See this is why I love this channel!! The honesty is amazing and nobody is really talking about anxiety . I hope you realize how many folks will watch this and recieve much needed encouragement . Thank you for what you do!!!
I appreciate it, too. Involuntary sincerity seems to be one trait a person on the autism spectrum can have. Not rudeness, but stoic vulnerability compared to many non-autistic folks. I literally watch this channel BECAUSE I have trauma about cleaning from an OCPD parent, and this helps keep me calm while cleaning.
IMO you are so healthy! I wish more people would know themselves as well as you know yourself. Shutting off or slowing down stimuli is essential for all of us every day. Thanks for your honesty because we can all learn from you. Congratulations to your daughter for the art award. Tell Jason we love him! Glad you're feeling better.
I know that feeling , whenever it's too noisy, I need to get out of that situation and get into a quiet place. When someone keeps complaining and I'm listening to it , I shut down quickly and need to get away from them. I get what you're putting down. I have agoraphobia and I had to teach myself to interact with small crowds and family only , i get so tired I have to nap to rejuvenate .
Thank you for talking about mental health as a man. And in a calm and normalising way. And showing how a man can take responsibility for taking care of his mental health in a sensible and mature way. And for showing that autists can have regular jobs and families and lives.
I agree *wholeheartedly.* I teared up at that part, since my family didn't ever come to most school-related things for me. (They came to my graduation, but these kinds of 'extras' were too much of an ask.) Hearing about someone doing it for their kid at an inhumane hour when it requires such a humungous amount of effort is really touching. Mack, I appreciate how you show up for your kids, and how you're transparent about the toll it takes.
Thank you for explaining the overstimulation of the autistic mind. My daughter struggles eating dinner with family because of all the chewing sounds, smells, and textures. There are times I worry if she will ever cope in the real world but seeing how you adapt and thrive gives me great hope.
I'm 36 and autistic and I definitely feel like the world has gotten a lot more accepting and adaptable for people on the spectrum. It's not like that at all places and there is still improvements that can be done, but there are a lot more options and solutions available than there was 20 years ago.
I’m autistic and just like your daughter struggled at meal times for the same reasons. She’ll be just fine - I’m 43 now and have learnt to deal with it plus it’s a lot more well known these days xx
My autistc son was like this. I basically trained him out of his autism. Also worked/shadowed autistic students in school for 7 years. I got an award called improving my students lives. Autistic kids have intelligent minds. They store everything. Why the stimulus bothers them. After all that I now think Im like 1% autistic. New casters and most stand up comedians feel like Im being scolded. I got wifi big earphones as soon as I saw them and the best thing! I can watch my crafting etc. My son walked and talked late. I saw a movie about when he was a toddler. Called Rainbow something made in the 70s. How parents trained their severely autistic child out of it. He spun plates and everything. First thing they did was simplify the house and made him his own room to play in, bring what he wanted in there. But they also decided to try to be in his world. Sat down beside him on the floor. He started interacting with them, so they did with him. They spun plates etc. So I turned and sat down on the floor beside my son right then. And just waited. He looked at me and started saying the few words he did know. First time he looked straight into my eyes. As much as I could I let him make decisions in his life. And bargained what I couldnt like if we had to go to grocery store etc. but in that I did distraction things. To help him read I preteneded I always forgot my reading glasses. All autistic kids I know are very kind, giving, helpful. They want to engage but the world is too much for them. My son is 32 now. You would never know. He teaches 3D and digital films as assitant to professer. He has worked on some Hollywood films. When they show you their strength try to add to that. I never bought nintendo or any game type things unil both my kids much older. Their toy was the compuer. Both light years ahead of peers in that and both have jobs in what they always had fun doing. Oh my son hid under the table for 2 years when we went out to eat! Always scared waitresses when he yelled his order from under there! We gradually got him to say his order to the waitress or ask for a straw when he wanted it. I signed him up to every toddler thing there was going. Tball, basketball. It helped him identify with other adults. I hid behind a tree. Ive had many parents call me mean! Ignore others. Do what you know works. Even doctors and teachers dont know. I was lucky when an aide the special ed department head let me do it my way and often asked me my opinion on other kids. My first student copied notes from the aide copying noted from board. He was in 8th grade by then. I said to the department head why? He needs to do it from himself otherwise hes not looking out at the world! She let me try moving away from him in her two classes. and yep caused a scene. She explained to her other students we were helping Kevin. So it went on from there. Got the other students and adults to realize to involve him, any student if main streamed. Only took a few days and he was writing his own notes from the board. He had to be walked across the stage by the aide for his 8th grade graduation. By the time he graduated he was singing and dancing in Grease. His father cried. A stoic Vietnamese who have a hard time admitting anything wrong with their kids. He was never personable but he was then thanked me for all my work with his son. Im not saying Im great or anything. Im just saying be sure to include her. Maybe try a family dinner night she gets to pick the food You all eat what she wants once a week her way on her style plates. Im just guessing here. But seems dinner is a place to let her make decisions if you can. Bargain for other areas. Mommy's way now. You can pick the park we go to. Anyway. Good luck. My daughter also has epilepsy and I had an absentee husband. We all survived.
When I was a teen, our family was having a meltdown. A good friend of my mom came over, with her daughters, and set us all to washing walls, floors, baseboards. All of us were physically tired afterwards, but the stress was hugely lifted. Loving your channel
I also suffer from panic attacks 😢. Experienced ones that were over quickly & others that lasted hours. My best way of explaining how I felt… was like if I made one wrong move…I’d shatter like glass 😑
That was a smart woman! Once when I was having a meltdown at work a coworker told me to "go walk it off". It really does help, but deep cleaning as you described is a lot more productive. I like that.
The floor looks wonderful. I always tell my kids “you can’t pour from an empty cup” in an effort to remind them of self care. I iron when I get into one of my really bad panic attacks. There’s something very soothing about watching clothes going from wrinkled to lovely and smooth xxx
Omg finally found people who are just as "insane" as I am. 😂 I would be rich if I had collected 5cent for every remark like that over the years. But it really keeps me sane to go ironing my clothes. ❤
@@J4Julz I'm going to add a crazy one: doing dishes by hand, even when I'm at someone else's house if I need a minute. I discreetly tell the person who normally does the task my brain's having trouble digesting life at the minute, explain that doing dishes by hand helps, and ask permission to do theirs. If there are no dishes to be done or not enough of them, I ask for a relatively mindless chore they need doing. Once, the non-dishes task was mopping the floor in my mom's house; I did it on my hands and knees with a rag because that was what my brain needed and looking at the sexy-ass spin mop (which I love so much I later bought my own) was making me irrationally angry to the point that I didn't trust myself with it. I felt *much* better after spending several hours crawling around the floor, and the energetic chihuahuas had my back hanging around but not being nuisances, even distracting niblings and my own kid who wanted my attention. I loathe doing dishes by hand (or any other chore without the awesome machines and tools available now) because it's boring, takes too long, and my ADHD doesn't like it, but doing one at least once a week (or more when life feels too big) feels like it's good for my mental health. I haven't tried washing laundry by hand yet though lol. No idea why my brain works the way it does, but I've figured out how to give it what it needs. Sorry for the text wall, apparently my brain needed this, too.
I am not being a jerk- but you have convinced me to go to the Dr. EVERY WORD you spoke about your feelings & panic attacks are my exact struggles. From the change in schedule, to crowds, to trying to politely explain that I need a bit of silence to relax- I know EXACTLY what you mean. I never thought adults could be on the spectrum- I thought it was a kid disease that you grow out of it. Thank you for opening my eyes. I am going to get checked out. Thank you for this video!!!❤
Autistic kids grow up to be autistic adults. If we grew out of it, doctors would just tell parents "you son's autistic, but it's fine he'll grow out of it." There are autistic people in nursing homes. Sir Anthony Hopkins got diagnosed in his 80s as autistic. Once you're born, that neurology is pretty much cooked, but a supportive nurturing environment will lead to way better coping abilities for life.
I'm in the same situation. Everything, especially the sounds causing panic, is exactly what I go through. Putting together literal puzzles in complete silence is my brain defrag exercise.
