#and also have concerns with medications and overload etc etc etc. right okay

[thegempage]

smarter people than me have talked about this, but man. does it really show when you can't fit in socially outside of a workplace.

[earthstellar]

rewatching TFP: Ratchet reassuring Miko that Bulkhead will be OK

so, full disclosure, I’m PFA (psychological first aid) certified and have engaged with a lot of people in grief/shock/upset before, and for someone who claims not to like humans or the kids generally speaking, Ratchet does a GREAT job of handling Miko’s distress in the TFP episode TMI (I think it’s in the second season) 

the lead up to this scene: Bulkhead has been overloaded with data from an ancient Cybertronian device, and as a result it is slowly erasing his other processor files to make room for the massive amount of ancient data, causing him to lose personality aspects and memories

Ratchet, Optimus, and Arcee are aware of this, but Miko only finds out once Bulkhead fails to respond to Miko blasting a guitar riff from a song she knows he has heard before and enjoys listening to; she then mentions Ratchet, and Bulkhead claims not to know who she’s talking about. 

concerned, she runs over to Ratchet, telling him something is wrong with Bulkhead. He immediately focuses on her, and Miko can tell from his expression that he is aware and expected something to be wrong with Bulkhead. 

Sensing her panic, Ratchet immediately engages in some correct PFA measures: 

He engages directly and entirely with her, assuming a softer tone of voice but stating things simply and clearly, placing his hand on top of his console to further show her that he is focused on her and the situation with Bulkhead (this is a form of body language reassurance; notice how he also leans forward to put himself more on her eye level) 

He proceeds to state that Optimus has a plan, reassuring her (he literally says “rest assured”) and giving her a hope spot to focus on, using factual information. He takes a relaxed, positive posture, and smiles to emphasise that they are aware and working on a possible solution. 

He continues to speak in a steady, calm, but firm tone and remains focused on her; She asks if Bulkhead will be okay and unfortunately it cuts the scene before we hear any response (if he had one), but he does the right thing by not providing false hope and by non-verbally emotionally meeting her halfway with a sense of his own concern, using compassionate connection as an offer of support, working with the fact that they both know and care for Bulkhead. Miko knows Ratchet won’t give up and that others are also on the job. 

This fits social support as part of PFA; Mentioning the others and Ratchet being present in the moment (he does look down toward the end of the scene but his hand remains on top of his console screen, so he didn’t instantly just get back to work) is good to give her the opportunity to vent or talk further if she needs to without any additional stress and with clear, consistent support.

I do wish we got a longer version of this scene as it’s done well and we rarely see Miko and Ratchet interact, but I think Ratchet did a great job of supporting Miko here based on what we see on screen.

I like that even though he admits that he knows little about humans or human children in terms of medical/psychological need, although this may have changed off-screen after the incident with Raf being poisoned by dark energon (although I don’t remember if that episode is before or after this one), as an experienced doctor, this is a scenario that he has had to manage likely countless times and so without hesitation he applies the same basic tenants of PFA to Miko in a genuine effort to do what he can in the moment to help her, even though Bulkhead is still in danger of processor damage at that point in time. 

the fact that he uses a lot of body language reassurance is also interesting; this may be because of his own general discomfort with humans/the kids, and words may be harder for him than just relying on physical signals to get the point across, as Miko in particular is very physical (she hugs a lot, jumps a lot, rides on Bulkhead’s shoulder as much as possible, etc.) and he might be considering that in how he approaches the subject here with her. 

it’s 5 AM UK time so I have to get some sleep but lmao of course I’m doing another TFP scene analysis instead; I know this isn’t the most thorough but hopefully it’s interesting to read! 

I just love seeing Doc Bot get to be Doc Bot; he really does care. ❤️ 

[avelera]

Hi! I love going through your ADHD tag. A lot of it is so informative but I like reading your personal experiences and seeing that I'm not the only one feeling the way I am. So, thank you for putting that out there! I had a question for you regarding the diagnosis of ADHD and, please if you feel uncomfortable or don't want to answer, please feel free to just ignore this! For over 5-6 years, I've been quite sure that I have ADHD. However, in the past (and currently, actually) I haven't been in a position to seek out a therapist or get a diagnosis. I've also heard it's really expensive to get a diagnosis. Would you be okay with talking about how you found someone to talk to about a potential diagnosis and what the process of getting a diagnosis looks like? I found some stuff online but it's been pretty vague and generally along the lines of "it differs on a case-by-case basis." Thank you, again, for the tag and for all the stuff you write! <3

Hey there Anon! Happy to share my experience.

