u/CausticTV

When I receive advice on managing some issues I have, primarily issues with overstimulation, the first step almost exclusively begins with “when you start to feel overwhelmed…”

I don’t start to feel overwhelmed. Or, more accurately, I don’t realize that I do. One moment I feel more or less fine, and the next I a completely shut down.

Is anyone else similar? I’ve developed a bit of a system where around four time a day I stop what I’m doing and check in with myself. It lets me look at how I’m feeling objectively the same way you would monitor resources in a video game. It does not stop it from being a bit frustrating when seemingly every single piece of advice on the internet in regard to overstimulation just doesn’t apply to me.

A couple of years ago I started a new medication, as well as falling into some unhealthy lifestyle habits. Long story short, I ballooned in size and weight and felt terrible because of it both physically and mentally. Over time, I’ve tried time and time again with any number of special diet plans to lose weight, but nothing worked. I felt completely hopeless. There was a specific jacket that I used to really like that I had no hope of fitting into that sat in my closet, taunting me.

Today I tried it on a whim, and it fit perfectly.

I don’t know if it’s even possible to describe how happy I feel right now. I want to run around and yell at the top of my lungs.

What ended up working for me so far was dropping the fad diets and just eating less. If I wanted to eat seconds, I’d figure out if I was actually hungry or if I just wanted to eat. I also added exercise. Not a lot right now, just walking and a bit of hiking, but I’m working up to doing more. I didn’t even really count calories, at least not consciously (though that is something I plan on doing in the future.)

Next up, my old favorite coat. It was always a bit small on me, but who says I have to stop when I’m back where I started? Thanks everyone here for posting stories and advice! I couldn’t have done it without you!!!