Women on the spectrum are not represented nearly as much as we should be. Diagnoses for us tend to be subtler and later than in in men, but I wouldn't doubt sexism plays a role in there somewhere. Autism is not something you can grow out of. It's an intrinsic part of our brains that never goes away. For us higher-functioning folks, we must find ways to adjust to the stresses that society places on us. It's not easy, but it's definitely worthwhile, and will greatly increase your quality of life. Therapies, medications, and even hobbies can help immensely. It's about finding what is right for you. 💗
My grandson has autism, and I really appreciate your explaining what happens to you when you're overwhelmed. He really can't express very well what's happening in his mind, and your have helped me understand much better. Thank you
I have a lot of imposter syndrome when it comes to my autism and anxiety but hearing this from you is super relatable and validating. The worst for me is definitely too much noise. I joke that I have a “noise quota” but it’s actually kind of true. It there are more than two or three different sounds (tv, washer/dryer, cat yelling at me, phones ringing, etc) i get sent right into a panic attack. Your channel has really helped me a lot from an autism standpoint. ❤️
@@jmfs3497 that's so funny bc I am the same way, I get super quickly overstimulated if my young child talks over her ipad, which is going over the TV, etc. but used to be in drumline/enjoy playing the drums and those sounds never overclocked me.
@@KevinSchmitt77I find live music to be in 3D vs 2D when listening to a CD/radio. That’s the best way I can describe it. I also have the too many random noises issue…it overstimulates my brain and I can’t hear any one thing above another - much like a tangled mess that can’t be unraveled.
I was just sitting here laughing, shaking my head (with empathy) cuz you described my very own personal hell with the people, tight spaces, and overwhelming smells/sounds. We use non-verbal cues in my household. When hubby goes and lays down in the bed, I know he needs some quiet time. My stuff can wait if he needs to process shit or is overstimulated. When I'm overstimulated, I put on my headset and clean. He knows I need to de-stress when he sees that. It helps prevent feelings being hurt or accidentally projecting anxiety/anger onto your partner. Non-verbal cues HELP SOO MUCH.
I always remember a story within a story from a book I read as a child by author Alice Vieira. About a man who every weekend went fishing, and his wife knew he never came back with a fish but only with a heart at peace. Then one day he caught a fish. He just looked at it, stunned, threw it back and never went back, as if the unspoken contract between him and the lake had been broken.
I totally understand your panic attacks. I have them so much. Have had them for years. I was in 2 abusive marriages, and now I'm with an amazing man who helps me through them instead of causing them. I do the same about having quiet time and doing something that takes all my concentration. I absolutely love your videos. They help me get motivated and know I'm not the only one who has panic attacks, and it's not in my head. Thank you. 😊
that’s not how panic attacks are resolved We become what we think Soul control is what works Our mind- will and emotions work together with our body as one Get to know YOU and what triggers EVERYthing starts with the me inside of each of us Blaming someone else takes the onus off of you Twice married and now with ‘another’ man YOU chose to marry those other two marriages Take Responsibility
Your honesty, along with your description of how you “pull together” after panic attacks and overstimulation brought me to tears. Thank you so much for being so open. Ever since finding this channel, I’ve been applying so many of your methods in regard to addressing chaos (both physical [cleaning] and mental) and as someone with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, what I’ve learned from hearing you discuss your processes is immensely helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Enjoy the unplugged weekend-it’s super-necessary. ❤ to you and your family.
As someone who can go non-verbal when stressed, I definitely relate to feeling unable to communicate to loved ones when in that panic mode. I highly recommend working together with your wife to come up with a single word you can use when all other words fail you, perhaps one that means "I am too overwhelmed and need silence but don't want to come off as rude." It might sound stupid, but I find it really really helpful.
I start cleaning when I feel a panic attack coming on, It’s a way I’ve learned to cope. Makes my brain focus on a task I know I can control and stops me spiraling. I have anxiety and ocd. Everyone is different with their diagnosis but this has worked for me thankfully and I’ve been under control with it for a while now after medication and therapy. Thanks for being honest with your anxiety disorder online and bringing awareness!
I'm the same, I don't have panic attacks but when I feel stressed about something or there are a lot of things to take care of I clean. Having a clean apartment with everything in its place and then I clean my car so everything is clean and tidy, then I find it much easier to start doing the more stressful things.
I love how open and honest you are. I have similar issues. Definitely an introvert. No crowds, no loud noises and If I don't have time to myself I go nuts. A Monday is my day to shut the world out. I love your channel, it calms me down so much. I hope you get how awesome you are. How refreshing to have straight forward, real life talking.
Good to see you. We all have our ways of handling stress, anxiety, panic attacks, the whole nine yards. It’s fantastic that you have some strategies and tools to process your feelings and performing service while you’re at it! Great job!
I don't usually comment, but... I'm really glad that you've been able to calm your mind down and give it the break it needed. Mental health is so important to talk about - it is such a pervasive and insidious little turdface, and I think anyone who deals with it on a daily basis has more strength than The Hulk after 8 packets of Wheetabix. It is great that you have and know your own ways to cope with overwhelm and anxiety, and the fact that you've been open and honest about your struggles and how you personally deal will help a lot of people. It will make people feel validated, less alone, encouraged to keep going, and also give them some ideas on things that could ease their stress that they may not have tried before. It will also remind you of the coping mechanisms you have, when to put them into effect, and just how well they work for you. Always put yourself and your mental and physical health first - everything else is secondary. Thank you for being open and putting this video out. You are my favourite cleaning channel and your humour/personality is a massive pile of awesome. Jason can go suck it, though. Filth. He can't compete with that butt of yours.
My husband has never been diagnosed but I think he's on the spectrum and you saying how you handled your wife's problems without sounding mad reminds of the hubby and helps me understand him now. I've understood from the beginning that his brain doesn't work like mine (which, by the way, runs 90 to nothing ALL the time) and I've tried very hard to have patience with him (doesn't always work, but I try)! So thanks for that!!
As a child, I was unable to vocalize just how exhausted I would get. School drained me and I needed a day off every few days. My mom understood but my friends and family thought I was lazy. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 30, and put on medication. Made a huge difference but I still get anxiety attacks. Good luck.
A 100% get this. I was just diagnosed this year with Autism (50+} and this makes sooooo much sense to me!! I call it my “Happy Place”. I need to just be left alone. I can’t have anyone talk to me, etc… I hope you are feeling better now and Congrats on your Daughters Art Project💜💜.
I use to get on my hands and knees to clean my floors and my client's as well! I could clean better and faster! You are helping so many of us to understand anxiety and ways to help ourselves and other's! The floor looks beautiful! Have a wonderful weekend! Bless you for all you do!❤
You give me so much hope in my granddaughters having a full life, despite the autism. I’m so grateful, because you’re such an uplifting, productive, positive person. You teach me and helps me understand their “speed bumps” in life. One granddaughter loves to clean and organize. I clued her into this because of you. Helps SO much. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the update. Have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You spoke so much truth in the way you need to handle things. Crowds, noise and even too much conversation tend to make me want to run for a dark closet with an inside lock. Very proud of you for taking care of YOU... allowing you to take care of the rest. Humor, truths, awesome cleaning and comments that have me laughing until I cry are wonderful bonuses that keep me coming back for more. YOU are AWESOME! Keep it up!!! ❤
Good to see I'm not the only one who needs tedious repetitive tasks like hand waxing a floor (or grinding, my current obsession is Rune Factory 5) to hit center again. Feed n wax is amazing. If you haven't before, you gotta use it on the side of wooden drawers to make them slide like they were new! Thanks for all that you do.
6:30 i burst into tears. i finally figured something out about my brain. I used to go biking for hours sometimes. just to do something without thinking. i no longer have the health. oh man. i now get panic attacks. i dnt feel broken. i lost the ability to control them. i had no idea i was even doing that. and yeah, exhausted and sore helped... and i needed the peace. just for your update so u dnt worry!: I AM regaining health. I am slowly healing, finding diagnoses and truth on my health, and learning to either eat to heal them, treat with nutrition or meds, and healing. I am slowly gaining the ability to bike again, but right now i can only bike about 10-15 minutes and i make it about 6 blocks. but its progress. last summer i could only go around my own singular block. now i can make it 6x that. i am doing better health wise, and some of that is allowing myself the times i need to just not function so i dnt hurt myself pushing too far. cuz yeah, i do that too. thanks so much for all this logical explaining of brain stuff. i literally dnt care what u put on the screen. I watch to hear you explain how these brain disfunctions happened, and how ppl cope/heal from them.
I'm autistic myself, and felt my own brain slipping into meltdown space as you described the chair and the schedule changes - you're so great for being there for your daughter, even with the stress! I like to do weeding and mindless garden chores myself to reset. Digging all the bindweed out of the lawn is a pain, but also /fantastic/ to turn off and destress. (This is of course less helpful in the really cold months, but good the rest of the year)
Thanks for your honesty and the explanation of what it takes for you to get through a panic attack. The circumstances you encountered at the school function were enough to send many of us over the edge, just not to the same degree. Love your channel! Thx😊👍✝️
"You can't help somebody else when you are broken." That's exactly what I always say. I feel your struggle because I feel the same and I'm not autistic, but I have a problem with noises around me since I was a kid. I need also silence and mostly then I go to sleep for one our or more. It helps me a lot. Darkness and silence. I wish you the best. 🥰♥️
Hearing you verbalize this means a lot to me. My Autistic nephew is non verbal and we often wonder what’s going through his mind when he is overwhelmed….. you give me so much insight into his world. One I know we would never understand without you showing the world what it’s really like. Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of your life.