Ok, so here's the privileges I had which might mitigate the value of my advice in some situations but 1) I'm in the US (specifically, the northeast) where ADHD is taken pretty seriously and while not spoken of openly in all professional circles, getting a diagnosis in most cases doesn't run up against cultural taboos that would prevent treatment 2) I have health insurance through my job and 3) I was in a position to seek therapy when I got my diagnosis for unrelated life stuff. It was the therapist who referred me to a psychiatrist who got me meds and later I found this AMAZING psychiatrist in my area who helped me work through multiple medications until I found the right fit (however, she had a 4 month waitlist before I could work with her. Worth it! But I had an ongoing prescription during that time, I just wasn't sure it was the right one).

Gonna cut here to go into more specifics:

- I was diagnosed when I mentioned to my therapist (while pretty much shaking with fear that I would look like some kind of amphetamine addict looking for a fix or a kid looking for party drugs) that I kinda sorta maybe had ADHD destroying my life and she basically went, "Oh yeah, that's been obvious since Day 1 when you wouldn't look me in the eye while speaking." So... lol, basically you're probably not nearly as subtle as you think to a trained professional if you have it.

- When I dared to ask if she could help me get medication her response was, "Yeah, sure, here's a number, call them and tell them I sent you as a referral." It was that difficult.

- That person kinda sucked and there's a bunch of annoying bureaucracy BUT when I mentioned this to my general practitioner doctor he was like "If they suck I can hold you over with prescriptions until you find a new person." No, he did not question me. Literally no actual medically trained person I've ever spoken to has shown any concern that I might be lying or faking or whatever, they've all be scrupulously helpful and even apologetic at all the hoops.

- The first time I tried Adderall I had a near out-of-body experience with how easy life suddenly became. Fear of emails just melted away. I got a week's worth of work that had been HAUNTING me done in an afternoon. HOWEVER, that level of euphoria only happened the one time, and that's pretty universal that you'll cry with relief the first time you use it then if you don't get the right medication you will chase that high incorrectly. For me, the correct medication turned out to be extended-release, 25 mg (relatively low) generic adderall and this is after a year of the "fancier" Vyvanse that was supposed to be smoother (and it was, compared to single release adderall which made me want to chew nails I was so stressed).

- The downside with ANY single release for me though, it turned out (even relatively smooth Vyvanse) was that when I crashed at the end of the day I absolutely craved alcohol, or sugar, some kind of pick-me-up. I thought I was an alcoholic. I was legit scared by how bad I needed alcohol at the end of the day, until I switched to slow release and the cravings just melted away. I still like drinking but the craving went away once I was no longer crashing and I've been so much better since.

- My advice to people is: if your circumstances don't preclude you (financially, culturally, etc.) drop a few inquiries to psychiatrists in your area. They will not laugh at you. They will not report you. Just say you think you have ADHD and you'd like professional help seeing if your self-diagnosis is correct and getting medication if so (which is why you need a psychiatrist, not a therapist. Therapists can't necessarily get you a prescription). Every medical professional I've worked with has been enormously helpful and understanding, your brain is lying to you when it says you're going to get arrested or something for just asking. That is dumb. That is desperation-brain, not reality.

Put out a few requests so if someone is overloaded or busy you have backups. You will have to do a couple scary professional emails or calls, maybe speak to your insurance, but I PROMISE you it is worth it. The light at the end of the tunnel is you have to do this one scary thing but the reward is this thing will never be scary again after.

And it is totally, totally worth it.

[readyplayerhobi]

Flower | 18

; Hoseok x Reader

; Genre: Angst, fluff

; Word Count: 3.4k

; Warnings: Description of depression, use of antidepressants, side effects of antidepressants

; Synopsis: You finally decide to take a dip into the world of online dating and find the Flower dating app. One of the top matches for you proves to be a guy who looks to be your complete opposite; tattooed, pierced, a metalhead and oh…incredibly handsome. What happens when you throw caution to the wind and reach out to him?

; A/N: Again, this chapter might not be the one for anyone who has struggled with depression, anxiety etc. It’s not as intense as the last chapter but it deals more with the ‘after effects’ of taking anti-depressant medication and stuff! I swear the next chapter is happier haha

; Flower Masterpost

-

A noise in your apartment jolts you from your sleep, body twitching as the sound finally filters in to your sluggish brain. Blinking, you try to focus your eyes only to see that your bedroom is dark. You have no idea what time it is, but given the curtains aren’t closed and the sky is black, you presume it’s either evening or night.

