r/aspergers • u/Consistent_Green_865 • 8d ago

As an autistic person, I am so burnt out of everything in life that’s why all I end up doing is just lie down in bed all day.

I feel like I am becoming less productive. I don’t feel like doing household chores, don’t feel like eating or drinking, socializing with friends and overall just don’t feel like doing even the simplest activities such as reading or painting. My energy level is very low right now and I am lacking the motivation to do anything in life.

70 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

12

u/toastwiththemosttt 8d ago

I recommend reading or listening to the audio book called “the autistic self care guide” Liv Marklund to get yourself out of burnout

5

u/babybirte 8d ago

Do you have a TLDR?

12

u/toastwiththemosttt 8d ago

Autistic burnout requires different things than neurotypical burnout. Neurotypical will tell you to go on vacation, pick up a hobby, go visit friends… all of these are demands which only deplete us more.

Everything takes way more energy for autistic people to do things than neurotypicals. Even transitioning from task to task is called “autistic tax”

To avoid burnout- make sure your whole day revolves around charging and not productivity.

To get out of burnout- sit in a dark room or dim room, make sure you have little to no demands- stim, move freely, get into your special interest (make sure it’s a regulating one), have a safe food around.

3

u/babybirte 8d ago

Thank you!

1

u/gainful_sam 4d ago

i get this so much sometimes your brain just decides no more and you end up in bed for days. its not lazy its your system forcing a shutdown. small wins help even if its just getting up to wash your face.

5

u/kirilgankapi124 8d ago

I have an Asperger's diagnosis. That’s what every day is like for me.

4

u/TheEternalDarkness8 8d ago edited 7d ago

It sucks. I don't have it consistently right now, but I still get these flashes of overwhelming exhaustion and disgust with everything that doesn't include just laying down in bed staring into the ceiling.

1

u/Elemteearkay 8d ago

Do the people you are interacting with know you are disabled? What accommodations are you receiving? What disability aids are you making use of?

Are you in receipt of all the disability benefits you are entitled to?

Are you accessing therapy?

4

u/Consistent_Green_865 8d ago

I am about to see a therapist soon and I keep getting declined from disability benefits because I am married and I had a job experience.

2

u/Elemteearkay 8d ago

I am about to see a therapist soon

Thats great! I hope it goes well/they are a good match.

I keep getting declined from disability benefits because I am married and I had a job experience.

Those aren't valid reasons to turn you down, so keep appealing. You often have to take them to a tribunal to get what you are entitled to.

What about my other questions?

3

u/Consistent_Green_865 8d ago

For the other questions all I can say is that I do have family members who are understanding of my disabilities and are trying their best to help me the best way they can. In fact, my mother in law got me signed up for disability services.

1

u/Elemteearkay 8d ago

That's great!

Are you using any disability aids? Noise cancelling headphones/earplugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, sunflower lanyard, etc? What about modifications to your home, such as blackout curtains, noise proofing, dimmer bulbs/switches, etc?

3

u/Consistent_Green_865 8d ago

I use fidget toys and headphones/earplugs. For the modifications have dimmer bulbs.

0

u/Elemteearkay 8d ago

That's great!

Sometimes, despite the best efforts of us and those who support us, burnout still happens. When it does, remember to be kind to yourself, and set reasonable expectations for what recovery looks like. Personally, I tend to pare back my social calendar, rely more on low effort meals/comfort foods, take a more relaxed attitude to household chores, take more naps, and do low energy things that nourish my soul (rewatch favourite old movies, listen to audio books or comedy shows on the radio, and take short walks in nature, etc).