Dealing with ADHD Burnout
Hey there! I'm so glad you've stumbled upon this post. If you're here, chances are you've felt the heavy cloak of exhaustion that ADHD can drape over your shoulders. I've been there, running what feels like an endless marathon with ADHD, trying to juggle the chaos of daily life, work, and personal expectations. Not easy, right?
What Exactly is ADHD Burnout?
ADHD burnout is that feeling when you're just done. Imagine your mind and body are like a smartphone, and ADHD burnout is when you hit 0% battery. Except, there's no charger in sight. It's the total drain from the constant battle of managing ADHD symptoms, from the effort it takes to stay focused to the mental gymnastics required to keep impulsive decisions at bay.
I know how it feels. Some days, I'm buzzing with ideas, riding the hyperfocus highway, and then suddenly, I hit a wall. Everything becomes overwhelming, and I just want to throw in the towel. If you've felt this way, you're not alone.
Spotting the Signs
ADHD burnout sneaks up on you, wearing disguises like constant tiredness, irritability, or a nagging sense of failure because you forgot yet another appointment. It's in the moments when you're staring at a to-do list that seems to grow longer by the second, and all you want to do is crawl back into bed.
I've been there, feeling like I'm just not cut out for... well, life. The guilt, the frustration—it's a lot. But here's the thing: it's not you, it's the burnout talking.
Oh, I’ve been down that road. More times than I'd like to admit, I've felt like I was constantly running on a treadmill set just a tad too fast. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and can make you feel pretty alone. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone. I've shared my own rollercoaster ride on my YouTube channel. Check out my story — it’s raw, it’s real, and I hope it makes you feel a bit more understood.
Breaking the Cycle
So, how do we break free from this cycle? It starts with cutting yourself some slack. Yes, really. Set those realistic expectations. Not everything needs to be perfect. (I’m still working on this one myself, trust me.) Embrace self-care like it's your job — because it kind of is. Sleep, exercise, and finding moments of zen can do wonders. It's getting enough sleep, eating foods that fuel your body, tapping, yoga and yes, sometimes it's watching an episode (or three) of your favorite show without feeling guilty.
And support? It’s crucial. Lean on friends, family, or a community that gets it, there's strength in admitting you can't do it all alone. I've found that opening up about my struggles not only lightens my load but also helps others feel less alone in theirs. Sometimes just talking about it can lighten the load. If things feel too heavy, please seek professional help. Therapy and sometimes medication can provide that extra layer of support you need. And for me has tapping been a major life hack for the better, learning how to deal with and ease stress and anxiety.
You're Not Alone
If you're nodding along to this, feeling seen and understood, I want you to know that's exactly why I wrote this post. ADHD and burnout can make you feel isolated, but there's a whole community out there, myself included, who gets it.
I've shared more on my YouTube channel. It's raw, it's real, and it's me laying it all out there in the hopes of connecting with you, sharing our struggles, and finding a way through them together. Check out my video here.
Burnout doesn't have to be a life sentence. With the right strategies, support, and a little bit of self-compassion, we can recharge our batteries and keep running our marathons—maybe even with a few less stumbles along the way.
Be patient with yourself. Celebrate the small wins. And when you need a reminder that you’re not doing this solo, I’m here. We’ve got this. 💪