You’d fallen asleep sometime around 2pm, giving way to the severe lethargy and drowsiness that had clouded your mind and deadened your limbs. And now you were so nice and warm beneath your covers, comfortable without any intention of getting out of bed.

It was even nicer as you were on Hoseok’s side of the bed, which was an amusing concept given just over eight months ago you’d never even considered sharing your bed with anyone else. But now it was just...it was his side. 

Normally you’d feel weird about sleeping there, but today you’d happily nuzzled into his pillow while pulling the covers tighter around yourself. It smelled like him, the sheets and pillow cases saturated in the unmistakable scent of your beloved boyfriend, so familiar and soothing to you. Given he hadn't been here, you’d consoled yourself instead with that one bit of comfort.

But now you’d been woken up and you had no idea why. Maybe Kasumi had knocked something over.

Curling up tighter, you closed your eyes and buried your face into the soft pillow some more. It probably wasn’t anything important and she hadn’t come running in fright so you doubted it was anything really big.

You don’t even realise you’ve dozed off again until you feel the bed dip backwards, your body rolling slightly to follow the movement and you groan quietly, body unwilling to get up. Shifting slightly, you wince as you open your eyes and realise that the lamp on your bedside table is now turned on, the small bedroom illuminated.

Hoseok had encouraged you to finally move the furniture around in the little space, allowing the bed to be moved until he could actually get into it without having to crawl in alongside you. While he hadn’t minded being next to the wall, you understood why he’d wanted to be able to get out with ease. He did get up before you after all.

But right now though, Hoseok was watching you with a careful frown painted on his pretty face. The dim lighting from the energy saving lightbulb you used painted him in a subtle golden glow and you gave a soft smile as you note how strands of his hair have a brown tinge. They’re messy overall though and you realise he's probably been running his fingers through them.

He’s been doing that more often lately.

After managing to pull yourself out of the panic attack that you’d suffered at work and talking it through with Hoseok, you'd finally taken yourself to the doctors. It had been excruciating admitting what was wrong, how you were struggling and how your mental health had been so negatively impacting your life.

But you’d been a little surprised to discover your doctor had been fully supportive and concerned. He hadn’t made out that you were lying or were seeking attention but had instead taken you entirely seriously.  After a discussion with him about how your depression and anxiety was affecting you both mentally and physically, he’d prescribed you with a course of antidepressants to begin. 

For a moment, in the doctor’s office, you'd felt a little shame at having to take them but you'd pushed that thought away firmly. You knew that there was no shame in seeking help, and sometimes help had to come in the form of medication. If it would let you feel a little happier and more content with your life, then you were willing to try.

You just desperately wanted to feel more normal in your day to day life; to feel happiness without the fear of anxiety coming to ruin it all. The very idea of being able to enjoy big events or happy days without a crushing fear of the depression overload that would inevitably follow was so foreign to you, yet so exciting.

Your doctor had made it very clear to you that the medication he was prescribing wasn't a cure and that you shouldn’t consider yourself ‘cured’ by taking it. It was merely a way to stabilise your body and let your mind have a breather without your body actively working against you. 

He'd also suggested that you try and get some therapy with a professional but you simply couldn't face the idea of talking through your emotions and issues to someone you didn't know.

You couldn't even talk properly to Hoseok or your best friends about it; even your parents made you clam up with anxiety. Why you felt such an incapacity to talk about yourself, you didn't know.  But the very idea of it was terrifying, actually trying made your body practically seize up. You were still beyond surprised that you’d reached out to Hoseok like you had.

So you had instead accepted the medication happily, following his orders to take a half dose for the first week before upping it to the full dose of one tablet a day. A warning from him when he’d been writing out the prescription had frightened you; he'd told you that the medication might make things worse at first as your body got used to it and balanced itself out.

There was also a chance of a whole multitude of side effects. The list on the medication leaflet had been eye opening in just how many side effects you could potentially have but you’d still swallowed down that half tablet on the first day without a second thought.

You wanted to at least try and overcome your negative thoughts, to work at being happier with yourself and your life. For once, you didn't want to let them beat you. Too long you'd allowed the demons of self hatred, depression, anxiety and stress to beat at your crumbling walls until you'd slowly closed yourself off.

The board game night with Soyeon and Chungha had long been the only thing that you would allow yourself to do on a work night, any other social activities had been strictly limited to the weekend. You'd allowed all the bad habits your mind had formulated over the years to build and spread until you felt anxiety if you didn't shower at a certain time and more.