I love how you combine making order out of chaos, mental health breaks, and a mellifluous voice into a lovely form of realistic behavioral therapy. I get a hit of dopamine watching your work. Many thanks for your blunt, snappy commentary.
I have ADHD and social anxiety, but would not be surprised if I have undiagnosed autism because I get extremely overwhelmed with similar situations. Thank you so much for your videos! I’m using your tips little by little to help me tackle my minor hoarding/disorganization/trouble cleaning in general and they have been so helpful!
You brought tears in my eyes when you mentioned the word "broken". How I usually try to get over a panic attack or anxiety is by watching/listening to something funny. In one word: distraction. Not avoidance! I hope this will help others in the same situation. ❤
Your videos aren’t just helping the home owners you’re cleaning for but also your viewers too. I do not have autism but am diagnosed with other things that allow me to relate to most of the things you’re talking about. Mostly I joke in every comment I leave you but all kidding aside this time - thank you for deciding to have a channel because it helps me too🥰🙋🏻♀️
Thank you for sharing this with us! I hope things are going better for you. You did a beautiful job on your friend’s floor! Take care and have a great and restful weekend!!
You're a really good example for people about how autism isn't just "being quirky," it means your nervous system can't handle stressors the same way as neurotypicals, and you literally have to restructure your whole life around it to be a functioning adult, and sometimes that's just not possible because life really is that crazy. What you've accomplished and your self confidence and ability to communicate your needs is amazing.
I get you! And we are all behind you. (So dont spinkick just now) I think you, with your calm voice, and the way you explain, make your videos some of the most giving for us with mental issues. Keep up your spirit, and try to do tings in the less harmfull way for you. Hope your wife sees this ❤
God bless you for not only being autistic, but your ability to completely explain it for those of us who aren't autistic to understand is refreshing. Thank you ❤
Good to hear you are doing better. You really explained everything in such a professional and compassionate way, thank you. The floors looked great after being waxed. Thanks for still posting a video, Son!
Dude I genuinely care about you and it's wholly because of the fact that I am also (likely) autistic and also clean for peace and your videos are just so funny and inspiring. Thanks for showing a different side of things. And for windmill kicking the panic attack away.
How you handle tension and stress overload is exactly how I do it! It's amazing how senseless activities such as mowing the lawn, scrubbing the floors, ironing, etc. gets your brain relaxed and you're able to figure problems out. For 25 years my job/profession was being a problem-solver, in addition to raising two children and dealing with wacky in-laws. Now I'm retired and have taken up quilting, which is somewhat repetitive, but relaxing.
Thank you so much for giving us this insight and for your openness. I work with people with autism and your channel helps me to improve my understanding.
I do not have autism but your commentary really resonated with me- I’m an introvert and if I have too many stimuli I need quiet and alone time.❤. I have turned to organizing and cleaning my whole life as a means of stress and anxiety management.
I think it’s so cool that you share your triggers and your coping mechanisms. It’s provided me valuable insight, and the opportunity to offer some of your thoughts to my best friend, whose daughter is also autistic. Thanks for being so real! Oh, and as a business owner, I FELT all that!!
Thank you for being open, and for talking about how you take medication. I have ocd and panic disorder. I had it under control for years but a bad divorce has brought it all back up. I appreciate you and thanks for using your platform to do so much good.
Thank you so much for this video. I love to hear you talk..I always come away with more knowledge than I knew. I especially liked you talking of your panic attacks. I have an anxiety disorder, however I have had only three hardcore panic attacks. The way you deal with the mental anguish is monumental. So proud of you for your strength. By the way nice job on that floor! Patti from Texas
Dude you are putting on a load of happiness in peoples lives just hearing your voice. Keep up the good work! Btw, my autism makes me think and feel the same way a little bit with everyone’s problems is our. Only difference is that it’s mostly everyone’s problems not all or everyone’s. My gf really likes making me feel like I’m the messiest and most baddest bf she ever has had, smh. All I can say to that is……whatever lol!
I suffer from anxiety. Some days are good, some are bad. No one can really understand what is happening. It’s great that you are open about your struggles.❤
Makes total sense. I love doing things that are tedious and repetitive. Like power washing my driveway, or painting a room. Or mowing my lawn. I like the quiet time to think about stuff. Thank you mr. Fungus. ❤
im glad you're feeling less stressed! this is really interesting to hear about as a younger person with autism, since i don't really know how to cope with that kind of stress! it is good to know that it isnt weird that sometimes i just want complete isolation, though. usually i just draw or write in my freetime, but they're not really stress-relieving hobbies! so maybe i should find something a bit more...mindnumbing, haha. always make sure you're taking the time to destress! the floor looks much nicer too. seems to bring that richer color right back!
I am glad you are taking care of yourself! I get totally overwhelmed, too, especially when I have to deal with a lot of people. That floor looks gorgeous. Take care! ♡
The way you described your anxiety--the causes, the physical feeling, and the ways you handle it--is so refreshing and relatable. I am glad you decided to take care of yourself this week, although I'm sorry it got to the breaking point for you. The worst thing is when what makes you anxious are the people and the things you care about the most. I know how impossible it feels to tell someone they're being overstimulating in a way that doesn't sound selfish and cruel. Your compassion for everyone around you is so evident and I hope you are able to take more time to do self-care like this. Also, the floors look incredible !!
You described my anxiety triggers and c-ptsd challenges absolutely perfectly. Aside from my trauma induced ptsd, as long as I can remember, I’ve always felt “different” which is ironic because I grew up in a performing musical family all my life. Now that I’m in my 50’s I don’t like being around people too much. It’s like my brain says “too much input” and I either shut down or come across angry when I’m just overwhelmed. Thank you for bringing much needed awareness to mental health challenges. I’ve learned to be my own advocate and take personal responsibility for my ongoing healing. ❤
It's compelling, Chuck. With the emotional and personal setbacks you have to challenge, you whisk them out of you and find comfort by assisting people in their cleaning disputes. Your honest and in-depth insights about your autism and panic attacks are appreciated to listen to intensively. But you have the know-how to subdue them amply and continue to lead a progressive lifestyle in and out of work. It's a heartfelt feeling you find the time to reveal the inner circumstances you tackle on your own with us on your upload. Stay strong, Chuck. Don't give up the fight.
Thank you for being so open and genuine with your experiences with autism & mental health. And for the hilarious cleaning videos, of course. I'm looking forward to the spin kick shirts.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us here. I can relate to the experience of major anxiety and panic attacks. Sharing how you found a way to cope is very much appreciated. Take care.
This is the second time I've made a note of how you explained something I have experienced all my life but have never been able to put in to relatable words. That quiet time is so important to reorganize my mind after being overwhelmed and having panic attacks, your puzzle piece analogy is perfect. I had no idea I was going to get so much more out of this channel than satisfying cleaning videos. If it wasn't for Jason this would literally be the most perfect channel on YT. I'm still glad he's around though so I can feel better about myself.
I've commented on maybe like four videos in 17 years lol but I wanted to say thanks for being open and honest. I finally got diagnosed with ADHD last year and finally Autism this year. However I always get the "you're too normal" or whatever else excuse. It's nice to hear the different sides but I think we can all unite on anxiety haha. I work 3 12 hour days at a warehouse and as soon as I get home I'm just blank for lack of a better word. I spent all my energy masking all day. You're amazing and keep it up!! edited to add: so suck it!
Thank you for humbling yourself and sharing. I have severe anxiety and anxiety attacks can stop you in your tracks. I live in an 1876 house, all original hardwood floors that badly need help. Luckily I decorate in the primitive style from the 1800’s and people just notice my simple lifestyle instead of the floors. My anxiety sees them first 😂. Great job!
I relate to being overwhelmed and handling all the things in the you have described. Thank you so very much for being able to articulate it so clearly and aptly. I love your sense of humor about your work, life and son. Much love and respect to you and your family.
I'm glad you shared about your panic attacks. My son had GAD and was plagued with panic attacks in high school. He played The Gathering when he was twelve until after high school. He is about to turn 40 and just started playing it again with his cousins. He gets up at 5 because he has to be at work at 7:30. He has time to get on the computer, shower, drink his coffee and be calm when he leaves for work. You have to find what works.
I love how you explained your feelings and how you deal with the overwhelming anxiety ,the jigsaw puzzle was an awesome on point yes I totally get what your saying I need that too at times just to just shut off and shut down and give my mind time to wander and I clean my house to calm my mind much love
Love your talk from the heart and soul. Im not autistic, but a nurse. I wind down by doing puzzles. I don't have to think about anything. The floors turned out awesome!
Listening to your channel today was very interesting. So I have an adult son, who is bipolar with severe anxiety and depression. He works a full-time job and works really hard but once he’s home, he doesn’t have energy to take care of much of anything else what you described reminds me of him.
god i relate to this so hard. neurotypical people don't understand that when they vent to me, i don't know how to just simply empathise, my brain immediately sees 'problem' and starts trying to solve it. that there is no such thing as an effortless social interaction - every movement, facial expression, tone of voice, is calculated and takes effort. it's only a tiny bit of effort but it builds up. not to mention the stress of simply how afraid i am to have a meltdown (like your panic attacks) in public because people get shot for stuff like that. so just being in front of people is like... constant stress of what if something happens to set me off, even if everything's fine. it's good to hear people talk about the experiences of autistic adults because i feel like some people think it's a kids' issue that you grow out of. i wish!
Glad you're in touch with yourself and know what to do to get back to your baseline. - My knees were crying through this whole video 😢 Floor looked great afterwards! - 8:00 am is a super crazy time for an awards ceremony.
@@MidwestMagicCleaning This won't help your shoulders, but dragging a throw pillow around under your knees helps those. Or, if the floor would be bad for the pillow's continued state of existence, a folded towel. Gentler on the stimulation quota, too. :)
What you described that triggers your anxiety is a lot for a person who is not on the spectrum! I'm so sorry that you had to deal with all of those things and I hope your stressors subside soon. I've had a few panic attacks in my life and they are awful. I wish you tranquility, peace of mind and calmness of heart. In the meantime, I'm going to pull about a million weeds.
I appreciate you talking about your anxiety and the ways you use to cope. There is too little practical information out there for people who have anxiety. A lot of what you had to say struck a chord with me and reminded me to take care.
Thanks for sharing I also suffer with mental health issues, I think it's amazing on how much you do for others,how much you have achieved. I enjoy your videos every week take care hun xx
Floors look awesome! Mental health self care is so important. You have a wonderful, mindful, and caring way in how you view and manage yours. I find humor greatly helps me. Your humor is priceless 😊 God bless❤
All i heard is "dad needs a very well deserved rest!!!"... Youve got a lot on your plate, sir. I commend you for not breaking under pressure, and i also commend you for being kind enough to make sure that one of your employees stays employed. Youre very kind, and as someone on the spectrum as well who can very much relate to what you go thru because of your autism, i see you.
I have two adult autistic sons and while I understand how they work and what to do, it's so great hearing you tell it so well. What a great education for this who don't know!❤
Thank you! I love your honesty and it’s comforting to know that other people understand panic attacks/anxiety, it’s extremely hard to put into words what happens during them. Although I do wish that nobody else got them because it sucks!
I absolutely adore the way you described this entire video. I do not not suffer from panic attacks but this is so helpful to understand those who DO suffer. Great educational information and the floor looks fantastic too :) Have a wonderful mind numbing break!
Thank you so much for this video! I nearly cried with relief because what you described yourself is almost identical to how I feel!! At the end of last week I got a message from my doctor that she's going to refer me to be tested for autism (yay to being an adult waiting for that!), and whilst I know it's going to take years before anything will happen, it's so nice to know that I'm not alone. UA-cam algorithm has done me a mahoosive favour by suggesting this super wholesome channel few months ago
I don't think I'm autistic, but I can relate. I can only have so much on my "pile" and when it gets to a certain point, panic. Especially in the night... not sure why anxiety is so much worse in the middle of the night. But when I'm anxious or stressed, I have to do something mindless and repetitive like this to ease it. Just watching you wax this beautiful floor calmed my mind. Hope you have a good week!
I absolutely just love your channel! I suffer from OCD and I can relate. Sometimes things get out of my control and I have a meltdown. Keep on making your awesome videos! Hugs from PA ❤
I crochet to help with my anxiety. It allows me to sit and relax while feeling productive because I make things to use like washcloths, hats, gloves, scarves, I'm about to complete my first sweater! It's very satisfying. It even helps with crowds as I've gotten so good that I don't always need to look at what I'm doing (works best with bigger projects with little counting). We all need our stress relievers, I'm so glad you have found what works for you. You're floor looks beautiful! I started crocheting just before my dad passed away from Cancer and I found that it helped me process my grief and not get overwhelmed. Now I crochet most days just because I enjoy it.
Hope you're able to completely decompress this weekend. Love your advice about making sure you take care of your own problems because you can't help anyone else until you've helped yourself. ❤
Thank you for sharing. I understand overstimulation. You have a great way of explaining your experience. I am so glad you’ve found ways to cope with your panic attacks! I hope you realize that the number of people you’ve included in your circle of those you care about (e.g. your employees) sets you apart from many others. Thank you for listening and caring for those around you. Thank you for taking care of yourself. You are a person who makes our world better. I wish you all the best. 🤗
Loved the video! I cannot seem to get a handle on my panic attacks. No matter what I try. Doctors, therapist, psychiatrist, medications. It is just so overwhelming.
❤ Doing menial household tasks the boring way (dishes by hand, mopping with a rag, etc) with your favorite kind of music that has the most soothing effect on you may be worth a try if you have the time for it.
That wood floor is beautiful! I've always felt that housework was therapeutic for me. If I can focus on doing something that doesn't involve interruptions, people talking constantly, music playing non-stop, or phones ringing, I can clear my mind. I've had panic attacks since I was in my teens (40+ years) and have been on meds to control them for the last 20 years. I don't cope very well in social situations, the more people I'm around the more anxious I become. I can occasionally handle one, sometimes two people as long as they don't talk too much but, any more than that and I have to get away. My poor husband has been on the receiving end of my anxiety when my brain was overloaded from too much social time. He's learned that I have to have my quiet time and his patience and understanding of that makes me love and appreciate him even more.
Years ago I worked with a girl who spoke about her struggles with anxiety. She would bring her coloring books to work and color during downtime. I thought at the time she just wanted attention. She was a new employee and had a very dysfunctional family. Years later I feel bad about that. You have opened my eyes to these things. I’m grateful for that. I’ve learned to love and understand this girl. No road is easy for any of us.
My family actually has a code word to say when anyone is feeling overwhelmed and needs to step away/ calm the situation. It’s the name of a tiny, peaceful town in England my parents visited early in their relationship. So no one needs to explain anything, we just say the code word and step away when we need to. P.S. that floor is gorgeous!!
See this is why I love this channel!! The honesty is amazing and nobody is really talking about anxiety . I hope you realize how many folks will watch this and recieve much needed encouragement . Thank you for what you do!!!
I appreciate it, too. Involuntary sincerity seems to be one trait a person on the autism spectrum can have. Not rudeness, but stoic vulnerability compared to many non-autistic folks. I literally watch this channel BECAUSE I have trauma about cleaning from an OCPD parent, and this helps keep me calm while cleaning.
IMO you are so healthy! I wish more people would know themselves as well as you know yourself. Shutting off or slowing down stimuli is essential for all of us every day.
Thanks for your honesty because we can all learn from you. Congratulations to your daughter for the art award.
Tell Jason we love him!
Glad you're feeling better.
The beer fart smell! Oh man! And the toddler! Yes, brain melt.
I know that feeling , whenever it's too noisy, I need to get out of that situation and get into a quiet place. When someone keeps complaining and I'm listening to it , I shut down quickly and need to get away from them. I get what you're putting down. I have agoraphobia and I had to teach myself to interact with small crowds and family only , i get so tired I have to nap to rejuvenate .
😊 yes. He is very honest.
Thank you for talking about mental health as a man. And in a calm and normalising way. And showing how a man can take responsibility for taking care of his mental health in a sensible and mature way. And for showing that autists can have regular jobs and families and lives.
You must be a great dad to put yourself under so much stress to show up for your daughter. That kind of devotion pays off for generations.
I So Agree. Champion!!
That was olympic level. 7am?!! What madness was that from the school!
Because she's not a sack of filth like Jason. For him he'd have laughed, vaporized the award with a spin kick, and whispered, "This is the world!"
Dad of the Year because 7AM FOR A CEREMONY?! The school needs to be condemned via spinkick 😩 Shut it down😭
I agree *wholeheartedly.* I teared up at that part, since my family didn't ever come to most school-related things for me. (They came to my graduation, but these kinds of 'extras' were too much of an ask.)
