Learning to ignore:
Something I'm trying harder to do: ignore threats and abuse.
Sometimes the strongest response is no response at all.
When we're triggered, especially as neurodivergent people or those who have experienced trauma, the urge to defend ourselves can feel overwhelming. Trust me on this! 🙏🏻
We want to explain, correct misinformation, provide evidence, and make people understand.
The difficulty is that not everyone is looking for understanding. Some people are looking for conflict.
I've learned that constantly responding can keep us trapped in a cycle of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.
Every comment becomes another debate.
Every explanation becomes another screenshot.
Every defence becomes another opportunity for someone to keep the conversation going.
Protecting your peace is not weakness.
Setting boundaries is not weakness.
Walking away from an argument does not mean you were wrong.
Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is trust that those who genuinely want the truth will seek it, and those committed to misunderstanding us were never looking for answers in the first place.
If you're struggling today, be gentle with yourself. You don't have to attend every argument you're invited to.
And if someone chooses hostility when you've chosen boundaries, that tells you far more about them than it does about you.
💖 Sarah Wingfield
Actress | Author | Advocate
KawaiiDollDecora.uk
#MentalHealth #AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #CPTSD #TraumaAwareness #DisabilityAdvocate #Neurodivergent #Boundaries #Healing #SelfCare #MentalWellbeing #OnlineSafety #Advocacy #SarahWingfield
Alt Text:
A digital graphic with a colourful pink, purple, blue, and gold glitter bokeh background. At the top is the Sarah Wingfield branding with the text "Actress | Author | Advocate" and "KawaiiDollDecora.uk". In the centre, a black text box contains a message about being triggered, particularly when living with AuDHD, trauma, and ongoing harassment. The quote explains that the urge to respond comes from trying to regain control and protect yourself, but warns that people focused on conflict often use responses as fuel for further attention, screenshots, and discussion. The overall tone is reflective, supportive, and focused on protecting personal wellbeing.