And you'd told yourself that it was okay. You liked to be alone. You liked doing things by yourself. You were independent; it didn't bother you that your friends went out and had fun, made other friends and dated freely.

You didn't mind it all because your limited lifestyle had appeased the anxiety monster that lived deep inside your head. It meant you had control over what little of your life you could actively control.

But it had been a lie. Like everything else your mind had created, it had all been a lie. You weren't happy being alone. You didn't enjoy how your mind and body had repeatedly conspired against you to keep you trapped within the walls of your apartment as soon as you left work. You despised how the clock had seemed to rule over your life, ticking loudly even if you couldn't hear it with each movement reverberating in your chest; louder, tick, faster, tock, louder, tick, faster, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, louder, faster, louderfasterlouderfasterticktockticktock. 

You hadn't been strong enough to break it, hadn't had the willpower to push past the fear and the roiling anxiety that plagued you when you didn't do something by a certain time, when you went out on a weeknight. And that wasn’t even considering the extra problems that arose from your complete and utter self-hatred; your disgust at your own body and life.

The feelings of uselessness, of how pathetic and stupid you were and so forth. They weren’t true, you knew that deep down. But when those emotions and thoughts batter themselves at you for long enough, eventually you start to believe them.

Until you’d met Jung Hoseok.

He would never let you claim that he was the reason for you finally seeking proper help, truly seeking help from a professional who could monitor your situation. In turn, you didn't want to claim that he had been the sole reason either, because he wasn't. What he had done though, was that he had made you finally get the will to try and fight, to try and get better for yourself.

His support in your moment of complete weakness, when you were at your most broken and vulnerable had meant more to you than he could ever know. The patience he had kept while he dealt with your hysteria, your anxiety and stresses had let you know that it was okay to not be okay. The relief that you’d felt upon telling him what you were feeling had been overwhelming and you knew that without his support, you likely would not have reached out to the doctor.

Not only that, but you knew that getting help for yourself would be better not only for you but also your relationship with him. You weren’t stupid, you knew that you’d somehow hit the jackpot of boyfriends with him. And you wanted to make sure that you didn’t ruin that.

You wanted to spend time with him without being assailed by thoughts of negativity; the fear that he didn't actually like you, that he was doing it for a bet, that he could do better, that he was cheating. None of that was true, you knew that and it embarrassed you to know that you had those thoughts as you knew that Hoseok would be hurt to know you thought that, but it was hard to push it out of your mind once the thought buried itself deep inside. 

No, you wanted to get better so that you could experience the life he offered you outside of the safe haven and prison you had made your apartment. He terrified you because he lived a life you didn't understand, and while you didnt want to become fully integrated into it...you wanted to at least enjoy what you had with him.

You wanted to not freak out about going to the movies on a Thursday night, to enjoy a meal out on a Tuesday. You just wanted to enjoy being in a relationship, with the only downsides coming from arguments about stupid things. Not because your mind has convinced you that he was going to leave.

And above all, you wanted to finally start to become happier in yourself. Get the energy to finally go to the gym like you’d always wanted to but had been so afraid of the looks and comments you might get. You didn’t exactly want to get to a certain shape, but you knew that you wanted to have a healthy body to go with a healthy mind.

Those things went hand in hand right?

So here you were, six days into the antidepressants. And you were so, so ill.

You could hardly eat, your stomach so bloated it felt like you'd swallowed a balloon most of the time. It was tender to the touch too, and you'd vomited frequently because of the rolling nausea that came and went as it pleased. And that was nothing compared to what came out the other end unfortunately, as horrifically gross as it was to say.

Headaches that felt like you were being hit in the head with a pick axe made you whimper even when you weren’t doing anything. And over it all was an overwhelming fog of tiredness that was making you so, unbelievably bone weary.

You felt so lethargic all the time, with such little energy that you didn't even want to move. If the doctor hadn’t warned you that everything was likely to get worse before it got better, you’d be afraid. But you’d at least been warned. Didn’t mean you had to like it though.  It was like your muscles had simply given up, unwilling to do their sole function while a foggy haze filled your mind.

It was hard to think a lot of the time, words and thoughts appearing in your mind and then vanishing away in wisps. On top of that, you didn’t even want to think too much, it seemed to tire you out even more. In fact, all you wanted to do was sleep.

And so you’d done a lot of that. You'd taken some time off work to cope with the side effects once it had become apparent that you were indeed suffering some of the negative ones, almost falling asleep on the job until your boss told you to head home. And in turn, Hoseok had spent the last few nights over at yours, taking care of you as best he could.

