Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
I've been referred to a specialist team for an autism diagnosis (it was one of those things that popped up every now and then but unfortunately was never pursued. Types of issues included not talking until age 4, difficulties with social interaction and reading body language, being overwhelmed by social situations and crowds, meltdowns,etc.) Because I have bipolar, anxiety etc it was assumed these issues were related to that.
Unfortunately, the waitlist is going to take a long time and part of the reason I went to the GP is that I think I have autistic burnout? Everything is overhwhelming, noises are like electricity, I can't handle social interaction, and my anxiety/ocd is out of control to name a few things. Basically, I'm in a limbo where I haven't had an official diagnosis yet but I'm struggling to have normality. I've been trying to push myself through things like I do with depression (i.e.make myself go to a busy shop) but that's just making me shut down more. I've reached out to a support group but it's possible that I will have to wait for the official diagnosis.
All of this is overwhelming and I just want answers so I can start to cope. If this is autistic burnout, what do I do to start being functional again? Is there any advice or tips people would recommend?
Thank you for your time, I really appreciate it.
My burnout was at its worst around Christmas but I am still going through it
Every time I think its improving I try to do more stuff, eg going back to work and then it just gets worse again
not sure what to do
I tried every type of variation I could imagine to try and break it. I only accepted work that interested me. I only worked in places that interested me......and when I say work, it was paid hobby really - could barely manage 2-3 days per week. I tried every motivational and spiritual enlightenment Youtube going and read LOTS. I changed what I ate. I changed my routine (AKA tried to impose one.) I changed my sleep. I changed my alcohol soothing dosages. I changed who I saw. I changed music. I changed a room of my home to a sensory dead box (didn't know why I was doing it at the time!) 7 years, and counting!
Accordingly, as you can imagine - I'm not sure what you should do either ! - but if you've survived this long since Christmas, then however long it takes to finally crack it for you - I reckon you got this.
Time is probably the key, and that's unfortunate because it is lonely, boring and dangerously expensive if you can't earn the money we all need. No one should take their own sanity for granted either - especially during a burnout.