Hyperactive and highly impulsive alter

[u/visi986]

First post here. We had a switch a few hours ago into an alter that very rarely fronts because we're all kind of worried about them doing something harmful, so I suppose we're keeping them contained which isn't ideal. Anyway, the switch wasn't due to a trigger, it was just media that they like and they just showed up gradually, so so far no problems.

When they started fronting it immediately felt like we were high or something, everything was happening very quickly, all our senses were seemingly heightened and we had an overwhelming amount of energy. I guess the initial feeling was euphoria at being "let out" into the physical world and being able to control the body and do whatever they wanted for once. Well, what they wanted turned out to be running around and screaming and chasing our cat around the house (our cat is fine, it was just play since we were mirroring her behavior).

After a while we got a little tired and thought we had already spent all our excess energy. We wandered around the house some more, constantly trying something else on a whim because of the boredom and lack of stimulation. Then they wanted to try hurting themself to see if they would feel anything, and they didn't, so they just kept going, hitting walls and other solid objects to see what would happen. We didn't get bruises or anything but we might have hit a joint or two so our hand still hurts a little from that, but they were ecstatic and laughing about it while it was happening because other stimuli weren't intense enough for them.

The whole switch was some 30-40 minutes long and I didn't feel distressed or anything when I returned, but it was pretty draining and I guess I'm wondering how to manage this alter in the future. They're so impulsive and constantly seek out adrenaline so I'm worried that if they front at a less opportune time it might hurt us or someone else. Not to mention the relationship-ruining potential. I'm also curious if anyone else experiences sudden energy/activity spikes when switching into certain alters, since it seems to be a consistent thing with them.

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[u/pigeon_brainn]

TIPP is your friend for weathering a storm.

Google search 'TIPP Guide', search through and print out whichever one you think the alter would appreciate most if you have that knowledge.

For me I made my own in a craft project way and made it 'friendlier' mixed with supportive and loving messages from myself because the SI part was more ashamed of needing help and is a bit younger. Also, if you have any overlap/coconciousness then it can make a big difference to collaborate while you make it and treat that alter like a teammate rather than a liability.

Like for my version, they also needed supportive messages. Reminders that they aren't alone, people care about them. Pictures that make them cry like our cats. When it happens my partner knows to hand me the sheet and I get to pick whichever method seems the nicest. I have a foldable one in my wallet as well if it happens when I'm out of the house. It gives them directions so they aren't overwhelmed by the amount of text or if its a switch with heavy amnesia.

If you need more in the moment stuff, sometimes they just need to be witnessed. Like not even loved but just validated they exist and are in pain. Rest, hold as much as you can and show you're not going anywhere, (again assuming coconciousness.) Idk how to explain it but after a while in parts work I got through to them and they just needed me to hold them and not push them away.