Do your meltdowns occur in cycles? (maybe women?only?)

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I'm having this debate with myself whether my meltdowns occur in cycles or not. It seems like something builds up in me, I just take it take take it, I'm okay, then WHAM! the smallest thing (maybe) sets me off and I have a meltdown.

There are two different kinds for me, these building up then releasing type of meltdowns and then the ones that occur suddenly due to acute stressors. *(like this unbearable humidity in my State!)*

Do you have differing degrees of neurological regulation? Are some of us just incapable of regulating our nervous systems? I believe I am but I've had chronic stress and anxiety since I was about 2 years old.

I think mine occur in cycles. Something will agitate me and I'll start building up to one - which can be immediate or happen over a few days, depending on the incident. After a meltdown I feel quite good for a while until the next cycle starts. For me, PMS does have an effect; I'm much more prone to one at that time.

I'm certainly more prone to them when I have PMS, but other than that, I don't think they really do. If I'm under a lot of stress I don't last long without a meltdown; if not, I could go forever without one.

pms for me is actually when my mood is best and I'm least likely to have a meltdown. maybe i'm more aware and take better care of my body during that time. The rest of the time is when I'm all locked up and forget i'm human, not a nuclear bomb i'm trying to steer.

The way your meltdowns happen sounds a lot like mine - the building up of stressful things until the smallest thing sets you off. As for cycles, I'm most likely to have a meltdown when I'm experiencing PMS, so my meltdowns tend to happen once or twice a month.

For the last 2 years I have been having major meltdowns in January and August. Well, 2010 I had one in December (because my brother had a cold before Christmas and it set me into one because I didn't want a cold over Christmas). Then 2011 I had one in August, because of the London riots caused me to panic at the thought of hearing talk that they might come to where I live, and buildings on fire freaks me out big time. Then I had one this January because my cousin had a girlfriend and I felt alone because I didn't have a boyfriend and I was worried I might be the last one in the family to be a virgin (I know that sounds stupid but this cousin was younger than me, which made things worse). Then I had another one last week, not sure why really, I just became angry with myself.

So I will give a warning this Christmas or January, just in case it happens again and then my family will know. We have gone up the doctors to see if I can go on meds to try and calm me down, if there is such a thing. I suppose having 2 meltdowns a year is better than lots, but according to my mum I have one every day.

I'm relieved to read that you all have had similar experiences. I'm wondering if there is some way to diffuse that tension before a meltdown occurs... they're very damaging to me and those around me.