Experiencing a meltdown or becoming overwhelmed when your routine is broken can be distressing and frustrating. There are several potential reasons for this reaction, and it can vary from person to person. Here are some common factors that might contribute to such a response:
Sensory Overload: Many people have sensory sensitivities, and routines can help create a predictable environment that minimizes sensory input. When the routine is disrupted, it can lead to an overload of sensory information, causing stress and anxiety.
Predictability and Control: Routines provide a sense of predictability and control over one's environment. When the routine is broken, individuals may feel a loss of control, leading to increased anxiety or frustration.
Difficulty with Transitions: For some individuals, transitions between activities or situations can be challenging. Breaking a routine often involves transitioning to something new, which can be overwhelming and cause a meltdown.
Executive Functioning Challenges: Individuals with executive functioning difficulties may struggle with adapting to changes in their routine, as it requires flexible thinking and planning skills.
Emotional Regulation: Routines can also serve as a way to regulate emotions and provide stability. When the routine is disrupted, it may become more challenging to manage emotions effectively, leading to a meltdown.
Social Anxiety: Some people rely on routines as a coping mechanism for social anxiety. When the routine is broken, it can expose them to unexpected social interactions, causing stress and discomfort.
Special Interests or Obsessions: People with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions may have specific interests or obsessions that are deeply integrated into their routines. Disrupting the routine might mean temporarily losing access to these preferred activities, leading to distress.
Change and Uncertainty: Human beings, in general, can find change and uncertainty challenging. Routines create a sense of stability, and when that stability is disrupted, it can trigger stress and anxiety.
It's important to recognize that experiencing meltdowns or becoming overwhelmed when routines are broken is a valid response, and it's essential to approach it with understanding and empathy. If this reaction significantly affects your daily life or well-being, seeking support from a mental health professional or therapist can be helpful in developing coping strategies and addressing the underlying factors contributing to this response.