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Exhaustion

Katy Chocolate Lover

My working spell might be at an end already and I've only managed 2 days! I am exhausted, and I mean exhausted, drained of all energy to the extent that standing is actually really difficult. When I was at work this afternoon the wave of exhaustion hit me I felt dizzy and like I might fall down, from the exhaustion it wasn't dehydration. Actually for once I'm remembering to drink.

But this exhaustion it's extremely debilitating. Since I got home from work I've literally been in bed, I haven't done anything else just resting. I've had a few naps but still feel tired, my body aches and I've got the feeling like a migraine except it's not a migraine. I feel well, not like I feel unwell, I just feel fatigued.

I've had this before, less severe but I recognise the symptoms.

I'm wondering if this is burnout or the start of burnout as I've read before that it's like this for a lot of people. As well as work I've been suffering really bad anxiety so I'm worried that all of it together is resulted in burnout.

I'm upset because I was doing well with this work and my boss is pleased as well. I would hate for this opportunity to be lost but right now I don't see how I'll be able to work tomorrow unless this fatigue goes and fast.

  • in reply to Autonomistic

    Hi yes you might be right that this is a warning sign that things are heading towards burnout.

    I went to work again today but this time when I started to feel like things were becoming too overwhelming I went in to the staff room and was able to sit down for five minutes. My boss was absolutely fine with this and after I was able to function more normally again. I may need to get some ear plugs though for the noise as all day the kids are screaming and really loud, it’s a lot to cope with all on one day, especially a really hot one like it’s been today.

    I didn’t do so well with my drinking today and felt a bit frazzled this afternoon but I’ll try harder to drink more tomorrow.

    Feeling much better today, a bit more energy, taking a quick break earlier helped a lot.

  • Exhaustion for me is a very part of fibro. When being assessed, they were querying CFS and/or fibromyalgia and finally diagnosed pure fibromyalgia, autistic burnout wasn’t suggested, they were aware of my autism dx and I’m happy with their conclusion, reading round the subjects this is correct for me

  • Exhaustion can be rough. Sounds like you're doing a lot it's not surprising it's hitting you like this.

    If you can have a sit down for 5 at work to give yourself a break and time for a breather to recover. It also sounds like your getting physical anxiety symptoms here as well so trying to remain stress free is key as well.

    It sounds like your boss is nice so maybe you can talk to your boss about it and see if they can help as well. Take it easy today and try not to stress too much.

  • I hope you're feeling less exhausted today.

    Katy Chocolate Lover said:
    I'm wondering if this is burnout or the start of burnout

    I wouldn't go so far as to say that but it's definitely a warning sign that you are doing too much. 

    From here on the NAS website:

    "Autistic burnout is a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic life stress and a mismatch of expectations and abilities without adequate supports. It is characterised by pervasive, long-term (typically 3+ months) exhaustion, loss of function, and reduced tolerance to stimulus."

    Take it easy and if you need days off then take them. Don't feel guilty as your health comes first.

    Do you think it might be the sensory overwhelm of the noisy and busy environment you are in? I find that I can be massively exhausted after a short time in a busy and noisy environment. Yet I can be physically active for a whole day, hiking in the hills, and not experience such a level of exhaustion.

    You may need to start thinking about what reasonable adjustments might help if you want to continue in your new job. Things like ear protection or having a quiet place to escape to if you feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

  • Hi Katy, 

    Well done for getting through the first two days, it isn't easy, especially when you haven't worked for a while. There's so much to take in, it's overwhelming. 

    If it's possible, you can try to make the rest of your life as simple as it can be for a while when you're not working. Anything you don't have to do, consider whether it can be left for a while. 

    Working may get easier as the days pass, it takes time to process all the new information you're having to deal with, be kind to yourself while you go through what is a big adjustment. 

    I hope things improve Slight smile

  • Katy Chocolate Lover said:
    I'm wondering if this is burnout or the start of burnout

    Fully fledged burnout I would say.

    Keep you boss informed of progress and if you are up for going back then consider doing it part time on maybe a Monday and Thursday to see if staggering the days helps

    For now it is time to rest and recharge as you cannot simply push through this.