You're acting crazy right now.
My brain's alarm system is blaring, and they're telling me it's just a drill.
What it made you think
My reality is wrong. My feelings are a character flaw, and I am fundamentally broken or too much for you.
The True Story
Your reality is valid, even if it's invisible to others. You are not broken for feeling things deeply.
What is happening in your system?
This phrase acts as a secondary threat. Your system was already in a state of alarm from an initial trigger, and now it's being told that its alarm is invalid, which adds a layer of social danger and shame.
What changes in you...
Hearing this repeatedly teaches you to mask your distress around this person. You stop showing your real feelings to avoid the judgment, which slowly erodes intimacy and trust.
How can I navigate this in the moment?
A few ways to respond when this lands. Take whichever feels right, or none at all.
The Low-Battery Out
I need space right now.
The Honest Explanation
I'm not crazy, I'm overwhelmed. My brain is getting too much input and I need a minute to process.
Drawing the Line
It is not okay to call me crazy. We can talk about this later when things are calm.
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