Hearing about someone doing it for their kid at an inhumane hour when it requires such a humungous amount of effort is really touching. Mack, I appreciate how you show up for your kids, and how you're transparent about the toll it takes.
Thank you for explaining the overstimulation of the autistic mind. My daughter struggles eating dinner with family because of all the chewing sounds, smells, and textures. There are times I worry if she will ever cope in the real world but seeing how you adapt and thrive gives me great hope.
She will be fine mama- trust that
I'm 36 and autistic and I definitely feel like the world has gotten a lot more accepting and adaptable for people on the spectrum. It's not like that at all places and there is still improvements that can be done, but there are a lot more options and solutions available than there was 20 years ago.
Misophonia could also be involved. My friend has that and it is very hard for him to have a normal life.
I’m autistic and just like your daughter struggled at meal times for the same reasons.
She’ll be just fine - I’m 43 now and have learnt to deal with it plus it’s a lot more well known these days xx
My autistc son was like this. I basically trained him out of his autism. Also worked/shadowed autistic students in school for 7 years. I got an award called improving my students lives. Autistic kids have intelligent minds. They store everything. Why the stimulus bothers them. After all that I now think Im like 1% autistic. New casters and most stand up comedians feel like Im being scolded. I got wifi big earphones as soon as I saw them and the best thing! I can watch my crafting etc. My son walked and talked late. I saw a movie about when he was a toddler. Called Rainbow something made in the 70s. How parents trained their severely autistic child out of it. He spun plates and everything. First thing they did was simplify the house and made him his own room to play in, bring what he wanted in there. But they also decided to try to be in his world. Sat down beside him on the floor. He started interacting with them, so they did with him. They spun plates etc. So I turned and sat down on the floor beside my son right then. And just waited. He looked at me and started saying the few words he did know. First time he looked straight into my eyes. As much as I could I let him make decisions in his life. And bargained what I couldnt like if we had to go to grocery store etc. but in that I did distraction things. To help him read I preteneded I always forgot my reading glasses. All autistic kids I know are very kind, giving, helpful. They want to engage but the world is too much for them. My son is 32 now. You would never know. He teaches 3D and digital films as assitant to professer. He has worked on some Hollywood films. When they show you their strength try to add to that. I never bought nintendo or any game type things unil both my kids much older. Their toy was the compuer. Both light years ahead of peers in that and both have jobs in what they always had fun doing. Oh my son hid under the table for 2 years when we went out to eat! Always scared waitresses when he yelled his order from under there! We gradually got him to say his order to the waitress or ask for a straw when he wanted it. I signed him up to every toddler thing there was going. Tball, basketball. It helped him identify with other adults. I hid behind a tree. Ive had many parents call me mean! Ignore others. Do what you know works. Even doctors and teachers dont know. I was lucky when an aide the special ed department head let me do it my way and often asked me my opinion on other kids. My first student copied notes from the aide copying noted from board. He was in 8th grade by then. I said to the department head why? He needs to do it from himself otherwise hes not looking out at the world! She let me try moving away from him in her two classes. and yep caused a scene. She explained to her other students we were helping Kevin. So it went on from there. Got the other students and adults to realize to involve him, any student if main streamed. Only took a few days and he was writing his own notes from the board. He had to be walked across the stage by the aide for his 8th grade graduation. By the time he graduated he was singing and dancing in Grease. His father cried. A stoic Vietnamese who have a hard time admitting anything wrong with their kids. He was never personable but he was then thanked me for all my work with his son. Im not saying Im great or anything. Im just saying be sure to include her. Maybe try a family dinner night she gets to pick the food You all eat what she wants once a week her way on her style plates. Im just guessing here. But seems dinner is a place to let her make decisions if you can. Bargain for other areas. Mommy's way now. You can pick the park we go to. Anyway. Good luck. My daughter also has epilepsy and I had an absentee husband. We all survived.
When I was a teen, our family was having a meltdown. A good friend of my mom came over, with her daughters, and set us all to washing walls, floors, baseboards. All of us were physically tired afterwards, but the stress was hugely lifted. Loving your channel
Hey, next time you're having a meltdown, come on over to my place!
I also suffer from panic attacks 😢. Experienced ones that were over quickly & others that lasted hours. My best way of explaining how I felt… was like if I made one wrong move…I’d shatter like glass 😑
That was a smart woman!
Once when I was having a meltdown at work a coworker told me to "go walk it off".
It really does help, but deep cleaning as you described is a lot more productive. I like that.
The floor looks wonderful. I always tell my kids “you can’t pour from an empty cup” in an effort to remind them of self care. I iron when I get into one of my really bad panic attacks. There’s something very soothing about watching clothes going from wrinkled to lovely and smooth xxx
Me too I love to iron
Omg finally found people who are just as "insane" as I am. 😂 I would be rich if I had collected 5cent for every remark like that over the years. But it really keeps me sane to go ironing my clothes. ❤
The floor, ironing, mowing... it's like here's this one thing that I can have some control over, to make better, to ease the chaos.
I have found my tribe. I love to iron.
@@J4Julz I'm going to add a crazy one: doing dishes by hand, even when I'm at someone else's house if I need a minute. I discreetly tell the person who normally does the task my brain's having trouble digesting life at the minute, explain that doing dishes by hand helps, and ask permission to do theirs. If there are no dishes to be done or not enough of them, I ask for a relatively mindless chore they need doing. Once, the non-dishes task was mopping the floor in my mom's house; I did it on my hands and knees with a rag because that was what my brain needed and looking at the sexy-ass spin mop (which I love so much I later bought my own) was making me irrationally angry to the point that I didn't trust myself with it. I felt *much* better after spending several hours crawling around the floor, and the energetic chihuahuas had my back hanging around but not being nuisances, even distracting niblings and my own kid who wanted my attention.
I loathe doing dishes by hand (or any other chore without the awesome machines and tools available now) because it's boring, takes too long, and my ADHD doesn't like it, but doing one at least once a week (or more when life feels too big) feels like it's good for my mental health. I haven't tried washing laundry by hand yet though lol. No idea why my brain works the way it does, but I've figured out how to give it what it needs.
Sorry for the text wall, apparently my brain needed this, too.
I am not being a jerk- but you have convinced me to go to the Dr. EVERY WORD you spoke about your feelings & panic attacks are my exact struggles. From the change in schedule, to crowds, to trying to politely explain that I need a bit of silence to relax- I know EXACTLY what you mean.
I never thought adults could be on the spectrum- I thought it was a kid disease that you grow out of it.
Thank you for opening my eyes. I am going to get checked out.
Thank you for this video!!!❤
I totally understand what you’re saying!
Autistic kids grow up to be autistic adults. If we grew out of it, doctors would just tell parents "you son's autistic, but it's fine he'll grow out of it." There are autistic people in nursing homes. Sir Anthony Hopkins got diagnosed in his 80s as autistic. Once you're born, that neurology is pretty much cooked, but a supportive nurturing environment will lead to way better coping abilities for life.
Bless you, you're not alone and you're not mental, your brain is probably just wonderfully unique ❤
I'm in the same situation. Everything, especially the sounds causing panic, is exactly what I go through. Putting together literal puzzles in complete silence is my brain defrag exercise.
Women on the spectrum are not represented nearly as much as we should be. Diagnoses for us tend to be subtler and later than in in men, but I wouldn't doubt sexism plays a role in there somewhere.
Autism is not something you can grow out of. It's an intrinsic part of our brains that never goes away. For us higher-functioning folks, we must find ways to adjust to the stresses that society places on us. It's not easy, but it's definitely worthwhile, and will greatly increase your quality of life. Therapies, medications, and even hobbies can help immensely. It's about finding what is right for you. 💗
My grandson has autism, and I really appreciate your explaining what happens to you when you're overwhelmed. He really can't express very well what's happening in his mind, and your have helped me understand much better. Thank you
me too !! for myself, my autistic nephew and autistic grandchild.
I have a lot of imposter syndrome when it comes to my autism and anxiety but hearing this from you is super relatable and validating. The worst for me is definitely too much noise. I joke that I have a “noise quota” but it’s actually kind of true. It there are more than two or three different sounds (tv, washer/dryer, cat yelling at me, phones ringing, etc) i get sent right into a panic attack. Your channel has really helped me a lot from an autism standpoint. ❤️
Same. My neck muscles tighten when people talk over each other. I love playing drums, though.
@@jmfs3497 that's so funny bc I am the same way, I get super quickly overstimulated if my young child talks over her ipad, which is going over the TV, etc. but used to be in drumline/enjoy playing the drums and those sounds never overclocked me.
