Your work ,and it is work, is really valuable Dana. And you know yourself well. As you have so rightly said be kind to yourself always. Enjoy a small treat. You deserve it
Dana, I really appreciate your honest takes and putting yourself out there. I've really been struggling through re-calibrating my life after my own late diagnosis. I'm suck in shutdown/burnout because I finished grad school, fighting cancer, as the single mom of a teenager living states away from any family and it was just too much with no support. I look to your videos for clues of things I might do to my flat or to tweak my routine so I can find joy in my hobbies like you do. Dropping out of social activities last minute is very real. Think of it as your brain offering you an emergency escape slide. Like the JetBlue employee who quit his job, grabbed a couple beers, and exited the plane via the emergency slide. :)
i so really really heavily feel you. I'm stuck in it since break-up from my toxic ex now for 13 months. For me it helps to enjoy every little thing I am capable of and let the rest be to itself or if I have enough strength, ask someone to help me with it. Acknowledging even little things such as washing my face or get up in the morning or go out with the dog, even if it's just a little round, helps me feeling alive and somehow feeling myself.
I’m sorry you’re feeling like this Chick. We’ve all gotta go through it, I guess🙄 I was in burnout for YEARS because I didn’t know I was autistic and I’d kept working and doing my best to soldier on. The best I can say is stuff you already know and it’s so much easier said than done!! Your body is telling you what you need and honestly it’s better not to argue🫣 A few days of absolute bare minimum of life stuff, without guilt or regret and you’ll be able to enjoy Birmingham. I wish you were closer; I would deliver food parcels to your door so that’s a job off your list! Sending virtual food and love,xx
whoa crazy how you could not have dropped this video at a better time for me, thanks! had a big ol meltdown yesterday (I think it was yesterday) and I have been feeling burnout coming on for WEEKS now and rather than immediately listening to that feeling and ceasing all activity, I naively thought I'd be fine if I just kept pushing thru for just a bit longer :) it was not fine. Now I get to deal with the repercussions of not prioritizing myself better.
I really feel for you. I’m in a similar place and know I need to rest but letting go of the habit of just pushing on, as I’ve done most of my life, is hard. Booking stuff and then having to drop out last minute was a recurring theme of my life for years. Happy to say that that’s one area I’ve improved on recently. Be gentle on yourself, you’re not alone in feeling this way.
Thanks as always for just sharing how things are really going. My situation for the last few years has been very similar. And I don’t know another soul that is going through it. Not even close. Just helps to hear someone else talk through it.
I personally always end up having at least 1 day a week where I have what I refer to as a "burnout day" depending on hectic the day/days before were. What's difficult is that I can never predict when the burnout is going to happen. Best ways to avoid burnout are simply just to maintain a reasonable routine, eat healthy, drink fluids, exercise and try get as much sleep as possible
Look after yourself xx I pretty sure I got burnt out last year. I'd like to think it is clearing up, but I don't think it is. I think it is clinging on in there. Anyway, do what you need to.
This is a very useful and helpful video Dana, thanks for making it ❤ I know exactly what you mean and honestly you could have been describing the exact experience I’ve had for the majority of this past year… I’m slowly regaining my energy and going to an event in my city in three days and even though I’m planning accommodations for myself to make sure I can go without draining all my energy and ending up having a meltdown I’m still stressing out about it a bit!
Hang in there... I know how hard it is to think things will get better when you're down there in burnout, but it will. I promise. ❤ Right now, *every* *single* *thing* is hard and tiring. You are not alone. I've been there. Once I get out of it and feel better then I will try to burn in a memory of - "this is what it will feel like when I'm feeling better" just as a reminder to myself that I'll get there eventually again. Take care of yourself for now, day by day, hour by hour. If you have something that you know always makes you laugh, do that, get lost in it, forget about everything else for a little while.
I feel like I have been in burnout for years if am being honest here. If it wasn't for my dog I would never leave my flat. My flat needs cleaning and decluttering but I just can't be bothered to do it.
It’s super possible. I know I’ve been in burnout/regression for at least 2 years. I had a ton of blood labs done last summer and it showed there -severe adrenal fatigue. Labs at 4 months after supplements and serious self care (boundaries too) & the numbers were better - were probably half way outta adrenal fatigue. Oddly really does feel like I’m basically halfway outta that hole. Also being treated neurologically with meds that really help regression of skills (literally the reason I found out I was autistic). I’m currently trying to figure out how to afford a house cleaner to come by a few times a month. Also thinking about scheduling them so I can be there to clean when they are to get a lil cleaning energy off them (a lil grown up mirror play).
