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Learning how to prevent burnout/meltdowns/shutdowns - therapy options?

Maz

Hi everyone,

A bit of back story before I go to my request:

I turned 51 last week and 30+ yrs ago I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and put on medication. I have tried many different anti-depressants but none have ever properly worked and I was never convinced my diagnosis was right. Then, 3 years ago I was diagnosed with ADHD and things felt 'better' and it seemed as if I might finally understand myself but over time this too didn't feel like the answer - since then I have also been diagnosed with ME and Fibromyalgia.

At the end of last year we had a specialist come into work to do a talk on autism and I remarked at the time how similar autism was to ADHD.......then several months later it clicked; it was not the similarity at all but what I was reading and hearing about autism was me. I spoke to my GP who concurred and she put me in touch with the local ASD service - after completing tons of paperwork I finally heard back last week and they believe there is a strong possibility I am autistic but I have to wait 2 years to see someone.

The biggest problem I have is being overwhelmed by everything that lead to crashed where I am out of action for weeks at a time; these last few months, after a stressful change at work, I have found it harder and harder to cope, am sleeping and eating less, am super anxious, angry and snappy all the time and endlessly tearful. This is a regular pattern for me and I expect many others here. Autistic burnout.

Over my life I have seen so many therapists/consultants/psychologist/psychiatrists but they have all been focussed on my depression because that is what they all latch on to - as I consider the occasional bout of depression a symptom of something bigger (as it now shows to be) it is no wonder this has never worked for me.

Has anyone ever used specific therapy, targetted at the ASD population that has helped them better manage their symptoms etc.? Any help will be greatly appreciated especially as I am struggling to hold off another full-blown crash right now

Thank you

Simon

Parents

  • I had a similar experience. What has worked for me is learning some aspects of mindfulness and relaxation. I was lucky enough to be able to work from home so, when the signs came, I was able to lie down in a darkened bedroom and concentrate on my breath. At other times, just being somewhere quiet with low sensory input helped to "recharge". With practice., I have been able to switch instantly to a relaxed state with my eyes closed and just concentrate on my breaths. Afterwards I can " wake up" look around me and concentrate on here and now to keep my mind clear. 

    Hope this helps Pray 

Reply

  • I had a similar experience. What has worked for me is learning some aspects of mindfulness and relaxation. I was lucky enough to be able to work from home so, when the signs came, I was able to lie down in a darkened bedroom and concentrate on my breath. At other times, just being somewhere quiet with low sensory input helped to "recharge". With practice., I have been able to switch instantly to a relaxed state with my eyes closed and just concentrate on my breaths. Afterwards I can " wake up" look around me and concentrate on here and now to keep my mind clear. 

    Hope this helps Pray 

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