Ear pods or noise cancelling headphones help in my house !❤
@@guhrizzlybaire I wonder if random daily noises are worse than the predictable rhythm of a drumline? I'm drawn to music for that reason.
@@KevinSchmitt77I find live music to be in 3D vs 2D when listening to a CD/radio. That’s the best way I can describe it.
I also have the too many random noises issue…it overstimulates my brain and I can’t hear any one thing above another - much like a tangled mess that can’t be unraveled.
I was just sitting here laughing, shaking my head (with empathy) cuz you described my very own personal hell with the people, tight spaces, and overwhelming smells/sounds.
We use non-verbal cues in my household.
When hubby goes and lays down in the bed, I know he needs some quiet time.
My stuff can wait if he needs to process shit or is overstimulated.
When I'm overstimulated, I put on my headset and clean.
He knows I need to de-stress when he sees that.
It helps prevent feelings being hurt or accidentally projecting anxiety/anger onto your partner.
Non-verbal cues HELP SOO MUCH.
I always remember a story within a story from a book I read as a child by author Alice Vieira. About a man who every weekend went fishing, and his wife knew he never came back with a fish but only with a heart at peace. Then one day he caught a fish. He just looked at it, stunned, threw it back and never went back, as if the unspoken contract between him and the lake had been broken.
I totally understand your panic attacks. I have them so much. Have had them for years. I was in 2 abusive marriages, and now I'm with an amazing man who helps me through them instead of causing them. I do the same about having quiet time and doing something that takes all my concentration. I absolutely love your videos. They help me get motivated and know I'm not the only one who has panic attacks, and it's not in my head. Thank you. 😊
I'm so glad you're with someone who values you as you should be valued now 💚
that’s not how panic attacks are resolved
We become what we think
Soul control is what works
Our mind- will and emotions work together with our body as one
Get to know YOU and what triggers
EVERYthing starts with the me inside of each of us
Blaming someone else takes the onus off of you
Twice married and now with ‘another’ man
YOU chose to marry those other two marriages
Take Responsibility
🤦♀️
@@mandycote5662you may want to re-read what they wrote. And then maybe delete your awful comment.
@mandycote5662 Why so mean? Are you having a bad day?
Your honesty, along with your description of how you “pull together” after panic attacks and overstimulation brought me to tears. Thank you so much for being so open. Ever since finding this channel, I’ve been applying so many of your methods in regard to addressing chaos (both physical [cleaning] and mental) and as someone with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, what I’ve learned from hearing you discuss your processes is immensely helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Enjoy the unplugged weekend-it’s super-necessary. ❤ to you and your family.
The same for me❤
As someone who can go non-verbal when stressed, I definitely relate to feeling unable to communicate to loved ones when in that panic mode. I highly recommend working together with your wife to come up with a single word you can use when all other words fail you, perhaps one that means "I am too overwhelmed and need silence but don't want to come off as rude." It might sound stupid, but I find it really really helpful.
It doesn't sound stupid at all!
My boyfriend and I have agreed "asparagus" is code for " leave me alone right now, I can't deal/process anything else"
It could even be a hand signal.
I was thinking the same thing! Great idea‼️😊👍
Yes!!!
I start cleaning when I feel a panic attack coming on, It’s a way I’ve learned to cope. Makes my brain focus on a task I know I can control and stops me spiraling. I have anxiety and ocd. Everyone is different with their diagnosis but this has worked for me thankfully and I’ve been under control with it for a while now after medication and therapy. Thanks for being honest with your anxiety disorder online and bringing awareness!
I'm the same, I don't have panic attacks but when I feel stressed about something or there are a lot of things to take care of I clean. Having a clean apartment with everything in its place and then I clean my car so everything is clean and tidy, then I find it much easier to start doing the more stressful things.
I love how open and honest you are. I have similar issues. Definitely an introvert. No crowds, no loud noises and If I don't have time to myself I go nuts. A Monday is my day to shut the world out. I love your channel, it calms me down so much. I hope you get how awesome you are. How refreshing to have straight forward, real life talking.
Good to see you. We all have our ways of handling stress, anxiety, panic attacks, the whole nine yards. It’s fantastic that you have some strategies and tools to process your feelings and performing service while you’re at it! Great job!
I don't usually comment, but...
I'm really glad that you've been able to calm your mind down and give it the break it needed. Mental health is so important to talk about - it is such a pervasive and insidious little turdface, and I think anyone who deals with it on a daily basis has more strength than The Hulk after 8 packets of Wheetabix.
It is great that you have and know your own ways to cope with overwhelm and anxiety, and the fact that you've been open and honest about your struggles and how you personally deal will help a lot of people. It will make people feel validated, less alone, encouraged to keep going, and also give them some ideas on things that could ease their stress that they may not have tried before. It will also remind you of the coping mechanisms you have, when to put them into effect, and just how well they work for you.
Always put yourself and your mental and physical health first - everything else is secondary.
Thank you for being open and putting this video out. You are my favourite cleaning channel and your humour/personality is a massive pile of awesome. Jason can go suck it, though. Filth. He can't compete with that butt of yours.
Ok the butt is looking 👀 good but, #TEAMJASON all the way!
My husband has never been diagnosed but I think he's on the spectrum and you saying how you handled your wife's problems without sounding mad reminds of the hubby and helps me understand him now. I've understood from the beginning that his brain doesn't work like mine (which, by the way, runs 90 to nothing ALL the time) and I've tried very hard to have patience with him (doesn't always work, but I try)! So thanks for that!!
As a child, I was unable to vocalize just how exhausted I would get. School drained me and I needed a day off every few days. My mom understood but my friends and family thought I was lazy. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 30, and put on medication. Made a huge difference but I still get anxiety attacks. Good luck.
A 100% get this. I was just diagnosed this year with Autism (50+} and this makes sooooo much sense to me!! I call it my “Happy Place”. I need to just be left alone. I can’t have anyone talk to me, etc…
I hope you are feeling better now and Congrats on your Daughters Art Project💜💜.
I use to get on my hands and knees to clean my floors and my client's as well! I could clean better and faster! You are helping so many of us to understand anxiety and ways to help ourselves and other's! The floor looks beautiful! Have a wonderful weekend! Bless you for all you do!❤
Two things: That floor is beautiful and you made it even better. Your voice is very calming and I like it.
You give me so much hope in my granddaughters having a full life, despite the autism. I’m so grateful, because you’re such an uplifting, productive, positive person. You teach me and helps me understand their “speed bumps” in life. One granddaughter loves to clean and organize. I clued her into this because of you. Helps SO much. Thank you!
Almost had a panic attack today! Thank you for talking about it :) it's always nice to be remind that you aren't alone❤
Thank you so much for the update. Have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You spoke so much truth in the way you need to handle things. Crowds, noise and even too much conversation tend to make me want to run for a dark closet with an inside lock. Very proud of you for taking care of YOU... allowing you to take care of the rest. Humor, truths, awesome cleaning and comments that have me laughing until I cry are wonderful bonuses that keep me coming back for more. YOU are AWESOME! Keep it up!!! ❤
Good to see I'm not the only one who needs tedious repetitive tasks like hand waxing a floor (or grinding, my current obsession is Rune Factory 5) to hit center again. Feed n wax is amazing. If you haven't before, you gotta use it on the side of wooden drawers to make them slide like they were new! Thanks for all that you do.
6:30 i burst into tears. i finally figured something out about my brain. I used to go biking for hours sometimes. just to do something without thinking. i no longer have the health. oh man. i now get panic attacks. i dnt feel broken. i lost the ability to control them. i had no idea i was even doing that. and yeah, exhausted and sore helped... and i needed the peace.
just for your update so u dnt worry!: I AM regaining health. I am slowly healing, finding diagnoses and truth on my health, and learning to either eat to heal them, treat with nutrition or meds, and healing. I am slowly gaining the ability to bike again, but right now i can only bike about 10-15 minutes and i make it about 6 blocks. but its progress. last summer i could only go around my own singular block. now i can make it 6x that. i am doing better health wise, and some of that is allowing myself the times i need to just not function so i dnt hurt myself pushing too far. cuz yeah, i do that too.
thanks so much for all this logical explaining of brain stuff. i literally dnt care what u put on the screen. I watch to hear you explain how these brain disfunctions happened, and how ppl cope/heal from them.
