Lived Experience Forum

[fangorn]

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out because I'm really struggling right now. I feel completely broke—mentally, physically, and financially. Everything seems overwhelming, and I don't know where to turn.

Mentally, I feel exhausted and unable to cope with the stress in my life. Physically, I’m drained and it’s affecting my daily activities. Financially, I’m in a tough spot, which only adds to my stress and anxiety.

I’m looking for advice, resources, or just some words of encouragement from those who might understand what I’m going through. Any support would mean the world to me right now.

Thank you for reading.

[tyme]

Hey @fangorn ,

Welcome to the forums.

I'm sorry to hear that life is pretty tough right now. That feeling of being 'broke' mentally, physically and financially can really have a big toll on your entire being.

Do you have people you can talk to?

Connecting with people may not entirely 'fix' things, but it can help in that you feel less alone.

I have experienced that feeling of being completely broken in life. It was these very forums that helped restore my sense of connection and belonging in the world.

Isolation can be more painful than physical pain sometimes. When I connected with people on the forums, I was able to hear their experiences and know that I certainly wasn't alone.

Please know we are here for you and want to support you through this difficult time.

What are some things you enjoy doing?

[fangorn]

@tyme Thanks for your reply! I am really struggling to find joy in anything at the moment. Even things I used to enjoy, like going for a walk or listening to music feel like a chore.

I have been suffering from skill loss. I recently lost my job, because I was no longer capable of performing all the duties required. I have seen a clinical psychologist and a psychotherapist in the past, both of them said my skill loss was temporary.

The psychologist said it was part of my autism burnout, the psychotherapist thought it was trauma related.

I also saw a psychiatrist, who without taking a detailed history or blood tests or anything, decided in a few sessions there was nothing wrong with me, that the issue was me not taking responsibility.

I am currently unemployed and looking for work, so I spend a lot of time tweaking my resume to pick up all the transferrable skills for each application. So far I have had 2 phone interviews where I was not successful and from the majority of applications I hear nothing.

I have a friend I could talk to, although I would be reluctant to talk about everything. I am living in his spare room at the moment, so I don't want to put more on them really.

[tyme]

Hey @fangorn ,

Thanks for responding.

I'm hearing things have gone downhill a bit recently. It's understandable you are feeling this way.

Yet from your post, it sounds like you have a fair bit of insight into what's happening for you and are working through some things.

Seeing the psych said it was a temporary loss of skill, is there some way you know if you are ready to go back to a similar job (if you want to)?

I hope you find this space supportive for your growth and mental health journey.

[Ainjoule]

Hey @fangorn 

Sorry to hear that you are having a tough time. At times when I have been depressed I set myself the smallest of goals and then when I can manage the first goal, I add a second and so on. It can be slow work coming out of a period of depression but it's worth it. In terms of getting food, etc I would suggest having a looks at https://askizzy.org.au/ Ask Izzy  - it's a listing service for crisis support in your area...not everything is free on it, but there is a lot that is in terms of food, etc. And welcome to the forums, glad you have found your way here 😊

[fangorn]

No timeline, no. Have tried with work from September last year until March this year to get back into my role. No other positions were available according to management. There is no way I can apply for the same job somewhere else, as I am still running into issues, in fact, even the interview process is now so stressful, as I know I am limited compared to what I used to be capable of.

I have been looking at cleaning jobs, or jobs that require little qualifications, hoping to at least get something temporarily.

[tyme]

Hearing you @fangorn . I'm sure you are not alone. 

Do you think you can do something from home? I'm not sure what your interests are.

For me, in the past, I've designed framed quotes etc that people order. 

I've also made cards, wedding booklets and invitations, place cards etc. I really enjoy it, and mainly did it for interest, but I can see that people can make a living out of it.

I wonder if it's about finding what you are interested in and going from there?

[OM108]

@fangorn 

Great that you reached out here. I can hear that you have been trying to get the support you need, and have been given different opinions on what might be causing your skill loss and overwhelm. Looking for work tends to be a "fulltime" occupation in itself....and can bring a lot of stress with it....on top of your financial and emotional burdens.

After hearing it might be autism burnout, trauma related or even as suggested "not taking responsibility"....what are your own thoughts about how this has happened? Did you suffer a lot of stress in your work?

When i look back over my working life, i see now that I was operating from a place of fight-flight and therefore found it hard to focus on completing tasks, got stressed under time pressure, and felt pressured by the expectations and lack of understanding/recognition from others. It is easy to burnout under that sort of pressure. I find now that slowing down and taking 10 minutes to focus on my breath can help to regulate my nervous system.... so i can focus properly and get things done without feeling the overwhelm. Do you have any routines or practices that you use to help you cope?

Music and nature are life savers at times....I really do hope you can find a way back to enjoying them again.

You sound like a very resourceful person who is willing to take any reasonable paid work, in order to make ends meet. Wish you well getting a job (if that is what you want), and I hope you find a way to connect with the right people who can listen and understand your needs. Getting clear in your mind and picturing how you want your life to be....and then feeling how it feels for you to be living your best life...is very powerful practice. May it be so!

[NatureLover]

Hi and welcome, @fangorn , it's good to have you here.

I really feel for you. I have been there, completely broken and with no money, for years.

Sending wishes for you that your life will turn around very soon for the better 🤞

[fangorn]

@NatureLover 

Thank you for your kind words. Would you be able to share some of the strategies you used to get out of that situation?