Burnout?

Hi findingme__again, 

Thank you for sharing how you are feeling, it sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot, and that must feel overwhelming.

Burnout can feel very difficult and challenging and what you describe will resonate with a lot of people here. You're not alone, we're here to support you. 

The National Autistic Society does not currently operate a crisis or emergency service. If you’re finding it hard to cope or have thoughts of harming yourself, please seek help. If you feel you [or anyone else] is at risk of immediate harm, dial 999 or contact one of the mental health crisis lines listed on our Urgent Help Page: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/urgent-help.

If it’s not an emergency but you’re still struggling, speaking to a health professional can help. If your GP is closed, you can call 111 for NHS support. In England, Wales and Scotland, you can now choose option 2 to speak directly with mental health professionals: www.nhs.uk/.../.

Here are some other organisations that offer free, confidential support:

· Samaritans – Call 116 123, 24/7

· SANEline – 0300 304 7000 (4.30 PM–10.30 PM daily)

· Shout – Text 85258, 24/7

· Mind Infoline – 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM)

You’ve taken a brave step by posting and you’re very welcome to keep posting. Remember that you deserve support too.

All the best, 

Katrina Mod

Iain said:

Bunny has given the site recommendations but I think in your situation you may be better off speaking to your GP

As I suggested before offering any resources:

Bunny said:

Alongside asking for support from your GP

findingme__again said:

Some days I feel like I literally don’t want to get out of bed but force myself over and over to do it.  I haven’t left the house on a day off now in months as I can’t face it I’m so exhausted, I have no patience for my wife or kids and I cry all the time.  Worse some days I question the point in all of it.

I'm sorry you are going through this - it sucks but there is a way through it.

Bunny has given the site recommendations but I think in your situation you may be better off speaking to your GP to see if they can give you something to improve your mood for a short period to help you get out of the quagmire that you find yourself in.

Your GP can advise on what the best options are in your situation (we cannot offer medical advice here) but mention your situation and your need to get back on your feet to start working on a better long term balance.

Have you worked with a psychotherapist? I found them to be very helpful to develop healthy coping techniques and avoid the cycles of depression that we often find ourselves in. Just be sure to find one who has experience of helping autists as there are plenty who lack knowledge of our particular needs.

Hi and welcome to the community!

I'm sorry to hear of your struggles. 

Alongside asking for support from your GP, you might find these NAS resources helpful:

NAS - Autistic fatigue and burnout

NAS Professional Practice - Understanding autistic burnout

NAS - Depression

NAS - What support can I get at work as an autistic person?

There's also some great (free) advice here from Dr Megan Neff - a neurodivergent author (who's also a clinician and advocate):

Autistic Burnout Recovery: How to Build a Recovery Plan

I also have this book of hers. It's very user-friendly, including lots of diagrams and worksheets:

The Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan