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? Dealing with a burnout or struggling with mental health or both

Halewood34

Hi

I’m in my 30’s and I’ve recently filled in a self referral for an autism assessment as I was never picked up at school. I’ve currently been off work (as a nurse in the NHS) for almost 6 months with depression and anxiety, but after research and some community support II think it’s more a burnout with potential depression and anxiety together. Things have slowly improved and I’m going back to work soon but the anxiety has started to over take over the low mood/burnout is horrible and I have a fear once I’m in work I’m going to slip back into a burnout. I’ve been going into work to touch basis and I’m ok as I know I can escape but I worry I’m not getting the full support etc I’d get if I had an autism diagnosis. 

Due to living in Wales there’s a 3-3.5 year waiting list and no way to get an assessment quicker through my job etc unless I can pay which is not likely currently. 

I just really worry due to not getting the correct support in the community as I’ve only got counselling as I’m low risk and no diagnosis of anything to help, I’m not getting the results I need to get my life fully back on track. 

(sorry it’s a bit long winded and deep) 

Parents

  • Your posit isn't long-winded at all! I'm sorry you're having a hard time.

    I'm off work myself with burnout. I did seek a diagnosis from the GP a few years ago, but was bounced from service to service - and gave up in the end. I didn't have the energy at the time. The local autism hub said they'd support with that recently, but I'm yet to even make it on to any waiting lists as yet.

    My therapist administered a screening test (AAA). But you can get them fairly cheaply if you need a piece of paper. Fortunately my employer is supportive. Actually, they haven't actually asked me if I've been diagnosed. They may have assumed, I don't know. But I haven't had to cross that bridge yet. Luckily, my employer is supportive. And as the union rep I know you don't need one legally. May I ask why you're seeking a diagnosis? And if you're in a union?

    I'm struggling with knowing what reasonable adjustments to ask for. Having spent the last five decades masking, I'm not sure having a diagnosis would help me much with that tbh. I've been working with autistic young people for 20 years, and knew I was autistic the moment I met an autistic child. My son's autistic. I had never heard of autistic burnout, however, until one day I woke up and couldn't get out of bed. Or speak. Or complete a simple task. Out of nowhere, as far as I knew at the time. I was stressed and didn't know, Although in retrospect, I had high blood pressure, my hair was falling out, I was tired, and had crazy tinnitus. I think it's probably happened before. After 2 months I'm starting to feel somewhat more functional - but there's still a way to go. In the end, I just had to give into it and stop. I mean, stop everything. I hardly left my bed for weeks.

    Good luck!

  • in reply to coolbanana

    Hi 

    thank you, if I have a diagnosis I’d come under the disability section in the policy and I’d receive more support and adjustments in work.

    I’m due to go back to counselling soon (to continue about the low mood and anxiety) as that’s my only support left in the community but I don’t know if I’ll be wasting go their time as nothings really changed 

  • in reply to Halewood34

    Under employment law the diagnosis makes no difference, regardless of what HR or their policy says.  HR work for your employer, and not you. 

    Your focus need to be your recovery and health. Not justifying your needs to others. Have a look at the resources others have shared. 

    My heart goes out to you. The world isn't designed for the neurodiverse. I wish you the best. 

Reply
  • in reply to Halewood34

    Under employment law the diagnosis makes no difference, regardless of what HR or their policy says.  HR work for your employer, and not you. 

    Your focus need to be your recovery and health. Not justifying your needs to others. Have a look at the resources others have shared. 

    My heart goes out to you. The world isn't designed for the neurodiverse. I wish you the best. 

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