PLAN AHEAD
In an activated state, I used to draw a complete blank when trying to recall any De-Escalation techniques.
Putting a bunch of techniques down on paper was immensely helpful.
Then I can go down the list and pick out one technique to start with.
When I'm done with that one, I pick out another one, and so on, until my nervous system feels more regulated.
If I am going to go into a specific situation where I know there is a chance
that I might get activated,
I create a tailored safety plan for that situation in advance.
I do this by picking out a handful of safety cues and other de-escalation techniques
that I could use in that specific situation.
I write them down on a small piece of paper and take the paper with me.
Then, if I do get activated, I pull out that piece of paper and start using the techniques I wrote down.