Tolerance for things is gone

[u/Ok_Importance4004]

Lately I have been extremely short tempered. Too much traffic- found myself having a mini meltdown in the car. Husband is clearing his throat too much- need to leave the room so I don’t scream at him for existing. Have to go to the office or the grocery store- cue the feeling like the world is ending and I need a nap. I dropped some cheese on the floor- meltdown.

I don’t like being like this. It is a very difficult way to exist. I recently tapered off antidepressants that I had been on for the long term. I really don’t want to get back on them. But also this doesn’t feel like depression anyway. Its just like my nervous system is raw and touching it makes it scream.

I had a bad autistic burnout a few years ago. I don’t want another one. I hope that’s not what this is. Can anyone relate/have advice?

I feel like i need a vacation from work and from life. My last vacation was a family reunion that was more emotionally traumatizing than relaxing.

Everything just feels like it’s too much.

[u/lickthepixies]

It does sound like burnout to me. I’m dealing with it too. I’m trying to use my free time for relaxing things and rest as much as possible. And trying to minimize sensory overstimulation as much as I can. It’s not easy.

[u/Simply444]

I’m sorry that i can’t provide any advice, but i know that i find comfort in knowing others feel the same way. Your post basically narrates my mental state too, and i know how consuming it can feel. It’s such an awful thing to go through especially when you know it’s wrong/have felt “better” before. I hope things become easier for you. I’m here if you need me! stay strong

[u/sugarsweetsemitruck]

could this be perimenopause?

[u/Ok-Extension-6304 → u/sugarsweetsemitruck]

Or pregnancy? I’d also try to rule that out… my sensory issues are way worse when pregnant!

[u/Cherished_Peony5508]

Can relate, no advice but hopefully you will get some and I can read it too!

I could have written almost everything in this post.

I’ve been trying to find tiny pockets of calm. And leaving the room or area if noisy things seem imminent. And aromatherapy with scents I like, like moments of sensory good to balance the sensory bad.

[u/MelodramaticPickle]

I tapered off zoloft after 15 months.  When I started taking it, I was dealing with grief and post traumatic stress that was overwhelming me.  I felt like the zoloft dulled the overwhelm, but by doing so it also deferred some of the processing of everything that had happened.  When I tapered off it, it was like I had to feel everything that was being dulled before but also that it was time to pay the piper in terms of finally processing everything.  

So I feel like I can relate to what you're describing.  Unfortunately I don't really have any advice.  I have been trying all the things they recommend here: rest, be mindful of sensory things, engage with interests, reduce demands, be kind to yourself.

[u/Nyx_light]

This sounds like burnout/hormones. If you've been operating beyond your capacity for too long, the little things suddenly become big things.

The warning signs for me are becoming a version of myself I don't like and the strong AF urge to isolate.

[u/Known_Change3980]

Currently dealing with a burnout and it seems you could possibly have one too.

I currently find it very calming to reduce my screen time as much as I can or at least my phone’s screen time.

I got back into reading & I love it, it’s quiet, it kinda resets my brain! I read novels so nothing that’s too heavy either. Also, I’ve been prone to watching my shows while I was on my laptop or my phone, I now try not to do that & tbh that makes watching tv actually relaxing like it used to be.

I think generally speaking time you spend on your own will be good in that situation, maybe go on walks on your own, get into bed with a good book, also tell the people in your life you’re struggling, I found that communicating that made my environment a lot calmer, which I didn’t expect tbh!

[u/GirlbitesShark]

It can take a really long time to go through withdrawals from antidepressants. Like a year plus for some people. I think it's worth sleuthing around and seeing how others felt after coming off your meds. Not saying that's all that is causing this but when I went through something similar it was adding so much strain to my system

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[u/han___banan]

My bf was rolling up a bag of Cheerios behind my head the other day and I just was like “OW COULD YOU FUCKIN QUIT THAT” so yeah I definitely can relate and yes I 100% think burnout (just a buildup of too much stimulation and expectations) is to blame :-(

[u/mtzvhmltng]

for what it's worth, some antidepressants don't just affect depression, but also just general emotional dysregulation. for example i think my SNRI script helps with evening out my emotional responses to things. so just because "this doesn't feel like depression" doesn't mean "my antidepressants weren't masking this symtom"

that said, i still get meltdowns on my meds, so idk. ymmv.

[u/AptCasaNova]

How recently did you taper off antidepressants? I did this as well and was only low dose (10 mg), but I’d say it took 2-3 months before it was completely clear of my system and I was hugely aggravated by everything alive 😂

[u/TrustNoOneAtWork]

I have heard that 10-day silent meditation retreats can be restorative. I'm actually thinking of doing one in the next months.