Extremely low functioning due to stress and worries

[JamesM]

So, when all is good, I seem to do quite well and function quite well.

However, when something in my environment or situation is causing me stress, that one thing will completely take over my life to a point where almost all basically functioning goes out the window, including my ability to self care, organize food, take out garbage, wash cloths, concentrate or even communicate and put words together. This can go on for days, weeks or even months. there appears to be a lot of overwhelm, shutdowns, meltdowns, increased sensitivities, racing thoughts and disassociation during these times.

Once the issue is removed, resolved or whatever, I seem to return to normal, and gradually get my skills and functioning back.

Some examples of stressful situations include, issues with health, something happening to a loved one, someone doing something to me (conflicts, abuse), financial issues, housing issues (poor living conditions), overwhelming worries etc, pretty much anything really.

Is this an ASD thing?

 

[Outdated]

Is this an ASD thing?

Very much so, yes.

However, I find that as I'm getting older it's taking me longer to get over issues.

 

[Judge]

It's true. A very real consideration for those of us on the spectrum of autism.

In times of stress and even if and when things are copacetic, our executive functioning and cognitive flexibility can sometimes take a nosedive. Particularly when our routines are disrupted over something unexpected that can pop up to make some of us miserable.

How Autism Affects Executive Function and Daily Living

 

[Aspychata]

Finding that getting things finished takes a back seat when l an dealing with too many frustrations. l actually do state boundaries, and l have way less patience for pure BS. l find that staying emotionally grounded helps but sometimes a mental health day of pure nothing is great. Dealing with an emotionally challenging relationship, and l am debating on if l should end the whole thing. l am in a low functioning mode.

 

[VictorR]

Yes. Some folks use a spoon metaphor to describe their ability to cope with stressors at a given time.

Spoon theory - Wikipedia

 

[SusanLR]

However, when something in my environment or situation is causing me stress, that one thing will completely take over my life to a point where almost all basically functioning goes out the window, including my ability to self care, organize food, take out garbage, wash cloths, concentrate or even communicate and put words together.

Describes it perfectly. I am going through weeks of this currently.
My house partner is in an institution now with a broken leg from a car wreck caused by a stroke. I am disabled. Trying to live at home alone with no help.

I'm experiencing all of the above you listed and those racing thoughts that never shut up. I have to use a walker due to a neurological disorder, so it is very scary here alone. I can't think straight yet can't stop thinking. Spend a lot of time just doing nothing but sleeping or trying to relax to ambient music and TV.

It will come back to feeling normal when so much stress is finally alleviated.