Burnout

I don't really have any advice that hasn't already been given, but please be kind to yourself whatever you do and remember you are autistic functioning in a world not designed for you.

Hi, thanks :) I think what you say about exploring new territory is very true. I often compare a lot to how things used to be or how I think they 'should be' - but we and the world is constantly changing, so it helps to try and let go of what was. I used to get super stuck on trying certain things because I had a bad experience in past, but actually when I tried some of those things again a few years/months later, it sometimes turned out fine to my surprise. So I always tell myself now, I'm not the same person and there are so many things that change with time.  For me this was quite striking surrounding surrounding issues with food- I was convinced so many things would set off my IBS or make me nauseous as they had in the past and that made it super hard to try foods and expand my diet again etc- but recently I've really expanded my diet and some foods that I was convinced would be bad for my digestion actually turned out good! Other's didn't but I think it's easy to give too much power to what was. 

Oh if you like listening to music, how about audiobooks? I find those are nice- I usually listen to them while going for walk or doing something else. I do manage to worry whilst 'listening' to them, but it can help, especially if it's a good book. 

Hi, thank you for such a thorough responses and for sharing your experiences so openly. I'm sorry it's been so intense for you, and admire everything you're doing to find a way through. 
Relaxation is definitely a skill - it sounds so simple yet it feels meaningful actually to frame/articulate it that way. I'll try to find ways of doing this - I think I haven't yet found what 'relaxation' or 'time off' really look like for me now so that's something to work on.

I'm so glad you've found the grounding techniques helpful.

Hobbies/activities - I'm not sure. Many of the things I once loved have become fraught for me, so I think I need to explore new territory. I have a favourite playlist though - listening to music can help, when I'm able to focus in closely enough.

I hope you can find what you need soon. Thanks again and take care.

I'm also think I might be going through this. Thanks for posting because it helps to know I'm not alone and that other members are able to give good advice.

I like this a lot too! I’m just not sure i will manage to stop the worries from seeping in throughout the day but i guess it gets better with practice? 

Hi- I can relate to this a lot- I am having quite a bad burnout at the moment too and also currently can’t pursue my interests and don’t have any hobby or relaxing activity I can do to recuperate. I don’t have a solution. It sounds like you have a busy time ahead- can you try to take some time off afterwards? Also can you try to set aside some time for relaxation each day? I know it’s not easy, especially when busy- what happens with me is that when I start to get burnt out I put even more energy into work and am so wound up that relaxing seems impossible and when i do stop I collapse and it feels bad... sadly with time this has completely worn me out to the point where I couldn’t work anymore or do anything (and unintentionally lost a lot of weight). It’s so important to not let it get to the utter collapse/ burnout stage as it takes so so long to recover. But I’ve not figured out yet how to prevent the burnout. Someone said to me recently that ‘relaxation’ is a skill we need to learn so apparently it’s not surprising that it feels hard. I also know I need to overcome my constant need to be productive and guilt if i am not... and I want to have a hobby again (or finally be able to start recuperating from injuries so i can do my favourite hobbies again...). Is there any activity you think you would like to do? I know it’s hard because when I am burnt out i do not have the energy for much, let alone trying out lots of new things that i probably won’t like anyways .... what is helping me at the moment is to try and put some daily relaxing thing into my routine (i started having a bath in evening before bed to relax). Also I am finally trying to engage with some anxiety reducing techniques, though it took a few weeks of time off for me to even reach a state where i could start trying so these- I tried some breathing exercises (not sure yet if i like it) and a grounding technique which i quite like- it involves finding 5 things you can see, then 4 things you can feel (eg feet on ground, texture of clothes etc), 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. I quite like this and i am trying to do it when i start worrying.
I hope you find some ways to prevent further burnout and to start recovering! 

you too hope you can find some space to relax in the coming weeks.

Thank you for sharing your experience - it sounds horrendous to have been in burnout for so long. I'm really glad you've been able to release some of the pressure on yourself - that must have taken hard work and I admire you for doing that at any time, but especially while burnt out. Art journalling sounds wonderful. Take care - hope you continue to feel better.  

I've been in burnout for 3 years and the more frustrated with myself/tried to force myself to enjoy /do things , the worse it got.  In the end I just did nothing and allowed myself to do things as I tentatively wanted to.  Currently I'm art journaling but without pressure at all to perform or produce. I made a pinterest first and lost myself in finding and pinning things that made me feel happy/calm.   on very low energy days i do light pilates streches.  i'm still low in energy but feeling better about myself without all the pressure.

Oh dear. That’s sounds like a mountain to climb! I don’t have much advice other to rest as much as possible. Only do what is absolutely necessary and please make sure you eat well. I find this helps, even if you don’t feel like eating.

Thank you Sarah, the allocated Worry slot is something I've heard about before and I'm glad it can be helpful for some people. Sadly I don't have the discipline or control with my thoughts that I imagine this requires, (especially right now) but it's something to explore in future. Thanks for sharing your experience. 

I like this plan, Sarah. Personally, I need plenty of alone time, preferably in nature to recharge. I also have a cafe that I try to go to in a bookshop that helps. I feel better in the knowledge that I have some thinking time planned in. 

As an aside, I have a crazy spaniel so dog walks are not particularly beneficial to mental health for me!

Hi, I don't have anything that would help I don;t think.  But empathise with your situation.  I have what I call my 'Worry Time'.  this is in the morning whilst I walk the dog.  in this allocated time I run through all sorts in my head, rerun stuff and plan what I may have to tackle in the coming hours/days.  Once worry time is over I keep telling myself, when stuff pops in my head, sorry you will have to wait until tomorrows slot.  It helps me, but things never completely stop.