Whatever food and drink he could get down you he did, along with any painkillers you were willing to take. And then he made sure to keep your place clean, taking care of Kasumi when she wasn't curled up against you on the bed.

You'd never been more thankful for him.

"Do you need anything, baby?" He asks softly, running his hand along your side gently. You knew that he probably missed actually interacting with you given that you slept so much lately. And despite the fact that he’d just woken you up from what must have been a good few hours nap given he was here, you just wanted to go back to sleep again.

A negative sound leaves your lips while you shake your head, eyes falling closed once more. You hear him sigh deeply, his hand resting firmer on your shoulder before he's moving off the bed.

Sounds come from within the bedroom before he heads out, a sweet and high pitched male voice floating through to you as he talks to Kasumi and the cute meows that he's answered with. Despite your tiredness and pain, you can't help but smile at the sound of it.

You love that he loves Kasumi too, and that she likes him in return.

The mattress dipping again causes you to blink away, frowning as you realise that you’d obviously drifted off to sleep once more without even meaning to. The fluffy duvet shifts on top of you, a waft of cold air causing you to shiver as it runs along your back before it's replaced by the firm, warm body of your boyfriend.

"Hobi?" His nickname leaves your mouth quietly, the sound husky with the sleep that's plagued you all day and you feel him sigh against you. A solid arm wraps around your waist, carefully avoiding your sensitive stomach and shifting until he finds a position that's comfortable for both himself and you before he settles.

"Yeah baby, I'm here. Go back to sleep if you need to. It's okay." Hoseok murmurs softly, the fingertips of his hand brushing in the most soft and gentle manner over your stomach, his touch soothingly warm even through the fabric of your pyjama top. Despite the pain and tiredness, you feel an immense wave of emotion towards him given how easily he cares for you.

There's no doubt that someone like Hoseok could probably have a girlfriend prettier than you, smarter than you and so much more. Someone who was less work. Someone who would go out with him without question, who would drink with him, go to his gigs with him, who would listen to the same music as him and much more.

Yet here he was, in bed with you at an early hour on a Thursday night so soon after he’d gotten home from work. All without a complaint, because you were suffering badly from the symptoms of your antidepressants and he knew that. He’d seen you in ways that you never wanted anyone to see you in the past week, from breaking down so completely to all the different illnesses he’d nurtured you through.

And he was still here. He’d supported you the whole way, with a happy and positive attitude that said you could rely on him. Even if he went to work in the mornings, you fell back asleep with  surety in your bones that he would come back to you.

You felt gratitude towards him, affection and something far stronger than you were not entirely sure you could put a label on just yet, even though it had been over eight months at this point. Because he didn't run at the first sign of a girlfriend who was a lot of work. Instead, he just got down in the dirt with you and told you that he was ready to support you.

Your hand moved down to trace the skin on his wrist, mind already drifting off before you even realise it as you feel the steady movement of his chest behind you. Fingers pressing down on his hand lightly, you can't help but smile softly as you realise that you might be ill and still suffering the negative effects of the other week, but right here...in his arms...you finally feel hopeful.

-

Hoseok laid there quietly, feeling the way your body relaxes against his and your breathing slows down as sleep grips you once more. The peace you slip back into contents him, the knowledge that you’re no longer suffering or feeling the effects of either your illness or depression soothing him deep inside.

His own depression from his teenage years had taken a different form compared to yours; self-destructive behaviour that refused to acknowledge what he was feeling. It had been a constant rollercoaster of emotions back then; from anger to happiness, guilt to joy and more. He’d struggled with it, unable to accept his own grief and feelings until college.

But he would never say which kind was worse, neither were worse than the other because they had both tormented each of you in turn. Hoseok was just happy that you’d sought help from your doctor and were now taking antidepressants that would hopefully be of some help to you.

And he would be here for you. A few years ago he probably wouldn’t have been. He was mature enough to admit that he’d been exceptionally immature back then. The Hoseok of early college would have run at the first sight of anything that looked like work in a relationship, not willing to put up with your depression and anxieties.

Back then, he’d liked his girls easy, open and willing. The concept of actually having to put in effort would have horrified him.

He was glad that he’d grown as a person since then, evolving in his mindset and tastes until the idea of not staying with you was painful; the idea of missing out on you hurt his chest. So did the idea that other people might give up on you because of something you couldn’t control. He knew that you thought it made you unlovable, that you were convinced that you weren’t worthy or didn’t deserve it.

