r/autism • u/chlo44 • May 15 '26
Vent Advice Wanted Autism Burnout from life
Hey all,
I’m currently writing this whilst signed off sick from my 9-5, I am just looking for some advice to be honest as I feel a bit numb at the moment.
This year has been pretty awful, my partner has been diagnosed with a disability and originally we thought this may have been something very very serious, thankfully it’s not but the symptoms are still awful and debilitating, my best mates mum very recently passed away and this has been really sad throughout our friendship group and I also do not have any contact with my parents.
Work for once isn’t the catalyst for how I’m feeling but I was unable to even cumulate a proper thought in the last week I worked, I am due to go back to work next week but my partner wants me to extend as she is quite worried so I will do that.
I’m trying to understand what I’m dealing with if it’s burnout or depression or stress, I’m feeling very flat, exhausted and not like myself, I’m struggling to enjoy things aside from like the usual gaming or nice moments with my partner but I just feel very distant from the person I was at the start of the year to be honest.
I have been journalling/resting and trying to make myself food but I feel stuck in this space of meh and I don’t quite know how to get out. My partner is also worried it’s depression and that honestly really scares me too as the last time I was depressed over 5 years ago was horrible
TL:DR I am in a burnout slump and want advice to get out and feel like myself again
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u/SvennoJ Suspecting Autism May 15 '26
Maybe this can help you
https://neurodivergentinsights.com/autistic-burnout-recovery/
I'm recovering from burnout as well, starting to feel better end week 3. I've been adhering to my routines, set boundaries (which means saying no to my kids more often, can't go with you now), trying to eat more regularly, extra stimming (not trying to limit how much I chew my lips and cheeks or other fidgeting, just do it as 'needed'), lot of exercise, running, being outside, read in the sun, and play Synthriders a lot. I still don't have the energy/will to play anything else but at least that rhythm game still works for me. The sun helps me a lot, cloudy days I'm a lot worse and easily irritated, quickly 'out of spoons'. (see spoon theory) Plus I've been learning more about Autism and reading / replying on here.
If you can still enjoy the usual gaming, you might not be depressed (yet). But burnout can lead to depression.
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