I just had to share this. I have been having a lot of panic attacks lately, and I have been struggling not to SI because of them. I am always alone when I have them, and I love hugs. Well, I have noticed at times that when I have a panic attack, and if I have a pillow nearby, I pick it up and just hug it to myself. I could feel one coming on a while ago so I walked over, picked up the pillow off of my bed, and hugged it and started rocking slightly back and forth. Well, as soon as I put it down, I started feeling that panicky feeling again, so I picked it back up and as soon as I hugged it to myself and started rocking again, it stopped. I continued the
same rocking and hugging for about three or four minutes until I felt completely calm. I am no longer panicked, and I know for a fact this is working to calm down my panic. And this is good that I found this, because panic is a huge injuring trigger. So maybe if I can learn to flip my brain from: first thought of wanting to pick up my tool to first thought being to pick up that pillow if there is noone around to hug, I may be on to something here. Because
that hug felt good! Even if it was hugging a pillow.
Hi. I’m new here. I like your self soothing technique because it validates my ongoing self talk that I need a weighted blanket and a gliding chair to self soothe. My son doesn’t have a sensory processing disorder but he has been given a tool kit of SI– sensory integration tools. One of which are weighted vests, water bottle/ bag camel packs . I realized that when I have a lot of weight on me I feel calm. I put lots of blankets on me and always have. If I can I want to buy or make an adult size weighted blanket. My curiosity is about the possible overlap or collaboration that SI -sensory integration might help or affect or both SI– self injury. I need to learn to selfsoothe vs self harm and the sensory tool box tools have been helpful. Along with DBTcounseling and self care and standing up for myself…I hope you find continued empowerment through your self soothing discoveries.
I have High Functioning Autism &Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as struggling with Self Harm. I have noticed that if I am feeling triggered, I usually have in the past hugged a pillow tightly and/or laid under the heavy comforter on my bed, which helped me self soothe.