How do I break out of a slump?

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I am just constantly exhausted and unmotivated to do anything. This can't be the point where I give up, surely?

Don't give up just yet. Will write a bit more shortly.

Writing to you through a meltdown myself.

Sometimes when things are off I try to go through a checklist:

1. Have I exercised
2. Have I drank enough water
3. Have I slept enough
4. Have I eaten food that energizes me
5. Have I had fun lately

When I neglect any of these for too long I fall deep down the rabbit hole.

Other times I just need to chill out.

That might look like 5 hours in a bathtub with epsom salts and airpods on noise cancel mode.

Or it could be playing a video game for 5+ hours with some non-alcoholic beverages I like.

When I'm feeling really rough lofi music also helps me sometimes, chilled cow normally has good stuff.

I also discovered recently that I have sleep apnea, I'm using breathe right strips every night now which helps my energy and am looking at a CPAP soon.

Biggest thing I think is acceptance of what you're feeling.

If you're tired, acknowledge it.
Sad. Same thing.

When we deny our feelings they tend to stick around longer because we haven't processed them.

Sending hugs and good thoughts for you to get through this.




I also asked ChatGPT to throw some options our way to help with self regulation (which can lead to slumps ending):

Certainly! Here are some examples of atypical therapies and options that some individuals with ASD have found helpful:

Animal-assisted therapy - Animal-assisted therapy involves working with a therapy animal, such as a dog or horse, to promote emotional regulation and social interaction.

Art therapy - Art therapy involves using creative expression, such as painting or drawing, to explore emotions and improve communication and social skills.

Music therapy - Music therapy involves using music to promote emotional regulation, social interaction, and communication.

Yoga and mindfulness practices - Yoga and mindfulness practices can help individuals with ASD to develop body awareness, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve social skills.

Hippotherapy - Hippotherapy involves working with horses to promote physical and emotional regulation, as well as social interaction and communication.

Equine-assisted therapy - Equine-assisted therapy involves working with horses to improve communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation.

Virtual reality therapy - Virtual reality therapy involves using virtual reality technology to simulate real-life social situations and help individuals with ASD practice social skills in a safe, controlled environment.

It's important to note that some of these therapies and options may not be available in all areas or may be expensive. It's a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional or therapist to learn more about which options may be most appropriate for you or your loved one.

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Virtual reality therapy sounds really interesting.

Please don’t give up!

You’re very intelligent.

Avoiding my bed (unless to sleep) seems like a good idea to hopefully regain some of my energy throughout the day. I should start with that perhaps.

A few other ideas:

Sunlight

Nature (even a walk in a park can help)

Feeling the feelings in your body. (Body scan meditation). If you are simply feeling what is happening, it is impossible to be thinking about what is happening. Thinking is usually a hindrance rather than a help.

I hope you feel better soon.

I think I am starting to improve. I feel different in a way that I can't quite describe. As if I am in step with myself once more. Perhaps not just yet, but close to being. I see a way out of this slump.

The days are starting to get gradually lighter, which is helping to improve my mood.

I think I spoke too soon. Granted, progress isn't always linear. I can't help but feel like the life I am living isn't my own, and frankly I am not sure where to start in order to bridge the gap between the life I am living and the life I want to live.

It's overwhelming at times. A vague sense that something is wrong.

Motivation sure can come from the most unlikely of places. I found myself playing Stardew Valley recently, a game I hadn't played in a while, and I felt calm.

I saw the vivid colours and the storybook like graphics. Listened to the relaxing music. I remembered why I had started studying design and art in the first place.

Then I started working on my portfolio. A task that I had been putting off. It didn't seem so bad once I had started. Life felt less daunting. One task at a time. Now that's in motion, all that's left to execute is getting into contact with a driving instructor so I can start lessons.

It felt nice to work on my projects again. I'd missed this. Maybe there's hope yet.