Hi there!
This is just a helpful guide on ways you can support me when I'm doing bad.
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Whether you're just checking this out or actively helping me right now, you're really sweet for being here and I appreciate you taking the time to be there for me ♡
Am I...
Age regressed? ✦ Hallucinating?
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Dissociating? ✦ Derealizing ("dreaming")?
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Having an anxiety attack? ✦ Not in front?
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Manic? ✦ Just having a bad moment?
Age regression is typically involuntary for me and triggered by physical or emotional exhaustion. If I reach for my pacifier, start babbling, or kicking my feet, that means I’m regressed (3-5 y.o). Here are some things that can help!
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Put on YouTube for me. I’ll watch anything, but I love cartoons or anything you'd play for a child.
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If it’s late and you’re trying to get me to sleep, play some lullabies in the background.
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I love cuddles, but if you’re not comfortable or in person, holding my hand or sitting with me on call really helps, too.
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Please talk to me like you would to a child: gently and with no sudden, loud noises.
Hallucinating is different from derealization, as I’m fully aware I’m awake, I’m just seeing and hearing "monsters" that aren’t there. They feel very real and terrifying to me, though, so please don’t just ignore me or call me crazy. Here are some things that can help!
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"It’s Alright" by Mother Mother is my go-to song and really calms me down. If it won't annoy you, play it on repeat for me.
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Offer to walk through the "monsters" or check the room for others with me. I know it’s silly, but it really helps me to confirm that they aren’t real.
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Speak to me gently. Remind me that I am safe and that the "monsters" cannot hurt me.
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Please don’t leave me alone. I get very clingy when I’m scared and I apologize, but leaving me alone while I'm hallucinating may throw me into a panic attack.
When I’m dissociating, I tend to stare off into space and won’t immediately respond to my name or to touch. This is a defense mechanism for me when my senses feel overwhelemed. Here are some things that can help!
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Gently shake my shoulder or wave your hand in front of me. Be patient; it may take a few tries.
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Ask me if I need a break; whether that’s a physical break or a front break. I am safe to be left alone if I do.
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Simply give me some space and leave me be. I will come back into awareness in my own time.
Sometimes, I struggle to tell the difference between reality and fantasy. I may derealize to the point of believing I’m in a dream. This might involve minor visual hallucinations. Here are some things that can help!
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I love cuddles, but if you’re not comfortable or in person, holding my hand or sitting with me on call really helps, too!
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Ground me by asking me to describe where I am (and correct me if needed).
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Gently reality-check me and remind me that I am awake.
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Put on a YouTube video to occupy me. It can really be anything, I just need something to look at.
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I tend to neglect my needs in this state, so check in with me once in a while until I’m present again.
There are lots of different reasons for why I might be having an anxiety attack. Whatever it is, here are some things that can help!Cup my face or ears with your hands and blow cool air in my face (if you're comfortable).
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Speak to me in a firm voice with eye contact.
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Give me a pillow or stuffed animal to squeeze.
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Do a deep breathing exercise with me.
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Give me space if I ask for it.
I am a system, which means other people live in my head and can take control of my body. If I say “Atlas is not in front,” that means you’re talking to a different person. Please don’t be alarmed or hateful. Here are some things that can help!
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Be mindful of who’s in front. If they say it’s not me, it’s not me. They will tell you their name and whether or not they’re safe to interact with.
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If they are an alter you’ve met before or know some things about, feel free to talk to them as normal.
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Do not ask for me. I left front for a reason. If you can’t handle whoever took my place, then leave us alone.
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Check out our Pluralkit to learn more about us.
Sometimes I have episodes of mania where I think I feel great and happy, but in reality, it’s just my brain tricking itself. I can be hard to interact with in this mindset, but here are some things that can help!
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Remind me to slow down. I tend to move fast when I’m manic and get out of breath easily.
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Check in with my needs. I might be forgetting to eat or taking my meds because I feel good and think I don’t need them, so a reminder is helpful.
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Give me something cold to hold, like an ice pack or frozen vegetables. If that doesn’t help, have me take a cold shower or do an ice dive.
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Have me do a task from my self care jar. It’s full of activities that force me to slow down and be present.
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Talk to me. There is most likely something bothering deep down, so if you’re able, give me the space to vent about it.
Sometimes I’m just going through it and in a really bad mood for no real reason or for something small. I struggle with anger issues, so if I act very sour or aggressive towards you, I apologize. You’re welcome to simply ignore me and give me space, but if you’re comfortable, here are some things that can help!
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Comfort me with reassuring words. Try not to give me advice if I don't ask for it.
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Offer to listen to music with me.
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Give me a hug (if you're comfortable).
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If you're in the right headspace for it, let me vent to you about whatever is bothering me.
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If you're not in person, send me memes, ramble to me, or offer to make Picrews with me. I'm not normally in the mood to call in this state.