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Justifying burnout

Lemon slice

Does anyone else feel like they have to constantly explain what autistic burnout is like to others,  such as GP's, manager at work and even to friends.

If, for example, I'd had a stroke, would I need to explain myself so much? Don't think so. Ive got GP appointment tomorrow and have just written a page of notes to try to show why im not fit for work.

I say to some friends , im completely exhausted and then they explain how they're exhausted too!! No, its not the same, you are functioning,  I am not.

Why do i feel i have to justify this? Have others felt like this? 

  • It’s a nightmare - they all think you’re simply “stressed” and you have to keep saying no it’s very different to stress. 

  • You can ask your doctor to provide you with a note using language which explains how you are recovering or living with a condition. As its not something medication can fix then people need to know about and accept this. 

    To save time I keep reminding people this is who I am, because a lot of them the ones who have jobs spend the whole time trying to avoid talking about neurodiversity - because its the real issue. 

    My GP is really good, they would never lie but they would certainly always try to see the reason why I was asking for something or what help I needed. Ultimately that is their job.

  • Yes I do find a lot of people don't understand. I have had comments from others that they have the same, showing they don't understand.

    When I was requesting a sick note I listed all the symptoms of burnout I was experiencing, so I hoped this would cover the non medical term of autistic burnout. I was surprised that I got a GP who was understanding and even used the phrase. I hope your appointment goes well.

  • I went in with a list of notes, she read them and said what do you want from me 

    When I said I can't work she said how long do you need to rest

    I also asked to be referred to see an occupational therapist and told no they don't help with autism, so I paid to see a private occupational therapist 

    GPs don't get it because it's not in the diagnosis manual, what they see is depression not autistic burnout 

    Another time I went and they wrote on my notes mute and madd , I was so overwhelmed my voice was in shutdown and my husband had to talk for me, I couldn't even take my headphones off to listen to what he was saying 

  • I've tried the making notes for the GP before- when I was looking for refferals for assesment or whatever. Also, tending not to go until you feel you really need to, by then there is sometimes more than one thing you want to discuss,- which your '10 min slot' doesnt allow for the GP  may say 'only one item per visit'.  Good luck for your appointment.

  • Good luck,  Yes, I have felt I need to explain it and, like you, I have experienced some people not understanding it. Fortunately for me, my GP practice and manager at work do. As for others, if I don't need them to get it, I will invest limited energy to explain or signpost, and then stop so I retain enough spoons for my own needs.

  • I have also found a lack of understanding amongst healthcare professionals and others about Autistic Burnout.

    I find the need for explaining yourself, again, is unfortunate and frustrating.

    (The next "Helpful Harry" who trots out to me the autopilot superficial, patronising, platitude along the lines of "Oh!  its anxiety" ...will definitely hear my unabridged opinion on that guff).

    There is an NHS webpage about autistic fatigue and burnout with resources I have used a couple of times when trying to refine my education / replies:

    https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/health-and-lifestyle/autistic-fatigue-and-burnout/

    Below the video "What is burnout?" they have helpfully included the transcript (with what I find to be a good, detailed explanation of the impact on life skills during the experience of autistic burnout).

    Your page of notes already ought to aid your reference during your GP appointment.  I hope it may sooth your concern; to recognise the summarised experience of others on that webpage / video transcript.

    Hope your appointment tomorrow proves to be a constructive conversation with your GP.