06/23/2026
Stress does not look the same in everyone.
For some people, it looks like panic, anger, tears, racing thoughts or feeling completely out of control.
For others, it looks like silence, numbness, shutting down, withdrawing, avoiding people or saying “I am fine” when they are not.
This can happen to children, teenagers and adults.
When someone is overwhelmed, their body may move into survival mode. They may not be trying to be difficult, rude, dramatic or uncaring. They may be struggling to cope with more than their nervous system can manage in that moment.
That is why understanding emotional regulation matters.
Sometimes people need space.
Sometimes they need connection.
Sometimes they need movement, rest, reassurance, routine, breathing, comfort or simply someone calm beside them.
We all have limits.
We all need safety.
We all need people who try to understand what is happening underneath the behaviour.
Free WINDOW OF TOLERANCE PRINTABLE REGULATION POSTER PDF (with a simple worksheet)
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