Muted Thoughts

Autistic person hugging a stuffed dinosaur on a train after experiencing sensory overwhelm, illustrating the challenges of autism and missing out on everyday experiences.
Just Because I Experience the World Differently, Doesn't Mean I Don't Want to Experience It
Autism isn't always quirky or funny. Sometimes it means missing out on the things you desperately want to experience. This is what happened when a trip to the theatre became... Read more...
When My Words Stop Working
When My Words Stop Working
I have the words. They’re just not always accessible. A personal reflection on autism, losing access to speech, overwhelm, and the experience of having so much to say but being... Read more...
The Way My Brain Regulates Emotion
The Way My Brain Regulates Emotion
I spent years believing I was bad at emotional regulation. I didn't understand why my emotions felt so overwhelming or why the coping strategies that worked for everyone else didn't... Read more...
Two young women sit together on a bed in a dimly lit bedroom, one leaning against the other as they look toward a sunset through the window. The woman closest to the viewer wears a dark Muted Mayhem hoodie.
What If She Learned This From Me?
There is a particular kind of helplessness that comes from watching someone you love struggle with something you know all too well. The fear, the guilt, the what-ifs—and the desperate... Read more...
A picture of a girl sitting on her bed having an autistic meltdown. She is annoyed at her communication struggles and feels she have lost her friend. This is to bring awareness to neurodivergcy and mental health
I Tried to Explain. Somehow, I Still Got It Wrong.
Six months ago, I would have disappeared. This time, after an autistic shutdown, I tried to explain my needs, set a boundary and communicate instead. I thought I was doing... Read more...
Someone having an autistic shutdown. They are curled up in the closet because they are overstimulated and can't tolerate noise or light. It is to spread awareness for neurodivergency and mental health
I Traded the Rest of My Trip for a Dark, Empty Closet
I traded the rest of my trip for hours of sitting in a dark, empty closet. Sometimes the thing that causes an autistic shutdown isn't the thing that caused the... Read more...
A person with colourful blue and pink hair sits on rocky cliffs overlooking the sea, wearing a dark hoodie with the words "Chaos Doesn't Always Make a Sound" printed on the back. The image reflects vulnerability, healing and quiet strength.
The First Time I Stopped Hiding My Scars
For years, long sleeves became my armour. This is the story of the first time I walked into a waiting room without hiding my self-harm scars, the reactions I thought... Read more...
A person sitting beside a broken-down car in the rain with their head in their hands, representing the invisible overwhelm behind an autistic meltdown.
By The Time My Car Broke Down, My Brain Already Had
If you'd seen me at the petrol station, you probably would've thought my car breaking down caused my autistic meltdown. It didn't. That was simply the final straw. This is... Read more...
Illustration of ADHD paralysis showing someone feeling frozen while time passes, representing overthinking, executive dysfunction and missed opportunities.
ADHD Paralysis Isn't Laziness: How It Cost Me Time With Someone I Love | Muted Mayhem
People often mistake ADHD paralysis for laziness or not caring. In reality, it can cost friendships, opportunities and precious moments. Here's my experience of how ADHD paralysis stopped me from... Read more...
Person sitting alone in a church wearing a Muted Mayhem hoodie, reflecting on belonging, acceptance and finding a place to feel welcome.
I Didn't Expect to Feel Welcome | Finding Belonging | Muted Mayhem
I Didn't Expect to Feel Welcome Feeling Like You Don't Belong I stepped inside a church on Sunday. It was the first time in five years. I almost turned around... Read more...
Notebook, coffee, candle and Muted Mayhem items beside a rainy window, representing reflection, personal growth and the journey behind launch day.
I Thought Launch Day Would Feel Different | Muted Thoughts | Muted Mayhem
I Thought Launch Day Would Feel Different The Countdown For months, my life had been measured by a countdown. There was always another task waiting to be finished. Another product... Read more...
Person sitting alone at night overlooking city lights beside the words "Silence isn't empty", representing invisible struggles and quiet resilience.
Silence Isn't Empty | Invisible Struggles & Mental Health | Muted Mayhem
Silence isn't empty. Why Silence Can Feel So Loud There is a strange comfort in silence. Not because it makes things disappear, but because it gives us space to hear... Read more...
Person sitting on a rocky beach wearing a Muted Mayhem hoodie overlooking the sea, representing invisible struggles, quiet resilience and mental health awareness.
The Loudest Things Are Often Silent | Mental Health Blog | Muted Mayhem
There are days when everything feels heavy, even though nothing seems wrong. You answer messages. You go to work. You laugh at the right moments. From the outside, everything looks... Read more...