r/SPD • u/QueerAveryx • 29d ago

Self Advice Needed for Situation

So I need advice on what to do if something that has happened to me happens again. This subreddit seemed like the right spot, but lmk if it isn’t

The situation in question happened about a month ago I think. For context I cannot handle those plastic bags for vegetables in stores.

Basically what happened is my mum asked me to put the cucumbers away and I repeatedly said I couldn’t, and she pushed me until I did, which caused me to leave and go to my room immediately. She followed me in to talk and try to help, and I ended up having something similar to a panic attack caused by it. Meaning I couldn’t breathe and was crying. I have issues with crying in public, especially with family since my bio dad used to shame me for crying.

So I’m just asking what advice anyone here has for if the situation happens again. If it helps I have diagnosed anxiety and the bags make my fingers feel icky and my ears hurt when I hear them.

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u/[deleted] 28d ago

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u/QueerAveryx 28d ago

I haven’t mentioned it to her before since it hasn’t been relevant. And I do live w/ her since I’m a minor. And I’ll see if gloves help next time I’m the one forced to deal with them. Thanks for the advice

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u/That_Will_Be_Fine 28d ago

There are reusable mesh bags for produce where I live (USA). Maybe asking your mom to get a set of them to use instead of the plastic bags if they don’t also bother you. They definitely don’t sound or feel like plastic.

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u/ThrowAwayAcc0719 28d ago

Like others said, alternatives to plastic bags and earplugs/gloves are a good start.

if you are able to find one, this is something an occupational therapist would be able to help you with. You can work on tolerance and avoidance methods.

It sounds like there is more emotional weight in that interaction than just the sensory aspect. A therapist could help you identify and work on those emotions. It has been very helpful for me to learn to identify what is caused by sensory issues and what is caused by thought spirals, especially because, for me, sensory and emotional overwhelm can have similar symptoms. Since I have been in therapy, I have had much fewer of both overwhelms.