Autistic Burnout and emotional pain

Post Reply New Topic

I'm just wondering if you've ever gone through autistic burnout, and what caused it for you?

I dropped out of school at the end of November (will be going back in May) and all of the sudden I had no structure. I regressed. I noticed it has been harder to speak, I stutter or say my words over again a few times. I only ever want to stay inside, alone, listening to the same song over and over while rocking. I've been invited to events, I just don't go.

But then, a friend accelerated the burnout - we were close friends since the summer, but apparently the problems I'm going through right now (not the burnout) are too much for her and she can't worry about me all the time. She ended the friendship.

Now THAT sent me into total regression. I'm stimming in public without realizing it, and I don't stop when I realize (why should I?)

The amount of time I''m able to spend with people is short. Depending on how close, I can usually sueeze out an hour but then I and DONE for the day or more.

My conversation skills (the little I had) are gone. I know there are better ways to enter or start a conversation but they feel unreachable. If I'm nervous (I'll be nervous), I'll probably just jump right in talking about Carrie the Musical. No matter what they're talking about.

Also my tone of voice is much flatter than usual. Most times, I use my theatre training to approximate normal but I guess I don't have the resources.

Regression or burnout? Does it matter? And I would love other people's stories about stress or emotional events causing a regression.

you will simply have to do something that gives you routines and structure to your days.

Yeah, I just feel exhausted and have little motivation to go out and socialize. I feel like I tired so hard and failed so many times and I used up all my energy and the past few years I've just wanted to stay home and read by myself and it just doesn't bother me as much as it should that I don't have social supports (a proper social life). I'm not depressed, I have been in the past and know what that feels like. I don't feel empty and miserable and I'm still excited and interested in things like my novels. I'm just exhausted.

I never regress in terms of my social skills though- what I've learned about body language and social niceties and all that crap stays in tact. My repetitive behaviours get worse when I'm stressed or exhausted though I stim more, get more freaked out if there are unforeseen changes ect,

I find most of the time when I get overworked/overwhelmed I end up burning myself out and resort to old habits to cope. For instance, taking a 9-course load semester. I heard a lot of Aspies do better with a lighter load and can sometimes get help through Disabilities Services. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get accommodation, which resulted in the inevitable breakdown.

Yes I've done it many times. The good thing about that is that I now have guidelines so I can stop it before it happens. Which I guess could be a defense mechanism, but hey, as long as I'm happy with what I'm doing.

I'm trying to regain some momentum by rigidly scheduling tomorrow. I have it down to the hour. If that helps I'll expand on the idea.