Hello everyone,
This may be a long post and I’m sorry, but thank you if you take the time to read.
I was diagnosed as a child with Autism, and had significantly more challenges. As I grew up, I became much better at coping and “fitting in”. Largely from High school until now, besides a few overstimulation events, it feels like I had “pushed it aside”. I know that is not the case, and I don’t mean that to be rude to others. However for years, I believe I subconsciously masked and stimmed more discreetly. I also kept my diagnosis to myself. My parents are the only ones aware of my diagnosis. This is not due to shame or public perception. As I grew into adult hood, I worked and continue to work stressful jobs as a paramedic and on the fire department. Within the past 3 years, I had significant changes, including the sudden loss of three of my closest friends and my mom. My mom was my confidant for all things related to my struggles. I also had significant changes at work which introduced a world of new stress onto me.
the last several months have felt very off to me. I feel way more connected to my autistic self than I have before. I have also found myself in sort of a weird depressive state which led me to get some help. It was suggested by a therapist that I may have autistic burnout. He described it previously as “regression” and I don’t mean to upset anybody using that term, but I do feel more regressed into lack of coping essentially.
i have done a decent amount of research into burnout after being suggested this. It is upsetting to see how autistic burn out hasn’t had as much professional interest as one might think. While I still work to understand this condition, I am met with days of constant sadness, crushing pressure, and a feeling of wanting to escape. It has become exhausting and I’m desperately looking for answers.
Do any of my fellow peers have any tips on managing and working through this? If you have any helpful links or documents, I also love that!
Steps online appear to be more vague but have followed them. I give myself quiet time, I always have headphones in case I need them, I’ve cancelled social events for the last few months, and I’ve allowed more stimming activities when I’m at home. I just don’t feel like I’ve chipped away at anything yet if that makes sense.
Again, I’m very very grateful for any and all responses. I’m new here and I’m willing to do anything to get my life back on track. Thank you so much for reading.
This may be a long post and I’m sorry, but thank you if you take the time to read.
I was diagnosed as a child with Autism, and had significantly more challenges. As I grew up, I became much better at coping and “fitting in”. Largely from High school until now, besides a few overstimulation events, it feels like I had “pushed it aside”. I know that is not the case, and I don’t mean that to be rude to others. However for years, I believe I subconsciously masked and stimmed more discreetly. I also kept my diagnosis to myself. My parents are the only ones aware of my diagnosis. This is not due to shame or public perception. As I grew into adult hood, I worked and continue to work stressful jobs as a paramedic and on the fire department. Within the past 3 years, I had significant changes, including the sudden loss of three of my closest friends and my mom. My mom was my confidant for all things related to my struggles. I also had significant changes at work which introduced a world of new stress onto me.
the last several months have felt very off to me. I feel way more connected to my autistic self than I have before. I have also found myself in sort of a weird depressive state which led me to get some help. It was suggested by a therapist that I may have autistic burnout. He described it previously as “regression” and I don’t mean to upset anybody using that term, but I do feel more regressed into lack of coping essentially.
i have done a decent amount of research into burnout after being suggested this. It is upsetting to see how autistic burn out hasn’t had as much professional interest as one might think. While I still work to understand this condition, I am met with days of constant sadness, crushing pressure, and a feeling of wanting to escape. It has become exhausting and I’m desperately looking for answers.
Do any of my fellow peers have any tips on managing and working through this? If you have any helpful links or documents, I also love that!
Steps online appear to be more vague but have followed them. I give myself quiet time, I always have headphones in case I need them, I’ve cancelled social events for the last few months, and I’ve allowed more stimming activities when I’m at home. I just don’t feel like I’ve chipped away at anything yet if that makes sense.
Again, I’m very very grateful for any and all responses. I’m new here and I’m willing to do anything to get my life back on track. Thank you so much for reading.
