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Autistic Burnout

Bettahm

I've been trying to find out what's wrong with me as mental health professionals dont seem to be able to.
I think I have chronic autistic burnout, among maybe other things, but the burnout thing really seems to fit what I'm experiencing.
Have done an online quiz, and know they are not to be used as diagnostic, but it confirmed my thoughts on this.
Have emailed transforming care so they can check it out and add to the cmht psychology referral.

Anyone else here in burnout, or have experienced it?

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Jimm_Alumni

I don't have autism but I've certainly had burnout before related to my ADHD. I have hyperfocused on a single thing so much and for so long to the detriment of my physical/mental health and then also the detriment of the thing/subject.

While the tests certainly shouldn't be taken at their face value they can sometimes point towards certain issues that professionals can then actually assess.

I hope the professionals can consider it, and help if it is a concern.

Bettahm

Jimm_Scope said:

I don't have autism but I've certainly had burnout before related to my ADHD. I have hyperfocused on a single thing so much and for so long to the detriment of my physical/mental health and then also the detriment of the thing/subject.

While the tests certainly shouldn't be taken at their face value they can sometimes point towards certain issues that professionals can then actually assess.

I hope the professionals can consider it, and help if it is a concern.

I suspect its chronic burnout from years of going undiagnosed and that causing multiple problems in life.
So now I have just shut myself away, dont speak to or see anyone and dont want to either. Like I've had enough.
So like its manifesting as depression, bad anxiety and agoraphobia but if it is these things, they are caused by burnout.
It fits, when nothing else seems to.

Albus_Alumni

I had a major case of burnout after my old job forced me into a totally new role, surrounded by people. I was physically and mentally broken for a long long time, as I had no idea I was autistic and what I needed to do to get myself back on an even keel. It really creeps up on you, especially if you have no idea you're on the spectrum.

Bettahm

Albus_Scope said:

I had a major case of burnout after my old job forced me into a totally new role, surrounded by people. I was physically and mentally broken for a long long time, as I had no idea I was autistic and what I needed to do to get myself back on an even keel. It really creeps up on you, especially if you have no idea you're on the spectrum.

What you have said here just about confirms it for me. Trying to cope in a hostile 'alien' world not knowing you're on the spectrum. Ok I'm diagnosed now but stuff has been piling up on me I guess and still continues to. Even today email from mps office re my cmht discharge. Cmht told his office they had emailed me about this and I had not responded, therefore PALS were closing the enquiry.
They have not emailed me.
I've had enough of everything, pretty sure its burnout.

Albus_Alumni

The key thing now is you have that diagnosis, so you can start working out what works for you when it comes to relieving that stress. So working out what stims work best for you, what things you need to avoid and what helps you recharge.
I'm very much a hermit, but I've found occasional chats with friends, either on the phone or face to face have actually helped. As long as they were quick, or it gets exhausting.

It's very much a game of balance, but sometimes speaking about things helps the autistic brain process the information quicker.

I know it's probably a silly question, but have you checked the junk/spam folder for any emails that may have been missed? I'm so sorry it's been dragging on for you though @Bettahm I'm hoping a reply to your MP might help things?

Bettahm

Albus_Scope said:

The key thing now is you have that diagnosis, so you can start working out what works for you when it comes to relieving that stress. So working out what stims work best for you, what things you need to avoid and what helps you recharge.
I'm very much a hermit, but I've found occasional chats with friends, either on the phone or face to face have actually helped. As long as they were quick, or it gets exhausting. It's very much a game of balance, but sometimes speaking about things helps the autistic brain process the information quicker.

I know it's probably a silly question, but have you checked the junk/spam folder for any emails that may have been missed? I'm so sorry it's been dragging on for you though @Bettahm I'm hoping a reply to your MP might help things?

Yes I'm a hermit. I think being around my pets, my dogs and fish, is the best thing. But the outside world keeps intruding and think I'm trying harder than ever to shut it out. One good and understanding friend would probably be good but I dont have any. Still hope to get an advocate if cmht will take me back for psychology and maybe both those things will help.
No, definitely no emails from cmht. I did email back the mps office but whether they will continue pursuing it I dont know.
I've also emailed the cmht direct and said I want a copy of that discharge letter. Sent off in anger, but that's me.

