommodations.

Bring granola bars as well as nuts, they're easy to transport and get you the food you need. Definitely bring stim toys with you. Make sure to dress in clothing that you find sensory friendly.

Plan to do something like take a break and walk outside away from people every hour on the hour?

Get some lavender tincture....I'd say valarian but that can be more sedating so it could make one drowsy and not sure you'd want that. But the lavender is more just calming without the sedation at least in my experience. Not saying it will totally prevent meltdowns but it should help you stay more calm/relaxed which might reduce the risk or amounts of meltdowns.

But maybe it would help, maybe it wouldn't...just my suggestion.

What a schedule!

For me there is a strong correlation between my propensity for meltdowns and my blood sugar levels. When faces with situations like you describe, I try to remember to carry along (e.g. in my briefcase or whatever) some high-protein, low-carb, no-sugar snacks. Eating something every 2 hours or so helps. Back in the day something that worked quite well is a baggy with cheese cubes, nuts or something like that. (In such cases cholesterol can take a back seat for a day or two.)

Also, during the conference or convention getting away from it all for 30 minutes or so as needed helped greatly.