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Overwhelmed or ill?

Meeples

Last week I got sick. I don't know if it was a genuine infection or a reaction to being constantly stressed, anxious and overwhelmed recently or just my body's way of slowing me. I thought it was a tummy bug, but about 5 hours after it started my legs got so weak and shaky that I could barely walk, and it stayed like that for the better part of a week. I was SO exhausted that I couldn't find the energy to get out of bed, or read, or go on social media or even eat that much. It was a real effort to even get to the toilet. I felt constantly weepy and found anyone near me too much. It was several days before I had enough energy to shower or get dressed or even just watch a movie.

Anyway, I have started feeling better this week and today I had to start taking the kids to appointments and it was so overwhelming. I haven't felt that bombarded in such a relatively normal situation for a LONG time. All the sounds around me became so unbearable that I started to feel hot and dizzy, and when someone came over for a chat I had real trouble making out what they were saying to me and felt like I took forever to work out how to reply. I desperately wanted to leave (or cry) for the entire time. By the time I got home I was really shaken and utterly spent.

Does anyone else get this? What is it? What's happened? Am I feeling so overwhelmed because I was ill or was I ill because I was already overwhelmed?

  • in reply to Billy87

    Yes, my Stress Levels were unbearable at the beginning of the week; now, I'm back to hyper-go-go.

    I was at the Village Bar, this evening, for a planned event; I was roped into joining. Turned out it was a filming of the Tyrone GAA Magazine asking men at the Bar who would win the Tyrone Senior Championship. (Gaelic Football)

    I left before filming, but I knew the reporter beforehand; as he managed rival Clubs in Tyrone. My plan is to get up early; for the arrival of the electrician to set up my new boiler. Only to find out, from my neighbour, that NIE will shut off our electricity - for maintenance - tomorrow morning, and early afternoon.

    At least I got a massage, this afternoon, and my Complementary Therapist gave me an assortment of fragrances, to relax me.

  • I'm sorry. Bless you. Constant anxiety can cause our immune system to compromise and in come the bugs not nice but sadly happens when you're down and more vulnerable. In my house I'm always sicker than everyone else. People with Autism are often ill, as BillyC87 said when you're run down it is more likely to happen. I'm so sorry it has happened to you. I hate being sick. Keep smiling and remember that you are fabulous. Look after yourself and make sure you get plenty of fluids in to keep hydrated. 

  • in reply to Billy87

    I often think this. I think long term stress impacts on our immune system. This is one of the reasons why I feel that autistic people need access to appropriate therapy and support - because our stress levels further impact our physical health and our life expectancy. 

  • Awh I'm sorry you were feeling so unwell but it's fab to hear you are feeling better again now. It's possible maybe your anxiety just sent you in to an overwhelming state and that was the result, or maybe it was just a bit of a bug. Whatever it was hopefully it's behind you now and you can get back to normal things :) sending you a hug.

  • It could be burnout. exhausted and more sensitive and emotional than normaly, limited socialising capacity, 

  • I think we get run down more easily than NT people because we are dealing with so much stress and so much overwhelming stuff to process all day that our bodies are too exhausted to fight viruses and bugs when we do get them. Just my theory anyway

    Im sorry to hear you've been through this, I hope you keep slowly feeling better. Just be kind to yourself and do things that you know make you feel safe and good

    I totally get the feeling overwhelmed when talking to people though and coming home exhausted, I go through the same thing

  • I’m so sorry - that sounds like a horrible experience for you. Whatever the cause two things strike me: firstly that you’re starting to feel a little better than you were in the earl6 days of this - which is a very good sign indeed (ie you’re physically getting better). And secondly that I think you need to take it as easy as you can in order for your body and mind to rest and recover. Call on any support you can to help you to be able to get as much rest and relaxation as you can. It’s most likely that yo7 just had a virus or something and need time to get over that. If you don’t improve after a week or two you could ask your GP for advice - but as long as you continue to get better I don’t think you need to worry. Give your body time to heal.