I'm autistic myself, and felt my own brain slipping into meltdown space as you described the chair and the schedule changes - you're so great for being there for your daughter, even with the stress! I like to do weeding and mindless garden chores myself to reset. Digging all the bindweed out of the lawn is a pain, but also /fantastic/ to turn off and destress. (This is of course less helpful in the really cold months, but good the rest of the year)
Thanks for your honesty and the explanation of what it takes for you to get through a panic attack. The circumstances you encountered at the school function were enough to send many of us over the edge, just not to the same degree. Love your channel! Thx😊👍✝️
"You can't help somebody else when you are broken." That's exactly what I always say. I feel your struggle because I feel the same and I'm not autistic, but I have a problem with noises around me since I was a kid. I need also silence and mostly then I go to sleep for one our or more. It helps me a lot. Darkness and silence. I wish you the best. 🥰♥️
Hearing you verbalize this means a lot to me. My Autistic nephew is non verbal and we often wonder what’s going through his mind when he is overwhelmed….. you give me so much insight into his world. One I know we would never understand without you showing the world what it’s really like. Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of your life.
I love how you combine making order out of chaos, mental health breaks, and a mellifluous voice into a lovely form of realistic behavioral therapy. I get a hit of dopamine watching your work. Many thanks for your blunt, snappy commentary.
I have ADHD and social anxiety, but would not be surprised if I have undiagnosed autism because I get extremely overwhelmed with similar situations.
Thank you so much for your videos! I’m using your tips little by little to help me tackle my minor hoarding/disorganization/trouble cleaning in general and they have been so helpful!
Same. I end up vacuuming and doing dishes and other mind-numbing chores to calm myself.
Anxiety is my every day and kids set it off quickly, but watching your cleaning videos actually really calm me down. Thank You for sharing.
You brought tears in my eyes when you mentioned the word "broken". How I usually try to get over a panic attack or anxiety is by watching/listening to something funny. In one word: distraction. Not avoidance! I hope this will help others in the same situation. ❤
Your videos aren’t just helping the home owners you’re cleaning for but also your viewers too. I do not have autism but am diagnosed with other things that allow me to relate to most of the things you’re talking about. Mostly I joke in every comment I leave you but all kidding aside this time - thank you for deciding to have a channel because it helps me too🥰🙋🏻♀️
Really appreciate your explanation of how you have taken your self awareness and turned it into self-care. Nice. Cheers
Thank you for sharing this with us! I hope things are going better for you. You did a beautiful job on your friend’s floor! Take care and have a great and restful weekend!!
You're a really good example for people about how autism isn't just "being quirky," it means your nervous system can't handle stressors the same way as neurotypicals, and you literally have to restructure your whole life around it to be a functioning adult, and sometimes that's just not possible because life really is that crazy. What you've accomplished and your self confidence and ability to communicate your needs is amazing.
You’re a really good example for people. Period.
YES! I get it. I am a naturally anxious person and I also love mind numbing tasks to deal with it. You manage yourself so well!
I get you! And we are all behind you. (So dont spinkick just now) I think you, with your calm voice, and the way you explain, make your videos some of the most giving for us with mental issues. Keep up your spirit, and try to do tings in the less harmfull way for you. Hope your wife sees this ❤
God bless you for not only being autistic, but your ability to completely explain it for those of us who aren't autistic to understand is refreshing. Thank you ❤
Good to hear you are doing better. You really explained everything in such a professional and compassionate way, thank you. The floors looked great after being waxed. Thanks for still posting a video, Son!
Dude I genuinely care about you and it's wholly because of the fact that I am also (likely) autistic and also clean for peace and your videos are just so funny and inspiring. Thanks for showing a different side of things. And for windmill kicking the panic attack away.
How you handle tension and stress overload is exactly how I do it! It's amazing how senseless activities such as mowing the lawn, scrubbing the floors, ironing, etc. gets your brain relaxed and you're able to figure problems out. For 25 years my job/profession was being a problem-solver, in addition to raising two children and dealing with wacky in-laws. Now I'm retired and have taken up quilting, which is somewhat repetitive, but relaxing.
Thank you so much for giving us this insight and for your openness. I work with people with autism and your channel helps me to improve my understanding.
I do not have autism but your commentary really resonated with me- I’m an introvert and if I have too many stimuli I need quiet and alone time.❤. I have turned to organizing and cleaning my whole life as a means of stress and anxiety management.
I think it’s so cool that you share your triggers and your coping mechanisms. It’s provided me valuable insight, and the opportunity to offer some of your thoughts to my best friend, whose daughter is also autistic. Thanks for being so real! Oh, and as a business owner, I FELT all that!!
"clench mode!" I have that in crowds! I've never had the words to describe it, now I do! Thanks!
Thank you for being open, and for talking about how you take medication. I have ocd and panic disorder. I had it under control for years but a bad divorce has brought it all back up. I appreciate you and thanks for using your platform to do so much good.
Thank you so much for this video. I love to hear you talk..I always come away with more knowledge than I knew. I especially liked you talking of your panic attacks. I have an anxiety disorder, however I have had only three hardcore panic attacks. The way you deal with the mental anguish is monumental. So proud of you for your strength. By the way nice job on that floor! Patti from Texas
Dude you are putting on a load of happiness in peoples lives just hearing your voice. Keep up the good work!
Btw, my autism makes me think and feel the same way a little bit with everyone’s problems is our. Only difference is that it’s mostly everyone’s problems not all or everyone’s. My gf really likes making me feel like I’m the messiest and most baddest bf she ever has had, smh.
All I can say to that is……whatever lol!
I suffer from anxiety. Some days are good, some are bad. No one can really understand what is happening. It’s great that you are open about your struggles.❤
This is the first video of yours I've seen. I came for the floors, stayed for the story. I feel ya. You got this Sir.
I get that . I'm living with the panic attacks. I've never met anyone who could say everything I live with .
Yup! 👍🏻
Makes total sense. I love doing things that are tedious and repetitive. Like power washing my driveway, or painting a room. Or mowing my lawn. I like the quiet time to think about stuff. Thank you mr. Fungus. ❤
im glad you're feeling less stressed! this is really interesting to hear about as a younger person with autism, since i don't really know how to cope with that kind of stress! it is good to know that it isnt weird that sometimes i just want complete isolation, though. usually i just draw or write in my freetime, but they're not really stress-relieving hobbies! so maybe i should find something a bit more...mindnumbing, haha.
always make sure you're taking the time to destress! the floor looks much nicer too. seems to bring that richer color right back!
Oh hunny it will get better and you will learn the coping skills as you age - you got this
That floor is beautiful! So glad it helped you. You take care of you!
I am glad you are taking care of yourself! I get totally overwhelmed, too, especially when I have to deal with a lot of people. That floor looks gorgeous. Take care! ♡
The way you described your anxiety--the causes, the physical feeling, and the ways you handle it--is so refreshing and relatable. I am glad you decided to take care of yourself this week, although I'm sorry it got to the breaking point for you. The worst thing is when what makes you anxious are the people and the things you care about the most. I know how impossible it feels to tell someone they're being overstimulating in a way that doesn't sound selfish and cruel. Your compassion for everyone around you is so evident and I hope you are able to take more time to do self-care like this. Also, the floors look incredible !!
You described my anxiety triggers and c-ptsd challenges absolutely perfectly. Aside from my trauma induced ptsd, as long as I can remember, I’ve always felt “different” which is ironic because I grew up in a performing musical family all my life. Now that I’m in my 50’s I don’t like being around people too much. It’s like my brain says “too much input” and I either shut down or come across angry when I’m just overwhelmed. Thank you for bringing much needed awareness to mental health challenges. I’ve learned to be my own advocate and take personal responsibility for my ongoing healing. ❤
It's compelling, Chuck. With the emotional and personal setbacks you have to challenge, you whisk them out of you and find comfort by assisting people in their cleaning disputes. Your honest and in-depth insights about your autism and panic attacks are appreciated to listen to intensively. But you have the know-how to subdue them amply and continue to lead a progressive lifestyle in and out of work. It's a heartfelt feeling you find the time to reveal the inner circumstances you tackle on your own with us on your upload. Stay strong, Chuck. Don't give up the fight.
Thank you for being my "waxed floor" on rough days.
Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
❤
Thank you for being so open and genuine with your experiences with autism & mental health. And for the hilarious cleaning videos, of course. I'm looking forward to the spin kick shirts.
👍🏼 What an AWESOME job you did with this floor!
Thank you 🙏 also for sharing your life story with us readers. GOD Bless You and Your Family ❤
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us here. I can relate to the experience of major anxiety and panic attacks. Sharing how you found a way to cope is very much appreciated. Take care.
This is the second time I've made a note of how you explained something I have experienced all my life but have never been able to put in to relatable words. That quiet time is so important to reorganize my mind after being overwhelmed and having panic attacks, your puzzle piece analogy is perfect. I had no idea I was going to get so much more out of this channel than satisfying cleaning videos. If it wasn't for Jason this would literally be the most perfect channel on YT. I'm still glad he's around though so I can feel better about myself.
