11/07/2022
NEW JEWEL: π§ποΈπβΌοΈ
As someone that is neurodivergent and new to the understanding that I am also on the spectrum, Im only just recently learned about Autistic Burnout.
Iβd never heard of it before, and maybe you havenβt either. So letβs talk about it..check it out..β€οΈβπ₯
π€πΎ In autistic adults, signs of burnout may include:
emotional dysregulation
decreased self-care
increased frequency of autistic traits
irritability
low motivation
How it may feel if you have it β>
π€πΎ If youβre going through autistic burnout, you may experience:
anxiety
depression
extreme lethargy
inability to ask for help
memory issues
loss of words or selective mutism
reduced executive functioning (e.g., staying organized, making decisions)
trouble bouncing back from daily tasks
suicidal thoughts
π€πΎ How can you recover from autistic burnout?
Autistic burnout may feel confusing and overwhelming, but recovery is possible!
π Remove obligations! π«ββοΈ
Itβs time to get a little ruthless with your schedule and commitments. If something isnβt 100% necessary, take it off your calendar for the near future.
Your new goal is to try to find as much downtime as you can, with fewer extracurriculars, work projects, and social events.
π Participate in soothing activities! πͺπ§πΎββοΈππΎββοΈ
The idea is to participate in more hobbies that you enjoy, or those that promote a sense of relaxation β the things you might normally brush aside in your busy schedule.
π‘ You may find it recharging to:
spend time in nature
practice a calming visualization
exercise
draw
listen to music
journal
stretch
sit in silence with someone you love
π₯ Sensory interventions β π₯°
These can include compression, sitting in a dark closet specially outfitted for sensory bliss (pillows, quiet, dark), favorite smells, or textures.
π Noise-canceling headphones may also help you feel more grounded. π§
π If you canβt sleep, rest. ππ΄
Autism can sometimes make sleep a challenge. Even if youβre not feeling tired, try to spend at least 8 hours a night in bed.
During this time, try to avoid watching the news or scrolling on social media. Instead, curl up with one of your favorite books or movies.
π Practice self-compassion! β€οΈ
Try to be as gentle with yourself as possible. If there are some things you canβt do, or have to say βnoβ to right now, thatβs OK.
I am still learning about how to navigate it all - but one step at a time, yea?! I went undiagnosed for so long and now that I know, itβs changed my life drastically.
Research historically has only included statistics from autistic white m a l e s, so women and minorities are often overlooked, misdiagnosed, and or never diagnosed as being on the spectrum.
I was previously diagnosed with ADHD, chronic depression and anxiety and OCD. None of those labels π·οΈ ever quite seemed to fit..and so I kept researching and never stopped asking questions.
And thank goodness! Now I know itβs actually due to spectrum qualities. π€·πΎββοΈπ
Phew!
As a Holistic Emotional Health Consultant, one way I plan to use my new platform is by highlighting other diverse neurodivergents and to hopefully π€πΎ cross-functionally build a communal bridge that will support the understanding of unique individuals, both neurodivergent and neurotypical alike.
If you feel so inclined to follow along on my next journey, please like the page π:
- BlkSheep Mecca ππ₯π§ποΈ
Stay curious..More soon..XO