• Replies 6 replies
  • Subscribers 8 subscribers
  • Views 351 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Overwhelmed by Change, Burnout, and Diagnosis

Radgieplays

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out because I’m feeling incredibly overwhelmed, and I know this community understands the layers that come with neurodivergence.

Recently, I’ve been having more panic attacks and getting wildly emotional in public — which is new and unsettling for me. I’m currently off work due to burnout, and while the break is helping meet my autistic needs (routine, quiet, sensory regulation), it feels like my ADHD needs are in chaos mode. I’m struggling to structure my days, finish tasks, and manage the emotional fallout of so much change.

A lot is happening at once:

  • I’m about to move to a new house in a new area — a good change, but still a big adjustment.

  • My role at work has changed, and when I return, I’ll be facing a new team, new students, and a new building.

  • I have an ADHD diagnosis meeting on 8th October, and the anticipation is adding to the emotional load.

  • I’m trying to apply for PIP, but I struggle with phone calls, and that’s making the process feel almost impossible.

  • And I’m still trying to process my recent autism diagnosis — figuring out what it means, how to advocate for myself, and how to rebuild in a way that feels sustainable.

Currently, I don’t see a clear path back to my job. Everything feels raw and unpredictable, and I’m trying to be kind to myself, but it’s hard.

If anyone’s been through similar transitions — especially around diagnosis, burnout, or navigating work changes — I’d really appreciate hearing how you managed, or even just knowing I’m not alone.

Parents

  • I feel your pain. I am in exactly the same position. Suffering burnout working in education and the death of my father. At 64 and having ‘retired’ from work I now find myself newly diagnosed and applying for PIP and UC. I’ve worked for 46 years and feel that I cannot deal with the idea of starting anew… 

  • in reply to Finding_Jacky

    I am sorry to hear about your loss Jacky. I also work in education and I was in a management position up until September this year and was 'reassigned' (albeit with my consent) to go back into teaching but I find my sensory needs clash with my neurodivergent student needs too. It is a minefield to try and deal with.

    I hope that we can both navigate our way through this. I am in my late 40s and just had the diagnosis a few months ago so it is still a whirlwind of discoveries. 

Reply
  • in reply to Finding_Jacky

    I am sorry to hear about your loss Jacky. I also work in education and I was in a management position up until September this year and was 'reassigned' (albeit with my consent) to go back into teaching but I find my sensory needs clash with my neurodivergent student needs too. It is a minefield to try and deal with.

    I hope that we can both navigate our way through this. I am in my late 40s and just had the diagnosis a few months ago so it is still a whirlwind of discoveries. 

Children
  • in reply to Radgieplays

    After 25years in a school with so many SEN children and unrealistic timetables I knew I couldn’t return. . I found that my neurodivergence worked really well with those children I felt I understood better than others. It was the minutiae of education that I couldn’t deal with. Hopefully you will be able to ‘find a way’ in your new role.