Autistic Burnout

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. 

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. 

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?  

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.