Stress and/or burnout

Hi. I was speaking to a psychologist today and my extremely high stress levels and she mentioned that it could be autistic burnout.

My stress just doesn't dissipate, it's just like a constant background noise that I can't shift or quieten. 

I work as I have bills to pay so I can't take time off and I have an autistic son who does cause me quite a bit of stress.

How do I deal with this. I feel as if I can't wind down no matter what I try. Meds don't do it for me, CBT seems to make it worse. I exercise, don't smoke and I barely drink alcohol.

I've been told to do a stress diary, which is stressing me further.

All suggestions or calming thoughts will be gratefully accepted.

Parents
  • Sorry to hear that Herge, are you able to understand the source of your stress? Is it work? If it is you probably do need to somehow take a break from it, although it does sound like thats not possible? Is there anything you can do to try and make work less stressful, making adjustments etc? Fortunately I am on a break from work otherwise would be probably be in a similar state, I will need to make a decision about going back shortly and will need to make changes in my role and workplace etc

  • I feels as if I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

    I think the vast amount of my stress is my son, he's 24 and is "extremely resistant" to being out of his comfort zone. I think it's PDA and depression but he won't go to the GP or be assessed. I tried to get him training and work experience but he won't engage. He's an adult so even if I get him a placement, they can't discuss any difficulties with me.

    He won't discuss being autistic as he doesn't want to be seen as different, I've explained that since I'm also autistic, I know much of what he's going through.

    It's very frustrating 

  • Ah I see that does sound very difficult and I can understand it most be a very stressful situation. Unfortunately in my experience, certainly with my kids they tend to not listen to any advice offered. Is there anybody else who can help, anybody maybe your son listens to?

Reply
  • Ah I see that does sound very difficult and I can understand it most be a very stressful situation. Unfortunately in my experience, certainly with my kids they tend to not listen to any advice offered. Is there anybody else who can help, anybody maybe your son listens to?

Children
  • Sorry Herge not sure what to suggest, hopefully wiser more experienced folks can perhaps offer something up

  • No, not that I'm aware of, he won't talk to myself,wife or younger son, he doesn't seem to have any friends in the real (not online) world. 

    Be set him up with "talking changes" but I've no idea if he goes or contacts them and obviously they won't tell me.