I’m so tired the caffeine no longer effects me. My ADHD issues are worse. It’s effecting work. I’m getting to work waiting to clock in and sleeping in the parking lot.
I get home and will be tired but by the time I get myself fed and everything cleaned up and the dog and cat cared for and in bed (skipping showers or washing my teeth or brushing my hair most nights) I can’t seem to fall asleep regardless of the exhaustion.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel but it’s two weeks away. And I used to work harder and longer hours. I worked in theatre and events and tech was some of the longest days for a week or two straight so I feel like I should be prepared for this. But apparently I’m out of practice or I’m no longer able to cope like I used to.
At this point whether it’s the ADHD or age making it harder no longer matters I just need tips for surviving until life lets up.
I don’t want to scare you, but seriously, do NOT just try to push through the burnout by yourself “until life lets up” and leave it at that - I tried that, and all that happened was a break-down, and afterwards not being able to work, period, for several months. My life back then was not sustainable for my body, and it told me through burnout as a last measure to get me to stop living like that.
In recovery, I’ve also met people who went farther than me (often medication-assisted) and did themselves literal organ damage - one lady had a nearly complete shut-down of the adrenal glands, another had a series of mini-strokes due to elevated blood pressure… it gets bad.
You say there are only two weeks to go, and I wish you the best to get there in one piece. Do try exercising, avoiding screens for two hours before bed, listen to an audiobook to fall asleep, try lavender tea or something, use all the tips.
But please know that afterwards it will not necessarily be over, the exhaustion may stay or come back easily, and you really, really need to reach out to a professional, your GP or psychiatrist and look into treatment options, not just coping options.
Wish you all the best!
Thank you for the words of caution. Having been through burnout and recovery (+therapy, etc.) myself I can 100% second this. Burnout never fully leaves; I always compare it to permanent brain injury. NO JOB IS WORTH BURNING YOURSELF OUT OVER. I ended up selling my company and never regretted it. I’m in a much better place now, doing a job that is meaningful even if underpaid. And I’ve decided against working 100% again, despite the financial downside.
Take medical leave by letting your dr know u need a break. Let drs help get you some time and space to recuperate.
This is exactly what those “disabillity insurancw premiums” exist for
Have you tried professional help? I mean, I’m all for us helping out each other but I suppose your issues are mental and not physical. And that is just an assumption so maybe start with a consultation with a GP.
Coffee can give you a little boost but it’s not something you can rely on in the long run.
Do you sleep soundly? Do you snore? I was borderline narcoleptic because of the methylphenidate before I was successfully diagnosed with sleep apnea. We ADHDers tend to be running with such high levels of stimulants (whether prescription, chugging coffee or just techno) that it can mask sleep disorders, thyroid issues, low iron anemia, or other fatigue issues. This can come on gradually so don’t be too quick to dismiss it as age alone.
Surprised to find nobody has suggested exercise yet. It helps you fall asleep and gives you more energy when you’re awake.
This is very true. It can be hard to get started but it makes a huge impact
Have you seen a psychiatrist and are you taking any medication?
Chronic insomnia is a common symptom of ADHD. Your body doesn’t produce melatonin as quickly as it should. Another common problem is because we can’t sleep, we sit around doing things that make it even more difficult to fall asleep like staring at a screen. My nightly regemin is to to take 5 mg of Melatonin and put on blue light filter glasses (the ones that have an orange hue) 2 hours before bed time. Then I take diphenhydramine (aka Benadryl) at bed time. I also sleep with a weighted blanket which helps me stay asleep.
It’s not perfect but I sleep much better than I used to.
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That’s good to know. I haven’t experienced any negative side effects but I don’t doubt what you’re saying. I wonder why it gets marketed as a sleep aid (or put into sleep aids) so often with that many known side negative effects?
That’s a really high dose of melatonin. If you take that much, your body depends on it and stops producing it naturally. Most people only need about .25 mg.
My psych told me “your body can’t even process that much melatonin”. I figured out the dose that worked for me with trial and error so YMMV.
