Not Just Tired...
Dora Raymaker defined autistic burnout as "a syndrome resulting from chronic life stress and a mismatch of expectations and abilities without adequate supports."(source) It's a pervasive, enduring exhaustion. Something beyond mere fatigue. Yet, when asked how I am, saying "I'm burned out" feels like betraying myself. Because what people hear is, "I'm tired," "I need a break," or "I had a long day."
But that's not it. Not even close.
Imagine this:
You're standing at the beginning of a road. To everyone else, it looks straightforward, clear, and manageable. But for you, it's rutted deeply with mud, each puddle a hidden chasm, every step heavier than the last. You're not simply tired… you’re battling for every inch forward, isolated and overwhelmed beneath an endless gray sky. This isn’t fatigue; it's survival.
When I say I'm experiencing burnout, I'm navigating hidden terrain, desperately needing understanding and support. The next time someone tells you they're burned out, pause. Listen. They might be fighting a silent battle you can't yet see.