Autistic Burnout and Depression the same thing?

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Some psychologists do view burnout and depression as the same thing or view burnout as a sub category of depression. Burnout is an official diagnosis in the ICD-10 but not in the DSM 5. Burnout is not something you do not have one day but do have the next. Most of the attention has been on occupational burnout. Autistic Burnout or Aspie Burnout is theory that claims it is burnout caused by "prentending to be normal" or "acting NT" for a lengthy period of time. During a time of autistic burnout one is said to be more autistic or have the severity of symptoms increase.

Depression: What is burnout syndrome? - Pub Med Health

Occupational Burnout - Wikipedia

AUTISTIC REGRESSION AND FLUID ADAPTATION - Musings of an Aspie

Ask and Autistic - What is Autistic Burnout?



I do believe I had it especially prior to my 2013 diagnoses. It is something that happened very gradually over a 2 decade period.
From the Wikipedia Article linked above
Psychologists Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North have theorized that the burnout process can be divided into 12 phases, which are not necessarily followed sequentially.

The compulsion to prove oneself
Often found at the beginning is excessive ambition. The desire to prove oneself in the workplace turns into compulsion.
Yes


Working harder
Because they have to prove themselves to others or try to fit in an organization that does not suit them, people establish high personal expectations. In order to meet these expectations, they tend to focus solely on work while they take on more work than they otherwise would. It may happen that they become obsessed with doing everything themselves to show that they are irreplaceable.

Yes



Neglecting their needs
Since they have to devote everything to work, they now have no time and energy for anything else. Friends and family, eating and sleeping start to be seen as unnecessary or unimportant, as they reduce the time and energy that can be spent on work.

Yes



Displacement of conflicts
They become aware that what they are doing is not right, but they are unable to see the source of the problem. This may lead to a crisis in themselves and become threatening. The first physical symptoms appear.

I knew I was not doing things right and knew some of the reasons why but did not know the full reason because I was unware of bieng Autistic



Revision of values
While falling into a state of denial of basic physical needs, perceptions and value systems change. Work consumes all energy, leaving none for friends and hobbies. The job is the new value system and people start to become emotionally blunt.

Not really



Denial of emerging problems
People may become intolerant and dislike being social. They may be seen as aggressive and sarcastic. Problems may be blamed on time pressure and all the work that they have to do.

Not bieng social is lifelong for obvoius reasons and if anything I was too tolorent, too willing to conform.


Withdrawal
Minimal social contact turns into isolation. Alcohol or drugs may be used as a release from obsessive working "by the book". These people often have feelings of being without hope or direction.

Never been into drugs and only a casual drinker. Defiantly lack of direction during this period.


Obvious behavioral changes
Coworkers, family, friends and others in their immediate social circles cannot overlook the behavioral changes in these people.

No



Depersonalization
It is possible that they no longer see themselves or others as valuable. Their view of life narrows to only seeing the moment and life turns to a series of mechanical functions.

YES, YES,YES,YES . The second sentence was definitely the main symptom.



Inner emptiness
They feel empty inside and may exaggerate activities such as overeating or sex to overcome these feelings.

Overate



Depression
Burnout may include depression. In that case, the person is exhausted, hopeless, indifferent, and believes that life has no meaning.

Exahusted and some hopelessness. Not really indifferent or life had no meaning.
Definitely not sad or blue

As far as Autistic Regression my executive dysfunctions increased substantually during this period.


Burnout syndrome
They collapse physically and emotionally and need immediate medical attention. In extreme cases, suicidal ideation may occur, with it being viewed as an escape from their situation. Only a few people will actually commit suicide.

I guess burnout is universal and it can happen to non autistics as well.

I don't think there is a specific autistic burnout thing.
It is just general burnout, which can happen to anyone who works too hard for too long while neglecting rest, relaxation, one's own individual needs.

I wonder if burnout can be mistaken for anxiety?

I don't actually really care what it is, what it's called, whether it's the same as some other thing, whether it's "general burnout", "autistic burnout" and I don't even care if someone thinks that just because I CAN rise to the occasion and enjoy the fact that someone kindhearted has tried to lift my spirits even if just for the moment that is happening, that oh well I can't possibly be either depressed OR burned out and it's there one day and not the next



ALLL BS. You -- the "universal you" -- don't know what a person feels even when they actually try to tell you.

And all I know personally is I'm all used up and find it torture just to keep on going. Come and look at what has happened to my place, just for starters, and tell me TO MY FACE what I don't have and am not suffering from.

Jesus christ.

Is this because I very ,very recently PUT THIS in my signature?

I don't like the lightness being made of this sh!t. Why was this thread started? Can't you discuss something else? Find something in someone ELSES sig?

I'm pretty sure I experienced autistic burnout after working in retail for a long time. I pushed myself daily to conform and act outside my abilities and true nature. I had periods of depression and increasing anxiety over time, and ended up being unable to work at all, for the last 9 years now.