Toolkit: Handling Being Out & About

[safenow]

I went out last night. The only things I took were my purse, a pillow to sit on, my blue leg picker-upper,a bottle of water, and my walker.

 

[BloomInWinter]

My toolkit has changed somewhat. I have a much better phone now and I have pictures of my kids to look at. I don't carry earplugs most of the time. I hardly every use my iPod in public now. Though, I will say it's likely because I choose what places/events to go to with more mindfulness. I'll go early or late as needed to minimize feeling anxious or claustrophobic, or I'll have a safe person with me.

When really struggling, I'll fall back on my basic toolkit and do better self-care management. I have a much better internal tool kit which serves me well in most day-to-day things.

 

[TeaLeaf]

Men are a huge trigger so an extra jacket or sweater helps me feel safer when I feel threatened by stares, sunglasses, tea and something to eat. There was a time I took ativan everywhere with me because I never knew when I would start to melt down and need it but fortunately I don't have to do that anymore.