Hii my first mooboard in a while!! I wanted to try a 2000s nostalgia moodboard. It's mostly of what I remember from the 2000s :D hope yall like it!!!!!!
Older people are allowed in the agere community. Little, pet and cg space doesn't go away with age. You're not automatically a creep just because you're older. Adults in their late twenties, in their thirties, forties, fifties, sixties and above are welcomed here.
You are not less important as an neurodivergent regressor
It's okay if you can't control when you age regress
It's okay to be overwhelmed sometimes
It's okay if you do "weird" stims while age regressing
It's okay if you don't like the texture of your clothes or your blanky
It's okay if you can't figure out how to talk, be as quiet as you want
It's okay to age regress if you are feeling overstimulated by loudness or bright lights
It's okay to be an involuntary regressor.
As an involuntary age regressor with diagnosed ADHD, I feel as if this isn't spoken about enough. People tend to talk about age regression itself and not what the difference is between voluntary and involuntary. I want to be able to be seen as someone who can not control when I age regress.
What is the difference between the two?
voluntary and involuntary is basically if you can have control or not.
Involuntary:
You have less control
It can be triggered (being stressed, overwhelmed, trauma)
Difficult to stop regressing once you fall into it
Feels as if it is a reaction rather than a choice
In need of comfort
You look for safety
Voluntary:
You can control when it happens
It's a choice
You use it for fun, relaxation, or even self-care
Ability to step out of regression when needed or wanted
(r)ejection (s)ensitivy (d)ysphoria is an experience of intense emotional pain caused by perceived failure or rejection. in short, it is a heightened sensitivity to rejection. this condition is linked to adhd because it is believed to stem from disregulation of rejection-related emotions and behavior. although it is linked to adhd, it can also come from other forms of neurodivergency, ptsd, bpd, and other conditions.
in littles, this can look like:
🍀 intense negative reactions to angry, indifferent, dismissive, or annoyed tones of voice directed at them
🍀 overperceiving or "inventing" threats around them, can lead to heightened anxiety or sudden mood changes
🍀 adverse reactions to having structured caretaking (a.k.a "firm hands"), being told what to do, or being disciplined
and can result in:
🍀 fussy littles
🍀 emotional and physical shut downs or social withdrawal
🍀 outbursts, tantrums, or fits
🍀 negative self-talk, rumination, and defensiveness
if you are a little with rsd, here are some ways to manage (even while regressed)!
- giving yourself positive affirmations
"i did nothing wrong", "they are not upset with me", "i am loved and seen", "my opinion is valued and i matter"
- counteract your immediate response to perceived negativity. if someone says something in a rude tone, think of other possible reasons they may be upset.
"they are not upset because of something i did. they might not be feeling well, they might be having a bad day, or they might be stressed or tired right now. the way they reacted to me is not my fault"
- write down what happened, how it made you feel, and some ways you can make yourself feel better
- think about what is in your control and what is out of your control
e.g. you cannot control someone else's emotions, but you can control your breathing
calm your amygdala
- take big deep breaths
- practice identifying something in each of your senses
"what can i hear, what can i see, what can i smell, what can i taste, what can i feel"
- remove yourself from the situation if you can
take a brain break, go to a quieter location, watch a video of something you love, listen to a song that calms you
- hug your plushies!
- use a pacifier or chew toy
if you are a carer for a little with rsd:
- be patient! your small may not be able to idenitify why they are feeling or reacting this way in the moment. sit with them and don't rush them as they process their emotions
- if they are being fussy or verbally combative, it is valid to feel overwhelmed or stressed. remember that above all else, you are in control of your body and how you choose to respond. keep your voice level, avoid using aggressive language, speak gently, and reinforce positive talk
- ask them how they are feeling and listen to them. let them explain their emotions, even if they seem irrational. what they feel is real to them! validate their feelings
- help your little figure out ways of coping that work for them. give them options
"do you need some quiet time alone to calm down? would you like for me to hold you? how about we watch your favorite show? or we can play something together! you can pick!"
this is something that i have struggled with all my life, and it seems to be heightened when i'm regressed. i hope this helped others struggling or who know someone struggling, at least a little bit! <3
if you have rsd, remember:
the people in your life want you to be there. your friends care about you! you are not a bad person because you made a mistake. everything you do doesn't have to be perfect, you are human! and you are deserving of love no matter what. <3
Remember to Drink Water in This Heatwave: Stimboard!!!
- ☘︎ | ⋆˚࿔ ༄ ⋆.˚ | ʚ ꩜ ɞ | ⋆˚࿔ ༄ ⋆.˚ | ☘︎ -
It’s extremely important to stay hydrated my lovelies!! Not just yourselves, but also your loved ones who can’t take care of themselves!! Pet friends, garden critters and strays, disabled folks, the elderly, lil kids, etc… Make sure they’re all getting enough too!! 💦
my typical regression doesn't really involve a paci so i decided to skip ahead to the next day c: i'll make up for it with the next prompt after this hehe
amandla
gamechangershow
turnnoffyourmind
romaincrisis
origamiaround
blakekathryn
