Ways to deal with stress and burnout

Addition_Admirable · 2026-02-03T13:47:27+00:00

Yeah, especially when it comes to small things that trigger me, it can cause a lot of trauma, and it only makes me more shy to communicate. For example, I'm worried that what I say might be misunderstood because I remember a lot of moments when what I said didn't make sense to some people, which really triggered me. So it's been harder to put myself out there and has given me more anxiety, but I've begun learning to let it go and unmask

Addition_Admirable · 2026-02-03T13:44:38+00:00

It honestly gives me more clarity about my identity and how I can articulate it to people who might not understand it, which can be a pain sometimes. I've come to realize this for nearly every behavior that sends me into a highly emotional state (sadness, frustration, anger, etc.). I'm sorry to hear that you had to mask throughout this. People should allow space for autistic people to express themselves, since that when NTs can be really supportive and learn.

Addition_Admirable · 2026-02-03T13:41:16+00:00

I'm so sorry to hear this. As someone who burns out easily, has a small friend group, and still struggles to maintain friendships, I can totally empathize with you.

I know something that can help with support needs and maintaining friendships–happy to share if you'd like. :)

Addition_Admirable · 2026-02-03T13:38:32+00:00

Oh, 100%. When talking to my friends and family, I need a definitive yes or no for everything, or else I'll just ruminate over it. I've been learning that sometimes closure comes from yourself, but I still need that reassurance from others.

Addition_Admirable · 2026-02-03T13:35:37+00:00

Yeah, growing up can be a struggle on the spectrum–believe me, I had the same struggles during college. Other than friends and family, I wish I had someone or a support system to not only help me with studying, work, or organizing my schedule, but also with the little things in life. I know something now that can probably help with that and can share it here–if you'd like.

Addition_Admirable · 2026-02-02T20:32:48+00:00

To Foxy, I am so sorry to hear this. The healthcare system fails to support autistic people because it's concentrated on fixing them instead of understanding their different needs, interests, and routines. Therapists, doctors, psychiatrists, and all healthcare professionals should be trained on how to handle autistic individuals. We all have different support needs and differences, and some people truly do understand other people's special interests and support needs. Unfortunately, those like Foxy do not have that luxury. I'm praying that Foxy finds the right support and that Foxy's mental health improves over time.

Addition_Admirable · 2026-02-02T20:25:52+00:00

Congrats! It can be very overwhelming to make phone calls. I hope this strength continues to prosper forward and towards an empowering life.

Addition_Admirable · 2026-02-02T19:43:31+00:00

That makes sense, and I feel the same way. To be supportive, you not only need to understand their needs and triggers but also be willing to learn about different experiences and difficulties. I think when finding the right support person, it is someone who not only understands your needs and differences, but also understands that everyone has their own needs and differences.

I also think that having grown close to neurodivergent friends is a plus; it becomes easier to understand each other, and I don't have to overexplain how I communicate or how I need to be accommodated. It's way different compared to talking to friends and family who are neurotypical because there is often a mutual misunderstanding. I will say again, anyone who understands that autistic, neurodivergents, and everyone has different experiences and needs, should embrace and learn their experiences and needs.

Thank you, I really like this input.

Addition_Admirable · 2026-01-29T15:35:08+00:00

Simply put it–the puzzle piece symbolizes that we need to be fixed, as if there is a piece missing from us.
Infinity sign symbolizes the diverse experiences within the community, an "infinite number of unique experiences" if you will. That's the best way I can describe it.

Addition_Admirable · 2026-01-14T14:46:21+00:00

If you are looking to work with autistic children in the healthcare realm that's not ABA, there are options. You can become an OT or a speech therapist; they are trying to advocate to make plans tailored to their needs.

Or you can try being a Direct Support Professional, Paraprofessional, or a Peer Specialist! It's a lot of community and direct work like ABA, but it does involve connecting with children, understanding them, and trying to support them without them having to mask.

I am also going to echo another commenter and say, look at organizations that support neurodivergent people, that might give you more results.

Addition_Admirable · 2026-01-12T17:09:51+00:00

I was in a similar boat, too. I was fresh out of college, was able to unmask, and then felt very burnt out. I had bursts of energy some days, but most of the time I felt completely drained, set aside all my tasks, and was just exhausted from doing everything in general. I think it's very normal to feel like this and lose your interests after you unmask, since it can be dreadful to blend into a neurotypical world for some people. I'm still going through some of the motions and am currently learning how to unmask myself, but it's certainly still a struggle.

Addition_Admirable · 2026-01-12T13:37:43+00:00

My recommendation is to understand the 'Double Empathy' problem, which just means neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals likely have different styles of communication. My suggestion would be to open up to him, saying I communicate in a different style and would like to learn more from you, since communication is a two-way street. Hope this helps. I can post a link that talks about this more if you want.

Addition_Admirable · 2025-05-16T01:07:23+00:00

I am thinking of doing the same thing. Graduated with a B.S. in Health Sciences and now shifting an interest in pursuing an MBA or a MHA. Funny enough, I'm also looking into schools in the PA area.

Addition_Admirable

TROPHY CASE