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Entering a total autistic shutdown after trauma triggers and routine shifts

BernadetteB

Hello everyone. I am a late-realised autistic adult (45), and I think my brain has just completely run out of processing power. After an intense summer of burnout, a massive trigger regarding past abuse, and a sudden shift in my daily routine yesterday, I had a grueling night of non-stop panic attacks and trauma flashbacks.This morning, I woke up in a total shutdown. I have completely lost my connection to the 'core of existence'—I have no interest in my usual special interests, my hobbies feel empty, and I feel an intense urge to radically isolate and detach myself from everyone just to survive. I am currently just trying to manage the bare minimum of physical survival.Does anyone else experience this total existential vacuum during a major autistic crash? How do you gently navigate your way back when your brain drops its power grid completely?

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  • Hi Bernadette.  I'm so sorry to hear that you're having a tough time at the moment - burnout can be so hard to navigate on its own, let alone with triggering events and routine changes to deal with on top of that.  It's no wonder that you're feeling totally shut down.  I'm glad that you've reached out to our online community though.  Please know that you're not alone and that other members here will have experienced similar situations and be able to offer you guidance and tips to get through it.

    You may like to have a look at our information on burnout; it may give you some ideas for how to compensate and recover now and in the future: Autistic Fatigue and Burnout  There are also related links to external information at the bottom of the page, linking to resources, autistic people's accounts, and podcasts on the subject.

    Also, if you feel that you might need some support with your mental health, you can find advice and information on how to go about seeking help, including links to other resources and details of helplines and listening support services, here: Seeking help

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  • Hi Bernadette.  I'm so sorry to hear that you're having a tough time at the moment - burnout can be so hard to navigate on its own, let alone with triggering events and routine changes to deal with on top of that.  It's no wonder that you're feeling totally shut down.  I'm glad that you've reached out to our online community though.  Please know that you're not alone and that other members here will have experienced similar situations and be able to offer you guidance and tips to get through it.

    You may like to have a look at our information on burnout; it may give you some ideas for how to compensate and recover now and in the future: Autistic Fatigue and Burnout  There are also related links to external information at the bottom of the page, linking to resources, autistic people's accounts, and podcasts on the subject.

    Also, if you feel that you might need some support with your mental health, you can find advice and information on how to go about seeking help, including links to other resources and details of helplines and listening support services, here: Seeking help

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