You were wrong, and he would happily spend his time proving you wrong.

Running his hand slowly along your stomach, your body so warm and solid against him, he sighed quietly and pressed his lips to your head. A tiny noise left you, shifting slightly before settling once more and he smiled as he pressed his nose into the back of your neck.

He’d never felt like this to anyone, which he supposed was a good thing. But everything about you fascinated him, drew him in like a moth to a flame. Your little habits, some spurred by your anxiety and some just natural, your love of all things cute and anything that made you happy and so much more. On paper, this relationship probably shouldn’t work given the differences, but he’d never been with someone he liked this much.

So if you were struggling right now, then he was going to be right here with you until you feel better again. That’s what you do when you love someone.

[reticent-fate]

Hope it's okay to RB this with additions (let us know if you'd prefer we delete this, op!). Also, we're gonna be talking about dissociative symptoms, since that's the framework that's easiest for us to use here; if you're reading this and your system is of a variety that doesn't experience dissociative symptoms, YMMV! (I'm on desktop but pretend there's a sunglasses emoji here)

TL;DR at the top: Yeah, headmates can have an effect on quite a lot of this stuff. Especially if your system is affected by dissociation, physical symptoms that affect sensory input are possible, but make sure to also rule out anything else in case it could be something worth concern. Logging it when you notice this stuff can help long-term in determining a possible pattern.

Long version is under the cut because we are verbose af (sorry lol).

CN: discussions of dissociative episodes, medical topics

So, firstly it's important to mention that, obviously, these things can also be caused by other things than dissociative symptoms. For example, in our case, we're autistic; when we're experiencing sensory overload episodes, the perception we have of a lot of sensory data is skewed and/or processed a little sideways. So something that normally may have a nice taste or scent may suddenly taste or smell like the worst thing in the world.

Chronic and acute conditions both can affect your sensory input/perception, and I mostly state this because, while some of this stuff is in the purview of our special interests, we're also not medical professionals lmao.

That out of the way, regarding headmates affecting bodily functions, we've found in our experience that some of our fronters will experience sensory input differently than others (with some intersection with the above example regarding our autism and how it affects our plurality). I can't find the post right now, but I do know that this is also something other systems have experienced; there's a specific post that talks about physical symptoms of dissociation, and that may be worth looking into if you think it can help with the situation. (Please be mindful of your needs when doing research, and if you find it is causing undue stress, be sure to take breaks <3 [/ci].)

Since you mention that this is a bit of a new thing, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to log when y'all notice sensory weirdness. If there's any kind of pattern or correlation, either regarding triggers/different headmates/etc., the more you keep track of these things the easier it'll be to tell. If you already have a health journal, it might be worth putting there; or if you track switches (like with an app such as Simply Plural or PluralKit), having a way to denote when this occurs may offer you some convenience later on when trying to assess the data.

We also would be remiss if not noting that in our experience, different headmates may experience sensory input in line more with how they function or appear in headspace. Again, this tends to line up with the dichotomy of our autism, specifically in regards to sensory seeking vs. sensory averse modes. Smell and food-related senses are easiest for us to notice these changes in, since we experience chronic migraines as well (and these are often triggers for our episodes); some headmates may not be triggered by scents that would trigger other headmates into an episode.

For a non-sensory related example, we have headmates with less keen spatial and temporal awareness that will oftentimes either struggle with dexterity-based tasks or ones that are unkind to our need for cognitive stimulation. A task that is easy to "zone out" during for one headmate suddenly becomes a task in which ten minutes feels like an eternity, because the headmate(s) that has switched in is more interested in doing something that requires thoughtful input.

Needless to say, this is all a very complex subject. We wish you the best of luck finding the words that best fit your experiences. At the very least, though, we can say with certainty: yes, headmates can affect perception.

I just wanna ask super quickly to help confirm it

How much can a headmate effect bodily functions? My examples are 1) Smelling things that aren't there and 2) Having dulled tastebuds/things tasting different than usual.

We are fully aware these are highly situational things to experience but its been noticeable enough and something we haven't experienced often and I wanted to help us rule out if those could even be possibilities.

[theisbifamilyisbi]

TIFI Chapter 1.7 Coup de Legacy

I think that’s a fitting title. 

In this chapter, I go on a roller coaster. 

This is an ominous beginning. And don’t be fooled, the household is so big it can’t handle a thumbnail.

Reeses cares more about the kids than their own parents. 

