Physically restrained at work

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Sounds like you're in an interesting work environment.

Do you work with "disabled" people?

I am glad we were able to help I am sure everything will be okay.

Yes I do. A fair proportion of the staff is disabled too. I have co-workers who are deaf, autistic and have cerebral palsy. It's a very inclusive workplace.

Sounds like a great place to work. I am sure that what happened will just blow over and all will be well. You are lucky that you work in a place with people who will understand what happened.

Correct. High proprioceptive input, or pressure over large areas of the body, triggers a parasympathetic response in the brain, which shuts down the fight or flight mechanism of the sympathetic nervous system. It causes the heart and respiration to slow, shuts off the adrenal glands pumping adrenaline into the vasculature and muscles, and returns the body to a state of calm. The last time I came close to having a meltdown at work, one of my coworkers hugged me, and I told her, "tighter". She did, though she didn't know why. She suppressed my nervous system and diffused the meltdown.

For your viewing pleasure. You can skip to 1:55 for the relevant information, but I enjoy the whole clip. This is Grey's Anatomy, and the redheaded female doctor is autistic; the male at the end has PTSD.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB4MqJBsgdM[/youtube]

I had the debrief today.
My co-worker apologised for yelling at me. She explained she was frustrated because I was the fourth person who had asked for the same clarification in a very short time. I guess I can understand that because I get annoyed too when I have to say the same thing over and over again.
She demonstrated the restraint she'd used on me. I was surprised how light the pressure was. She said the pressure had come from me pulling against her body weight as I headed for the door.
She said she restrained me because she could see I was melting down and she wanted to prevent me from leaving because I was 'off the planet'. I guess, looking back, I was
She apologised for attempting to restrain me. I told her how I thought the pressure had calmed me and prevented a meltdown. I gave her permission to 'squeeze' me in the future if she saw a meltdown was imminent.
Thank you StarTrekker and others for the information about deep pressure. I had thought there was no way to prevent meltdowns but now I have some hope. I also discussed the situation with my psychologist today and he confirmed the benefits of deep pressure for 'neurological moments' in people with ASDs.
I'm really glad this incident happened now. It was a positive thing in the end.

Fantastic Raleigh. That worked out great! How lucky you are to work in such a great place.

I am extremely fortunate to work with such caring and understanding people. It is a high stress environment though and I find it very challenging at times but I try my best.

That did work out well, I like tight hugs but not contact forced on me, pressure eh, who knew

I'm really glad it all worked out, Raleigh, and that you've discovered something that can help in a meltdown too.

As others have said, I don't like forced and unexpected contact from someone I didn't permit, like that seemed, but I'm glad you guys have worked it out and even know what's okay to do now in future.

Wow StarTrekker - I never thought it was possible to abort a meltdown once it had started. This is great info - thank you.

Glad to be of assistance