I am going through the same thing with the sleeping through alarms and feeling like life is falling apart. I went to do a sleep study because my autism evaluator clinician recommended I do, and then the neurologist diagnosed me with narcolepsy type 2. I tried to look up if autistic people have narcolepsy at a higher rate, I think the answer is yes. The wakefulness promoting medication is helping me be less anxious about my “sleep like a bear” state. Also it’s all muddled because I’ve been in a state of burnout for years it feels like. So maybe I’m not really narcoleptic but autistic burnout makes me *functionally* narcoleptic type 2 (with the REM events and all that happening just bc I’m that exhausted by my autism). Blehhhhh I’m excited for when you post Halifax vlog. I’d definitely be extra burnt out for a week after a trip.
yes, we all feel that way sometimes, like the batteries flat, even if we eat, this exhaustion is completely normal, its one caveat of sensory conditions, it just needs us to have a 'break', with whatever that is, which works for us, a long sleep in on the weekends, an activity, food, etc. which recharges our capacity, its the figurative coffee given to the guy in the reactor control room, so he can manage our 'heat' better, and bring us back into "normal", if you get that analogy; its a situation which requires a special sensory stim to get out of, like going to sleep for some of us, it takes a certain type of 'Zen' to do this magic, and we don't get it all the time. Also adding communication difficulties into this mix, well, then we can't feel or tell anyone else what it is we do feel (its the recognition of our own selves, to step back and look at us, to see if we really are ok, that our 'car' has its mot, and we see what state we really are in).
Reminders me of when i got my first full body massage. I took 2 1/2 hours to "break 💔" into relaxation and turn into jello. A few hours later i went to work, still in jello mode. After 1 hour i was back into complete strees mode. After every job ended, i was often physically sick. I would have to recover before looking for another job. I realized i could never decompress after a days work. Eventually, with age, lost all adaptability and had a nervous breakdown. So find decompressiong however you can. If you need to sleep, sleep. Even if its off schedule. Some of you stress feels delayed. Font suppress.
I'm so sorry you are in burnout. I've learned recently that I'm autistic (not offically diagnosed yet, but I know I am). I've been feeling burnout again and it's one of the worst I've experienced. I'm trying to figure it out and set boundries, but it's so hard when you have to work to have security in not being homeless. I've been trying to find other jobs that I think would be better, but no bites yet. I'm just hope things get better for anyone experiencing this.
I find it very relatable. Unfortunately I have zero idea how to get out of it. I hope you manage though. Good luck. And nice that you're on bluesky too.
something that helped me with the specific like, not getting up when the alarms dictate cause of not hearing them, was getting a daylight alarm clock. So it'll like get up to a fairly bright light as an alarm. It helps me get up on time which helps set a good mental state for later existence
You probably already know this since you're vegan, but it's really important to take a high quality B-12 supplement (methylcobalamin) if you are on a vegan diet because it doesn't provide any B-12. I'm not saying it will mary-poppins-magic-pill your burnout away, but maybe it would give you a boost? Not a dr, not a medical professional, but I was vegan for 3 years, vegetarian for another 5 or so years, and the B-12 was a game changer for me.
Why don't you make a video on your opinions and theories about Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, and Lazarus? I love the shows too and think it would be interesting to see your opinions, considering how much you also love them.
I really don't want to put more pressure on you while you're struggling, but I've noticed a periodic kind of "boop" sound throughout the past couple of videos. it honestly sounds like a sound effect that you'd have when something pops up on screen, or maybe something hitting the mic. Idk if you've also noticed it and are working on trying to fix it but it gives me a little jolt every time it happens so when you get the chance, it'd be amazing if you could try and figure that out. Much love and care !
Would love a vid "playing with Otis". Adore cats but can't have one, I'm simply too poor 🥲 Then, I also feel anxious about consuming "random" cat videos, as there are so many faked rescues and stupid people filming their pets "for laughs" while not respecting and understanding them at all.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Your work ,and it is work, is really valuable Dana. And you know yourself well. As you have so rightly said be kind to yourself always. Enjoy a small treat. You deserve it
I can either sleep 16 hours a day, or not sleep for 36 hours. There doesn't seem to be much in between. It's either feast or famine.
