Neurodivergent burnout (also known as autistic or ADHD burnout) is a debilitating condition that can occur when a neurodivergent person has been overwhelmed and operating beyond their capacity for a period of time, to the point where their system is overloaded and cannot be productive at the individual’s normal level. Symptoms vary from person to person, but some common experiences include:
Physical exhaustion Feeling extremely low on energy, feeling the need/desire to rest and sleep more (or much more) than usual. Anxiety and physical symptoms related to neurodivergent burnout may contribute to insomnia or various forms of disturbed sleep. Emotional challenges Emotions may feel bigger, stronger, and harder to manage. This experience commonly leads to internal discomfort, emotional outbursts, explosive anger, and crippling depression, among other reactions. Social withdrawal Neurodivergent burnout is a sign of fully depleted energy stores. With no social battery, people experiencing this type of burnout will likely avoid social situations and pull away from any social interactions that require energy or masking. They may distance themselves from loved ones or stop participating in activities they typically enjoy. Withdrawal may also be experienced in the form of dissociation, which is a drastic measure for the brain and nervous system to escape the demands of life. Types of dissociation include derealization, depersonalization, maladaptive daydreaming, amnesia, and identity alteration. These experiences are less common and may indicate a more severe episode of burnout. Decreased masking Lower energy stores can lead to less ability to mask and cover up natural tendencies toward stimming, info dumping, dissociating, etc. Sensory sensitivities may be more overstimulating as coping strategies become more difficult to utilize. Executive dysfunction A person experiencing neurodivergent burnout will likely have difficulty completing tasks, making decisions, or using skills that were strong at one time. Previously acquired skills such as speech, cognitive abilities, and life management may decline or disappear during burnout. Neurodivergent burnout differs from work burnout or a major depressive episode in that it is a collapse of the nervous system due to extended stress and overwhelm. Work burnout refers to a form of stress that comes from working hard for a period of time and losing motivation, dedication, or interest in the work, which affects the attitude and productivity of the worker. Taking a vacation or extended break, or changing jobs altogether, typically is sufficient to heal this type of burnout. Major depressive episodes are generally instigated by a difficult event in the person's life that has triggered intense sadness, grief, guilt, or shame. Supportive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can often help a person work through the experience and bounce back to their normal level of functioning. Anti-depressant medications are also commonly used in the treatment of depressive episodes. Healing from neurodivergent burnout can take weeks to months to a year or more. It is important to create space for the nervous system to heal gently and completely. The best way to recover is to remove oneself from sources of intense stress and enact deep relaxation and elimination of internal and external pressures. The more fully a person can distance themselves from overwhelming demands, the more quickly the healing process will proceed. It is most supportive to have no time expectations, but to create an environment that will support any length of healing process. Psychotherapy can be extremely helpful while recovering, to help work through the incidents and circumstances that lead to the burnout, and to configure life in a way that will help avoid future burnout instances.
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