I've commented on maybe like four videos in 17 years lol but I wanted to say thanks for being open and honest. I finally got diagnosed with ADHD last year and finally Autism this year. However I always get the "you're too normal" or whatever else excuse. It's nice to hear the different sides but I think we can all unite on anxiety haha. I work 3 12 hour days at a warehouse and as soon as I get home I'm just blank for lack of a better word. I spent all my energy masking all day. You're amazing and keep it up!!
edited to add: so suck it!
Thank you for humbling yourself and sharing. I have severe anxiety and anxiety attacks can stop you in your tracks. I live in an 1876 house, all original hardwood floors that badly need help. Luckily I decorate in the primitive style from the 1800’s and people just notice my simple lifestyle instead of the floors. My anxiety sees them first 😂. Great job!
I relate to being overwhelmed and handling all the things in the you have described. Thank you so very much for being able to articulate it so clearly and aptly. I love your sense of humor about your work, life and son.
Much love and respect to you and your family.
I'm glad you shared about your panic attacks. My son had GAD and was plagued with panic attacks in high school. He played The Gathering when he was twelve until after high school. He is about to turn 40 and just started playing it again with his cousins. He gets up at 5 because he has to be at work at 7:30. He has time to get on the computer, shower, drink his coffee and be calm when he leaves for work. You have to find what works.
I love how you explained your feelings and how you deal with the overwhelming anxiety ,the jigsaw puzzle was an awesome on point yes I totally get what your saying I need that too at times just to just shut off and shut down and give my mind time to wander and I clean my house to calm my mind much love
Love your talk from the heart and soul. Im not autistic, but a nurse. I wind down by doing puzzles. I don't have to think about anything. The floors turned out awesome!
Thank you for the narration on this video. Listening to you makes me a better person.
Listening to your channel today was very interesting. So I have an adult son, who is bipolar with severe anxiety and depression. He works a full-time job and works really hard but once he’s home, he doesn’t have energy to take care of much of anything else what you described reminds me of him.
god i relate to this so hard. neurotypical people don't understand that when they vent to me, i don't know how to just simply empathise, my brain immediately sees 'problem' and starts trying to solve it. that there is no such thing as an effortless social interaction - every movement, facial expression, tone of voice, is calculated and takes effort. it's only a tiny bit of effort but it builds up. not to mention the stress of simply how afraid i am to have a meltdown (like your panic attacks) in public because people get shot for stuff like that. so just being in front of people is like... constant stress of what if something happens to set me off, even if everything's fine. it's good to hear people talk about the experiences of autistic adults because i feel like some people think it's a kids' issue that you grow out of. i wish!
Glad you're in touch with yourself and know what to do to get back to your baseline.
- My knees were crying through this whole video 😢 Floor looked great afterwards!
- 8:00 am is a super crazy time for an awards ceremony.
My shoulders were totally dead
@@MidwestMagicCleaning This won't help your shoulders, but dragging a throw pillow around under your knees helps those. Or, if the floor would be bad for the pillow's continued state of existence, a folded towel. Gentler on the stimulation quota, too. :)
I LOVE all your narration.
Your personal struggles and solutions are nice to hear about. We remember that we are not alone. ❤️
What you described that triggers your anxiety is a lot for a person who is not on the spectrum! I'm so sorry that you had to deal with all of those things and I hope your stressors subside soon.
I've had a few panic attacks in my life and they are awful. I wish you tranquility, peace of mind and calmness of heart. In the meantime, I'm going to pull about a million weeds.
I appreciate you talking about your anxiety and the ways you use to cope. There is too little practical information out there for people who have anxiety. A lot of what you had to say struck a chord with me and reminded me to take care.
Thanks for sharing I also suffer with mental health issues, I think it's amazing on how much you do for others,how much you have achieved. I enjoy your videos every week take care hun xx
Floors look awesome! Mental health self care is so important. You have a wonderful, mindful, and caring way in how you view and manage yours. I find humor greatly helps me. Your humor is priceless 😊 God bless❤
This was great. You talking being honest. THE waxing the floor was so calming .Thanks. Hope all works out .
All i heard is "dad needs a very well deserved rest!!!"... Youve got a lot on your plate, sir. I commend you for not breaking under pressure, and i also commend you for being kind enough to make sure that one of your employees stays employed. Youre very kind, and as someone on the spectrum as well who can very much relate to what you go thru because of your autism, i see you.
That gold plaque would look great right next to the silver one! Thanks for sharing! Have a restful weekend.
I have two adult autistic sons and while I understand how they work and what to do, it's so great hearing you tell it so well. What a great education for this who don't know!❤
Thank you! I love your honesty and it’s comforting to know that other people understand panic attacks/anxiety, it’s extremely hard to put into words what happens during them. Although I do wish that nobody else got them because it sucks!
I absolutely adore the way you described this entire video. I do not not suffer from panic attacks but this is so helpful to understand those who DO suffer. Great educational information and the floor looks fantastic too :) Have a wonderful mind numbing break!
Thank you so much for this video! I nearly cried with relief because what you described yourself is almost identical to how I feel!! At the end of last week I got a message from my doctor that she's going to refer me to be tested for autism (yay to being an adult waiting for that!), and whilst I know it's going to take years before anything will happen, it's so nice to know that I'm not alone. UA-cam algorithm has done me a mahoosive favour by suggesting this super wholesome channel few months ago
I don't think I'm autistic, but I can relate. I can only have so much on my "pile" and when it gets to a certain point, panic. Especially in the night... not sure why anxiety is so much worse in the middle of the night. But when I'm anxious or stressed, I have to do something mindless and repetitive like this to ease it. Just watching you wax this beautiful floor calmed my mind. Hope you have a good week!
I absolutely just love your channel! I suffer from OCD and I can relate. Sometimes things get out of my control and I have a meltdown. Keep on making your awesome videos! Hugs from PA ❤
I crochet to help with my anxiety. It allows me to sit and relax while feeling productive because I make things to use like washcloths, hats, gloves, scarves, I'm about to complete my first sweater! It's very satisfying. It even helps with crowds as I've gotten so good that I don't always need to look at what I'm doing (works best with bigger projects with little counting).
We all need our stress relievers, I'm so glad you have found what works for you. You're floor looks beautiful!
I started crocheting just before my dad passed away from Cancer and I found that it helped me process my grief and not get overwhelmed. Now I crochet most days just because I enjoy it.
Hope you're able to completely decompress this weekend. Love your advice about making sure you take care of your own problems because you can't help anyone else until you've helped yourself. ❤
Thank you for sharing. I understand overstimulation. You have a great way of explaining your experience. I am so glad you’ve found ways to cope with your panic attacks! I hope you realize that the number of people you’ve included in your circle of those you care about (e.g. your employees) sets you apart from many others. Thank you for listening and caring for those around you. Thank you for taking care of yourself. You are a person who makes our world better. I wish you all the best. 🤗
Loved the video! I cannot seem to get a handle on my panic attacks. No matter what I try. Doctors, therapist, psychiatrist, medications. It is just so overwhelming.
❤ Doing menial household tasks the boring way (dishes by hand, mopping with a rag, etc) with your favorite kind of music that has the most soothing effect on you may be worth a try if you have the time for it.
@@JariDawnchild I do listen to music when I wash dishes!
That wood floor is beautiful! I've always felt that housework was therapeutic for me. If I can focus on doing something that doesn't involve interruptions, people talking constantly, music playing non-stop, or phones ringing, I can clear my mind. I've had panic attacks since I was in my teens (40+ years) and have been on meds to control them for the last 20 years. I don't cope very well in social situations, the more people I'm around the more anxious I become. I can occasionally handle one, sometimes two people as long as they don't talk too much but, any more than that and I have to get away. My poor husband has been on the receiving end of my anxiety when my brain was overloaded from too much social time. He's learned that I have to have my quiet time and his patience and understanding of that makes me love and appreciate him even more.
Hey! I'm 49 and recently began discussing ASD with my therapist and everything I have ever felt now makes sense.
Years ago I worked with a girl who spoke about her struggles with anxiety. She would bring her coloring books to work and color during downtime. I thought at the time she just wanted attention. She was a new employee and had a very dysfunctional family. Years later I feel bad about that. You have opened my eyes to these things. I’m grateful for that. I’ve learned to love and understand this girl. No road is easy for any of us.
My family actually has a code word to say when anyone is feeling overwhelmed and needs to step away/ calm the situation. It’s the name of a tiny, peaceful town in England my parents visited early in their relationship. So no one needs to explain anything, we just say the code word and step away when we need to. P.S. that floor is gorgeous!!