currently experiencing this and it couldn't have come at a better time. thank you dana for not making us feeling lonely during tough times
Dana, I really appreciate your honest takes and putting yourself out there. I've really been struggling through re-calibrating my life after my own late diagnosis. I'm suck in shutdown/burnout because I finished grad school, fighting cancer, as the single mom of a teenager living states away from any family and it was just too much with no support. I look to your videos for clues of things I might do to my flat or to tweak my routine so I can find joy in my hobbies like you do. Dropping out of social activities last minute is very real. Think of it as your brain offering you an emergency escape slide. Like the JetBlue employee who quit his job, grabbed a couple beers, and exited the plane via the emergency slide. :)
i so really really heavily feel you. I'm stuck in it since break-up from my toxic ex now for 13 months. For me it helps to enjoy every little thing I am capable of and let the rest be to itself or if I have enough strength, ask someone to help me with it. Acknowledging even little things such as washing my face or get up in the morning or go out with the dog, even if it's just a little round, helps me feeling alive and somehow feeling myself.
I understand and sympathize. Know that what you do is appreciated :)
I’m sorry you’re feeling like this Chick. We’ve all gotta go through it, I guess🙄 I was in burnout for YEARS because I didn’t know I was autistic and I’d kept working and doing my best to soldier on. The best I can say is stuff you already know and it’s so much easier said than done!! Your body is telling you what you need and honestly it’s better not to argue🫣 A few days of absolute bare minimum of life stuff, without guilt or regret and you’ll be able to enjoy Birmingham. I wish you were closer; I would deliver food parcels to your door so that’s a job off your list! Sending virtual food and love,xx
whoa crazy how you could not have dropped this video at a better time for me, thanks! had a big ol meltdown yesterday (I think it was yesterday) and I have been feeling burnout coming on for WEEKS now and rather than immediately listening to that feeling and ceasing all activity, I naively thought I'd be fine if I just kept pushing thru for just a bit longer :) it was not fine. Now I get to deal with the repercussions of not prioritizing myself better.
Take care of yourself ok :
Relate 100.
Amplify by intolerance of others = human response.
Hang in there.
I really feel for you. I’m in a similar place and know I need to rest but letting go of the habit of just pushing on, as I’ve done most of my life, is hard. Booking stuff and then having to drop out last minute was a recurring theme of my life for years. Happy to say that that’s one area I’ve improved on recently. Be gentle on yourself, you’re not alone in feeling this way.
Thanks as always for just sharing how things are really going. My situation for the last few years has been very similar. And I don’t know another soul that is going through it. Not even close. Just helps to hear someone else talk through it.
🫂 sending you good vibrations and energy
Push it out thru your hands.
I personally always end up having at least 1 day a week where I have what I refer to as a "burnout day" depending on hectic the day/days before were. What's difficult is that I can never predict when the burnout is going to happen.
Best ways to avoid burnout are simply just to maintain a reasonable routine, eat healthy, drink fluids, exercise and try get as much sleep as possible
lol exercise
hang in there Dana ❤ sending hugs
I'm glad you're trying to be kind to yourself, and look forward to watching your videos in the timing you need to take. ❤
Can totally relate to dreading things we have arranged to do. Dropping out at the last minute is my specialty. Hope you end up enjoying it. x
Look after yourself xx I pretty sure I got burnt out last year. I'd like to think it is clearing up, but I don't think it is. I think it is clinging on in there. Anyway, do what you need to.
This is a very useful and helpful video Dana, thanks for making it ❤ I know exactly what you mean and honestly you could have been describing the exact experience I’ve had for the majority of this past year… I’m slowly regaining my energy and going to an event in my city in three days and even though I’m planning accommodations for myself to make sure I can go without draining all my energy and ending up having a meltdown I’m still stressing out about it a bit!
I'm feeling very anxious while watching this for various reasons so I thank you for your openness
Hang in there... I know how hard it is to think things will get better when you're down there in burnout, but it will. I promise. ❤ Right now, *every* *single* *thing* is hard and tiring. You are not alone. I've been there. Once I get out of it and feel better then I will try to burn in a memory of - "this is what it will feel like when I'm feeling better" just as a reminder to myself that I'll get there eventually again. Take care of yourself for now, day by day, hour by hour. If you have something that you know always makes you laugh, do that, get lost in it, forget about everything else for a little while.
Take care Dana🎉❤
I feel like I have been in burnout for years if am being honest here. If it wasn't for my dog I would never leave my flat. My flat needs cleaning and decluttering but I just can't be bothered to do it.
It’s super possible. I know I’ve been in burnout/regression for at least 2 years.
I had a ton of blood labs done last summer and it showed there -severe adrenal fatigue. Labs at 4 months after supplements and serious self care (boundaries too) & the numbers were better - were probably half way outta adrenal fatigue. Oddly really does feel like I’m basically halfway outta that hole.
