Dear Lani
Welcome to the forum.Thank you for telling us about yourself. I hope we can offer some support and assistance. I do not have Asperger's or any associated condition so I cannot offer you any personal experience, but my grandson has Asperger's. I don't he has such a severe condition as you. I got to know him when he lived with me for a couple of years.
Anxiety is hard to manage without any other contributing factors. I do understand that. You may find it useful to read the information on BB on anxiety. Start at the home page , click on Anxiety and see if anything helps.
My experience with depression shows how easily I can fall over, so to speak, at what appears to be small triggers. It is very confronting to suddenly be in that situation. I have learned a few ways to stop the spiral and get myself back to normal, though I wonder what is normal.
Breathing is something that helps. Taking slow breaths in and out, focussing on the breath helps. Also taking myself out of the situation that is causing the distress. It's not always easy or possible to do this but where I can it's a good move. Trying to focus on a different topic is also a good strategy. Perhaps these will help you or you can think of other strategies which will help. It always depends on what is happening and your reaction. I think the only universal action is the deep slow breaths for a few seconds. Everything else is what suits the person and occasion.
This is a short post as I wanted to welcome you and hopefully help a little. I am certain others will be along shortly with their stories.
Mary
