Accidentally Went "Viral"

On Sunday night, I sat down in the first moment of silence I’d had since the kids came home from school on Friday. I opened Threads and wrote a simple message. I needed an outlet for the thought that had been clinging to me like a leech all weekend …

I woke up the following day and randomly checked Threads—the post had well over 7K views, 500 likes, and dozens of comments. I panicked. I had flashbacks to 2017 Twitter. Then, I clicked on the notifications and scanned some of the comments. To my surprise, they were almost all positive—people commiserating and sympathizing. It was inspiring.

But it also reminded me of one of the things I love most about social media. Thanks to social media, I’ve learned so much about parenting autistic kiddos, being neurodivergent, mental health, perimenopause, and dozens of other topics that no one ever talked to me about. Social media has reminded me time and time again that I am not alone. I am not the only person who’s had these thoughts and feelings. I am not the only neurodivergent mom to neurodivergent kids.

I get overstimulated … and that’s okay. I need time to recharge and reset … and that’s okay. I’m not a horrible person or a bad mom. I’m not failing … and neither are you.

Social media and the decensoring of thoughts and information have helped us connect in a way that in-person interactions rarely can. There is absolutely NO way I’d have ever announced to a room full of strangers and parents that I was feeling exhausted and overwhelmed as a parent. But telling strangers on the internet? Sure, why not? Sure, I knew there was a chance I’d be met with comments questioning my choice to have kids or whether or not I was a good mom. But I also knew that there was a chance I might find more people like me. And that is precisely what happened.

For the first time in months, I didn’t feel alone. I felt seen and understood. I hope the post offered those who interacted the same feeling of comfort.

Here are a few of the things I’ve found that help regulate me when I'm overstimulated:

• Loops Earplugs ... life-changing

  • 15% off Referal Link

• Grounding techniques when I'm overstimulated (5 senses and 4-square breathing are my go-to)

• Giving myself grace when I need to decompress with social media scrolling at the end of the day

• Reading and crocheting