Also being treated neurologically with meds that really help regression of skills (literally the reason I found out I was autistic).
I’m currently trying to figure out how to afford a house cleaner to come by a few times a month. Also thinking about scheduling them so I can be there to clean when they are to get a lil cleaning energy off them (a lil grown up mirror play).
I am going through the same thing with the sleeping through alarms and feeling like life is falling apart. I went to do a sleep study because my autism evaluator clinician recommended I do, and then the neurologist diagnosed me with narcolepsy type 2.
I tried to look up if autistic people have narcolepsy at a higher rate, I think the answer is yes. The wakefulness promoting medication is helping me be less anxious about my “sleep like a bear” state.
Also it’s all muddled because I’ve been in a state of burnout for years it feels like. So maybe I’m not really narcoleptic but autistic burnout makes me *functionally* narcoleptic type 2 (with the REM events and all that happening just bc I’m that exhausted by my autism). Blehhhhh
I’m excited for when you post Halifax vlog. I’d definitely be extra burnt out for a week after a trip.
I've been here and it's awful. solidarity ✊️
yes, we all feel that way sometimes, like the batteries flat, even if we eat, this exhaustion is completely normal, its one caveat of sensory conditions, it just needs us to have a 'break', with whatever that is, which works for us, a long sleep in on the weekends, an activity, food, etc. which recharges our capacity, its the figurative coffee given to the guy in the reactor control room, so he can manage our 'heat' better, and bring us back into "normal", if you get that analogy; its a situation which requires a special sensory stim to get out of, like going to sleep for some of us, it takes a certain type of 'Zen' to do this magic, and we don't get it all the time. Also adding communication difficulties into this mix, well, then we can't feel or tell anyone else what it is we do feel (its the recognition of our own selves, to step back and look at us, to see if we really are ok, that our 'car' has its mot, and we see what state we really are in).
Reminders me of when i got my first full body massage. I took 2 1/2 hours to "break 💔" into relaxation and turn into jello. A few hours later i went to work, still in jello mode. After 1 hour i was back into complete strees mode. After every job ended, i was often physically sick. I would have to recover before looking for another job. I realized i could never decompress after a days work. Eventually, with age, lost all adaptability and had a nervous breakdown. So find decompressiong however you can. If you need to sleep, sleep. Even if its off schedule. Some of you stress feels delayed. Font suppress.
I'm so sorry you are in burnout. I've learned recently that I'm autistic (not offically diagnosed yet, but I know I am). I've been feeling burnout again and it's one of the worst I've experienced. I'm trying to figure it out and set boundries, but it's so hard when you have to work to have security in not being homeless. I've been trying to find other jobs that I think would be better, but no bites yet. I'm just hope things get better for anyone experiencing this.
I find it very relatable.
Unfortunately I have zero idea how to get out of it.
I hope you manage though.
Good luck.
And nice that you're on bluesky too.
something that helped me with the specific like, not getting up when the alarms dictate cause of not hearing them, was getting a daylight alarm clock. So it'll like get up to a fairly bright light as an alarm. It helps me get up on time which helps set a good mental state for later existence
You might have Alexithymia and need a Feelings Wheel to help you.
💚
You'll process the Halifax vid and it will be better for it in time
You probably already know this since you're vegan, but it's really important to take a high quality B-12 supplement (methylcobalamin) if you are on a vegan diet because it doesn't provide any B-12. I'm not saying it will mary-poppins-magic-pill your burnout away, but maybe it would give you a boost? Not a dr, not a medical professional, but I was vegan for 3 years, vegetarian for another 5 or so years, and the B-12 was a game changer for me.
What’s a cupper?
😆 tea
Why don't you make a video on your opinions and theories about Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, and Lazarus? I love the shows too and think it would be interesting to see your opinions, considering how much you also love them.
I really don't want to put more pressure on you while you're struggling, but I've noticed a periodic kind of "boop" sound throughout the past couple of videos. it honestly sounds like a sound effect that you'd have when something pops up on screen, or maybe something hitting the mic. Idk if you've also noticed it and are working on trying to fix it but it gives me a little jolt every time it happens so when you get the chance, it'd be amazing if you could try and figure that out. Much love and care !
Would love a vid "playing with Otis". Adore cats but can't have one, I'm simply too poor 🥲
Then, I also feel anxious about consuming "random" cat videos, as there are so many faked rescues and stupid people filming their pets "for laughs" while not respecting and understanding them at all.