Reeses: “If I kill this child, would I be the next in line for heir?”

Lollipop: “Try me bitch.” 

For whatever reason, Twix is always geting in trouble and I never actually see her do anything. Although there was a trap in the bathroom for like two chapters that no one has hit yet (These gross peons don’t wash their hands after they use the toilet!) that I think she put there. 

Twix: “Watcher, why do I have to stand in the GROSS TOILET AREA?”

Yes, I am making the watcher from Sims Medieval their god.

Someone left their smol animal in the snow and it might be dying. I’m not sure.

Pocky: “If it’s a dog can I has it?”

Pocky has the dog lover trait and I don’t know if my game can handle the size of this household and pets at the same time.

Someone used the toy chest Issy wished for! Wow. I think that’s Twix? 

ISSY FOR THE LOVE OF-

Abraham is questioning his life choices. Most notably: the one where he married the baby factory. 

Issy wanted a party, so I did a party. This was actually a lot of fun. 

I DIDN’T INVITE YOU GET LOST.

Beau: “THE VOICES, THEY SPEAK! I LISTEN NOT TO THEIR CRIES”

MOCHI.

Don’t be fooled, Reeses peed himself at the same exact time as Mochi. -10 for me.

Reeses: “Who is this Reeses fellow who peed himself? I know no such candy man.”

This is the fun part where everyone gets presents, and Twix gets about ten because she just kept grabbing. 

Screenshots to prove it. 

Twix received three of the bee things, three toy ovens, three or four bears, and potentially a few more things I forgot about. Reeses got the video game, Mochi the easel, and I think Pocky got the fishbowl. 

Pretty fairy girl is pretty. I hope she makes nice kids to outgrow the ugly townies. Like Connor there. Connor married Tori Kimura in this chapter, somewhere, since Fiona McOld died and Iqbal Aldied.

I don’t know how I feel about this.

Lollipop: “Strange human, release me.”

Also, I think that’s the Langerak boy crushing on KitKat. 

Connor tell your son to STOP.

You know, Claire’s daughter hasn’t had much luck with her face these last few games I’ve played. Claire died this chapter. Actually, a lot of old people died.

I wonder if the graves slow my game?

WHERE ARE YOU TAKING MY HEIR. 

Yeah, that better be as far as you go. 

Even in the winter, people still enjoy the sandbox. That’s the Langerak kid who likes KitKat. 

Right, Snickers still exists by the way. This is him. He aged up. I forgot about him. 

Snickers: “If not for my good trait, I may have snapped and killed everyone here.”

o-O

This is the kid of the guy who Issy tried to flirt with when Abraham was playing hard to stalk get. I think he also liked one of the girls. Dunno. 

Look, here’s Twix getting in trouble again! I don’t know why. 

Snickers: *Snickering* “You’re in the way of the garbage.”

Twix: “Don’t you forget. I’m mean-spirited. I will make you c r y.”

I realized KitKat was missing. Here she is, on a random lawn doing homework. 

Here is a kid who looks like he might break his neck. I don’t know whose kid this is. Sorry. 

Abraham might burn down the house. 

Abraham did not burn the house down. However he has like a level 6 or 7 logic skill and is still level 2 in the medical career. Abraham pls. 

Also, that bush. That is the murder bush. 

I don’t care about the points I’ll lose: SOMEONE DIE.

Ah, our first victim.

Snickers: “This seems like an unsafe bush that I should not touch, as I am a precious u n k i l l a b l e child.”

KitKat got caught by the police for being out after curfew. Whoops.

KitKat: “I swear, wasn’t my fault officer.”

KitKat is grounded, among other upset moodlets. This means you can pretty much assume she’s entirely red for the rest of the chapter. 

I mean, that’s okay, it’s just not what you’re supposed to wear. 

Considering the fact KitKat has the natural cook trait and not Pocky, Pocky really likes cooking whereas KitKat has never touched the stove. 

All I’m saying is Reeses likes the kids more than anyone else. Skittles likes them when they’re in the other room, but Reeses takes care of them and stuff. 

Speaking of Skittles, I have no idea where she goes. She doesn’t do anything interesting which is why there are so few pictures of her. 

Issy: “WAFFLES!”

I had to remind you she was here. And that she’s pregnant. Again.

Were trying for a good portrait picture this time. Preferably brighter than the other one. 

Mochi was also painting at the easel she got for snowflake day. Pocky looked like they were about to fight as she walked past.

Also I thought this was a good shot to show off Mochi’s face. She has Abraham’s nose. 

