"Collecting oneself" refers to the act of calming down, regaining composure, and focusing on one's thoughts and emotions. The opposite of this action is to lose oneself, or to be overwhelmed and unable to contain one's emotions or thoughts. Other antonyms for "collecting oneself" could include dissociating, disengaging, ignoring, or suppressing one's emotions. When we are unable to collect ourselves, we may experience anxiety, panic, or fear that can cause us to feel out of control. It is important to recognize our emotions and take steps to manage them, whether it means taking a break or seeking support from others to help us collect ourselves.