Autism_at_40

I was in Autistic Burnout last year, I don't feel like I've truly recovered from it yet either...
I literally couldn't function, I struggled to communicate, spent a lot of time in bed, simple things like going to the shops completely drained me.

I learnt that some people never truly recover from burnout and aren't able to do the things they used to do before. I feel like i'm like that to a certain extent. I struggle to be around people, even short encounters send me into shutdown for sometimes days.

I think that if you're diagnosed later in life, it just makes things so much harder. I was only diagnosed 2 years ago. So years of masking takes its toll, believe me, I know.

The problem is that I don't think people understand burnout. They just assume you're lazy or something.

I lost all my friends when I got my diagnosis, so I completely understand the feeling alone and just wanting to shut yourself away.

I now have an advocate that helped me get a care assessment and a support worker starting next year. Hopefully, with the help to do every day things, I will be able to move forward.

I don't know where you live, but where I just moved to there is a neurodivergent charity and they put on courses to learn more about your diagnosis, might be worth seeing if there is anything like that where you are. It has helped me to understand, as a lot of things I have been through/do are Autism related and I just didn't know.

Autism_at_40

I was told they don't use the term Asperger's anymore, but that's what I would be if they did.
Why did you delete it all? I'm sure we would all be interested in what you have to say

Adrian_Scope

I agree with @Autism_at_40, @Ada we're always interested in what you have to say, so long as you feel comfortable sharing.

Bettahm

Autism_at_40 said:

I was in Autistic Burnout last year, I don't feel like I've truly recovered from it yet either...
I literally couldn't function, I struggled to communicate, spent a lot of time in bed, simple things like going to the shops completely drained me.

I learnt that some people never truly recover from burnout and aren't able to do the things they used to do before. I feel like i'm like that to a certain extent. I struggle to be around people, even short encounters send me into shutdown for sometimes days.

I think that if you're diagnosed later in life, it just makes things so much harder. I was only diagnosed 2 years ago. So years of masking takes its toll, believe me, I know.

The problem is that I don't think people understand burnout. They just assume you're lazy or something.

I lost all my friends when I got my diagnosis, so I completely understand the feeling alone and just wanting to shut yourself away.

I now have an advocate that helped me get a care assessment and a support worker starting next year. Hopefully, with the help to do every day things, I will be able to move forward.

I don't know where you live, but where I just moved to there is a neurodivergent charity and they put on courses to learn more about your diagnosis, might be worth seeing if there is anything like that where you are. It has helped me to understand, as a lot of things I have been through/do are Autism related and I just didn't know.

Theres no support in this area for autistic adults. Now I have a number of mental health issues, I think as you said, all autism related. My diagnosis placed me in level 2 on some issues. I've never been able to hold down a job and always totally uncomfortable around people. Cmht have kicked me out tho transforming care want to get me back with them. Tbh I no longer trust them and dont see how it could work.
Where did you get your advocate? I have been trying but been told I need to be with cmht before I can have one!! I cant go out but need medical appts so need an advocate to make the appts and come with me to them.

bookrabbit

I was in autistic burnout for years and years. I always pushed myself too hard and went to extremes trying to do everything perfectly...
Maybe my enforced slow down from losing my mobility will allow me to recover at last??
I just need to get through the next couple of months and into a new home and see what life still has to offer me...

Autism_at_40

Bettahm said:

Theres no support in this area for autistic adults. Now I have a number of mental health issues, I think as you said, all autism related. My diagnosis placed me in level 2 on some issues. I've never been able to hold down a job and always totally uncomfortable around people. Cmht have kicked me out tho transforming care want to get me back with them. Tbh I no longer trust them and dont see how it could work.
Where did you get your advocate? I have been trying but been told I need to be with cmht before I can have one!! I cant go out but need medical appts so need an advocate to make the appts and come with me to them.

Sorry, I've only just seen this..
I got my advocate from a referral from the council, these people:

Assessment & Reviewing CoordinatorG

ASC First Contact

Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Albus_Alumni

Hey @OnlyAlex, thanks for sharing and to everyone else who's shared their story.

I'm glad there's been some progress after your meltdown, but I totally understand the anxiety and feeling of loneliness that can accompany it. It's not easy, but please be gentle with yourself. You've even said yourself you've made progress, so that's amazing! Plus we're all here to support you if you need it.

Heck, I'm always up for talking about computer games.