Twix is in trouble yet again. Haha. 

Clearly the best place to bond. 

Mochi has finished her first painting! 

Prom overload coming. 

Mochi actually looks so good in her formal attire. 

Pocky looking freeesh. 

I mean, okay. I expected like, KitKat or Pocky. But that works. 

Helmut, is an incredibly average dude. But he’s sweet. He’s called her daily looking to chat. 

It’s kinda weird brother and sister are prom king and queen but I guess they don’t look too related.

Pocky didn’t really have much of a good night. 

EXCEPT FOR THIS. HAHAHA I APPROVE.

That’s the first time I’ve seen this message for prom, but WHAT THE HELL THAT’S SO MEAN.

Mochi found a dude, which is cool.

There was honestly so much more. SO MUCH MORE. But I figured it’s kind of boring to see the same messages so. 

Look at dem crowns. 

I am determined to get a decent painting of her. 

And then she went into labor. Snickers is concerned. 

Skittles does not care. 

Skittles: “Mother, you have had so many of us you should no longer feel pain.”

You would think Abraham would be kind of used to his wife having children by now. 

Issy: “Glow my child, shine!”

Sugar Daddy Isbi is actually very pretty when she grows up and I’m not sure what traits she has. I’ll remember them for the next update. 

So, KitKat was off on a date while Issy was giving birth. 

That’s the Langerak kid I think. They talked for like seconds. 

He left and went into the spa. KitKat didn’t seem to mind though.

KitKat: “I don’t do blondes.”

FUCK THESE LAMPS. THEY RUIN MY SHOTS.

Twix: “Isn’t that picture older than I am?”

SHE FINISHED IT TOO. WOOO.

Lollipop: “I don’t trust you to hold me, old man.”

Abraham: *Traumatized for life*

Sometime later, I forgot Twix existed and she aged up.

I don’t remember what trait she got either, since she’s not important and my game is closed and takes twenty minutes to open. Like Twix is so unimportant I always forget her name, I forgot to put her in my family memo where I keep track of traits and etc, and I keep think she’s Mochi.

The llama mascot is back. Abraham and he are ready to brawl. 

Issy: “Chicken legs, Daddy.”

Daddy: *Does not realize her nickname yet*

These two blocked the door for awhile. 

Why is your artistic ability regressing!? 

Skittles: “Mom I swear if you even THINK of having another baby-”

Snickers: “This house is already trash!”

KitKat: “Ooh, another date? Wait, what do you mean you’re not the blonde guy.”

Issy: “Waffles!” (:

KitKat: “Weren’t you into my sister?”

Rudolph: *sweating* “I’m tired okay.”

This child is not ready for what is going to be coming. 

Tanning at night, that makes sense. What, are you paling instead? 

Well, this was to be expected. 

KitKat: “If I date you can we not?”

Issy: “WHY WERE YOU TANNING AT NIGHT?”

KitKat: “MOM STAHP!”

Rekt.

Mother daughter bonding. Exactly what I want to see! 

And no fucking lamp in the way 

Shit. I get points off for this, because this is just sad. How do you get a toddler to pass out like this. 

I’m not sure where these ramen noodles came from. How do you even get ramen in this game? 

I updated the graveyard. It’s getting pretty full. 

Well damn, Mochi survived. 

I thought this was a nice shot, even if he’s out breaking curfew. 

Did I mention Issy decided she wanted another baby?

Other than this being a good movie, that’s me right now. 

Hooray! Lollipop’s birthday! She got the Perfectionist trait. I don’t know why I don’t have a screenshot of her.

Oh. I know why. 

Twix isn’t that ugly from the side like this.

Pocky: “It’s my birthday bitch and I’m going to fuck everything up.”

Yeah. 

She fucked it up.

Issy: “MY DAUGHTER IS LIKE ME!”

Well fuck, you rolled the insane trait.

Pocky: “What the fuck mom wasn’t talking to herself all these years!?”

Pocky: “I can feel it coming. The stupidity. The insanity.”

Please stop.

Pocky: “You can’t make me, Voice.”

Pls. Pls no. 

On that abrupt note, bye Reeses. 

Bye KitKat.

Onwards to PURPLE BABIES. 

Well this is awkward, Issy is literally still pregnant and I now need her to auto finish the Abraham portrait. 

Scoreboard:

Births: (9) +45 100K Simoleons: (1) +40 Honor Roll: (2) + 10

Bladder Fail: (5) -25 Passing Out: (2) -10

Total: 65

I went down :(

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