A mindstorm is an intense experience of overwhelm. Others often use the terms "meltdown" or "shutdown" to describe this phenomenon. I've found the term "mindstorm" to be more precise.
Mindstorms show up in a whole rainbow of ways. The stereotype of rage is only one of many. Mindstorms can also manifest as high anxiety and shutting down.
A qualitative interview study of eight autistic individuals gave insights that meltdowns and shutdowns (mindstorms) involve complex cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral changes (Phung et al., 2021). What we see on the outside is only part of the experience. When going through a mindstorm, someone might find their thinking clouded and have some physical changes similar to a panic attack. In the meltdown variety, there can be an intensity to the squall, while the shutdown version might more similarly present as an ice storm—a freeze response.
Here are five ways to be there for someone (or yourself) through mental and emotional overwhelm.
Mindstorms are generally not enjoyable. Many people feel ashamed or out of control when encountering one. If you see someone showing signs of a mindstorm, be kind. Let go of judgments. Give them space and time to re-focus.
If you recognize these signs in yourself, show yourself kindness. Mindstorms are common and are not a choice. Shame and self-criticism are not warranted.
Mindstorms can sometimes be fierce. If someone is in the middle of a mindstorm, they may become more easily irritated, "stuck," or insistent. What might typically seem like a small change (like someone sitting in the seat you usually sit in) can feel intolerable in these times.
Sensitivity to these things is not due to entitlement or choice; rather, the overwhelm of a mindstorm can cause these to be a million times more difficult to cope with. It's a way to preserve one's self. If you notice someone in a mindstorm acting in ways that they usually wouldn't, see the person and their needs first and suspend judgment of their behavior.
Sensory overwhelm feeds a mindstorm. An interview study involving 32 autistic adults found that sensory stressors were listed as one of the key contributing factors to a meltdown (Lewis and Stevens, 2023). Sensory triggers like bright fluorescent lights, a loud fan, chatter on a television, or strong smells add to the overwhelm. If you meet someone who is having a mindstorm, a small thing you may be able to do to help is to turn down any lights or sounds. In the same vein, if you are riding out a mindstorm, you may find a dimmed room or headphones helpful and refreshing.
Mindstorms in autistic people especially are often bred from overwhelm. Unfortunately, when someone is in a mindstorm, efforts to help, such as an offer to talk, can add to the sense of overwhelm. In addition, judgmental stares and whispers make everything worse. If you notice someone in a mindstorm, give them space and privacy. If you are going through a mindstorm, give yourself a break if you can. It is OK to step away.
Sensory grounding is a strategy that originated as a coping mechanism for panic attacks and dissociation. It can also help with mindstorms. While many use the traditional 5-4-3-2-1 method, which involves focusing on five things you see, four things you feel, three things you can touch, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste, there are other ways to engage in sensory grounding. With a monotropic focus (Woods et al., 2019), some, especially autistic individuals, may find that focusing on just one sensory piece, like examining a sea shell or taking time to step outside to smell the rain, is more helpful.
References
Phung, J., Penner, M., Pirlot, C., & Welch, C. (2021). What I wish you knew: Insights on burnout, inertia, meltdown, and shutdown from autistic youth. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 741421.
Woods, R., & Waltz, M. (2019). The strength of autistic expertise and its implications for autism knowledge production: A response to Damian Milton. Autonomy, the Critical Journal of Interdisciplinary Autism Studies, 1(6).
Lewis, L. F., & Stevens, K. (2023). The lived experience of meltdowns for autistic adults. Autism, 27(6), 1817-1825.
Mindstorm Survival and First-Aid
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17.04.2024
A mindstorm is an intense experience of overwhelm. Others often use the terms "meltdown" or "shutdown" to describe this phenomenon. I've found the term "mindstorm" to be more precise.
Mindstorms show up in a whole rainbow of ways. The stereotype of rage is only one of many. Mindstorms can also manifest as high anxiety and shutting down.
A qualitative interview study of eight autistic individuals gave insights that meltdowns and shutdowns (mindstorms) involve complex cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral changes (Phung et al., 2021). What we see on the outside is only part of the experience. When going through a mindstorm, someone might find their thinking clouded and have some physical changes similar to a panic attack. In the meltdown variety, there can be an intensity to the squall, while the shutdown version might more similarly present as an ice storm—a freeze response.
Here are five ways to be there for someone (or yourself) through mental and emotional overwhelm.
Mindstorms are........
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