Physical Actions
If someone says, “Bite you,” what is a more helpful way to say it?
“I’m feeling out of control and need space.” OR “My body feels too full right now.”
Replace: “You’re the worst mom ever.”
“I’m really upset with you right now.” OR “I feel misunderstood.”
Replace: “I don’t even wanna live here.”
“I don’t feel comfortable or understood here right now.” OR “I need things to change.”
What short phrase can you use if everything feels like too much?
“Too much.”
Replace: “I am gonna attack.”
“I feel overwhelmed and need help calming down.” OR “I need you to step back.”
Replace: “Break your leg.”
“I’m very mad and need you to stop.” OR “I feel hurt and don’t know how to say it.”
Replace: “I’m running away.”
“I need to leave this situation for a bit.” OR “I need time alone to calm down.”
What can you say if you can’t think of words but need help?
“Help me calm down.”
Replace: “Beat you up.”
“I’m really angry and don’t know what to do.” OR “I need a break before I explode.”
Replace: “I’m going to throw you in the dumpster.”
“I need you to go away right now.” OR “I need space from you.”
Escape statements usually mean what feeling?
Not feeling safe or heard.
What can you say if you don’t want to talk yet?
“Not ready to talk.”
Physical threats usually mean what feeling underneath?
Feeling overloaded, overwhelmed, or unsafe.
Verbal attacks often mean someone feels what underneath?
Hurt or powerless.
If you need to leave a situation calmly, what could you say?
“I need space.” OR “I need time alone.”
What is the simplest space-request phrase?
“I need space.”
If your body feels “too full,” what is one short phrase you could use?
“I need space.” OR “I’m overwhelmed.” OR “Too much.”
What is more helpful — attacking someone or saying how you feel?
Saying how you feel.
What is the healthy goal — to run away forever or take a short break?
Take a short break.
Why are helpful statements good?
They are short, easy to remember, and help when words are hard.