Exhaustion

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.

Parents
  • I hope you're feeling less exhausted today.

    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.

Reply
  • I hope you're feeling less exhausted today.

    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.

Children
  • 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.