General Unfocused Energy?

[PTSDMama]

I'm noticing a pattern and wondering if anybody else sees this in sufferers, or if it's just part of our boy. It seems like his rages are precipitated by periods of unfocused energy. Just can't get control of his thoughts, or his body. He flails around and talks incessantly, seeks out sensory input.

It would make sense that if his brain is having some sort of response to past trauma, that it might be a defense mechanism to not want to think about it, and instead make things chaotic so he doesn't have to.

This morning, he was so disordered I had him do some exercising, we sang, etc. to calm him. Once we started doing our routine, he pushed back against that so much and kicked me. Which has not happened in several days, and during those several days, his thoughts and body have been very well ordered. Just seems like something that's connected.

Someone also mentioned he may have some sensory issues going on, which we will be bringing up to his doctor.

 

[Venusian]

I am so glad your son has you for a mother.

I read your post and the first thing that I thought of was that your son is trying to get something out that he can't express. Maybe he is having some emotion he can't name yet. I used to have these periods, even now, I just feeling myself tensing and have an energy that no matter what I do I just need to move, but I don't know how. Sometimes I just need to be destructive because it is so frustrating to me. I am old enough that I know it will pass and I don't actually do anything. When I try and concentrate on an activity it just makes it worse.

Have you tried modelling clay? It can be creative and destructive at the same time. The same as building blocks, they can be built up and knocked down but can also be creative. Anything that doesn't have to have rules or a "right" and "wrong" way to do and doesn't require attention to detail. Maybe he just needed an outlet and not "be calm" all the time but still won't affect other people in a negative way.

 

[PTSDMama]

Thanks for your insight. Yes, that's exactly what it is - it seems he just has to move and/or be destructive. Later this afternoon, he was bouncing around in a store, and we stopped and did some songs and such that had him crossing midline to re-focus his brain, then did some hugs since he's been receptive to that - and did some deep tissue stuff. He calmed right down. My husband hasn't gotten to see that so much and is amazed. Then we went outside and he ran for awhile.

Clay is a great idea! He hasn't been interested so much in that type of thing, but I bet if I pulled it out and started pounding on it myself, he would follow suit. Yeah I bet it gets pretty frustrating for him, or anyone, to be told to be calm all the time when you feel like he does!

Good stuff. Thanks.

 

[Mrs. T]

Wow, just wanted to say that you sound like an amazing mom!

 

[PTSDMama]

Thanks, Mrs. T and Venusian, for the compliments. I was telling my husband that I don't feel like a good mom when I'm struggling with his symptoms. It can get pretty dark and desparate...and lonely! But so thankful to have this forum, because it really helps buoy me and get me focused back in the right direction. My husband and I love our boy so much, though, and want him to be okay.

 

[safenow]

I bet if I pulled it out and started pounding on it myself, he would follow suit. Yeah I bet it gets pretty frustrating for him, or anyone, to be told to be calm all the time when you feel like he does!

I agree that clay is the perfect outlet. It sure was for me when I was younger.