Burnout is a condition of mental and physical tiredness brought on by stress and coping mechanisms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

A state of physical and mental fatigue is called burnout. It could happen when the pressures placed on your body and mind become too much for you to handle. Although there are many different causes of burnout, chronic stress is a common element in all of them.

Long-term stress reactions remain active and begin to have detrimental effects on your body when you push your mind and body to the maximum.

The physiological reactions that occur when you perceive danger or adversity are referred to as your stress reaction. Your respiration and heart rate increase, hormones are released, and neurotransmitters are changed, among other things. Chronic stress is what happens when this response persists over extended periods.

The type of ongoing stress that results from managing ADHD symptoms is known colloquially as ADHD burnout.

Here’s a closer look at the causes and solutions.

What causes ADHD burnout?

Burnout in ADHD is frequently linked to the ongoing stress of controlling symptoms and adjusting to unsupportive surroundings.

It can take a lot of effort for people with ADHD to “mask” or repress their actions to blend in with their social groups.

Stress over organizing, spending more time on projects, or being “less than” neurotypical persons can also result from symptoms relating to time management, attention, and emotional control.

The chronic stress linked to ADHD burnout can also be exacerbated by hyperfocus, sensitivity to rejection, and perfectionism or self-criticism tendencies.

What does ADHD burnout look like?

Regardless of the reason, burnout symptoms often seem alike.

Burnout can look like:

• feeling constantly fatigued, even after adequate sleep
• persistent low mood
• loss of motivation
• a sense of apathy or emotional numbness
• sudden shifts in mood and outbursts
• irritability
• feeling overwhelmed by minor tasks
• increased negative self-talk
• sleep disturbances

Burnout can exacerbate symptoms if you have ADHD since it impairs your capacity to manage your condition. For instance, if you struggle with attention, you might find that when you hit a burnout stage, your ability to focus and concentrate deteriorates.

The ADHD burnout cycle

The pattern of overexertion, burnout, and recuperation that people with ADHD endure is known as the “ADHD burnout cycle.”

ADHD is a lifelong diagnosis, but with the correct assistance and symptom treatment, many people may find balance in their daily lives. Avoiding burnout might be challenging if you’re experiencing high levels of ongoing stress linked to symptoms of ADHD, such as masking, hyperfocus, or inattention.

When burnout strikes, you know you need to change and give yourself time to heal. When you return to the initial circumstance, burnout is likely to recur if the underlying pressures are not addressed.

Not every person with ADHD will experience burnout regularly. Burnout may be a phenomenon that is unique to a certain situation or event.

How do you treat ADHD burnout?

Removing yourself from the source of ongoing stress is the first step if you’re in a burnout stage. You have to get better, and getting well is hard while you’re still under stress.

To effectively manage ADHD symptoms through medication, lifestyle modifications, and environmental support, removing stress is frequently necessary. The urge to fit in or “make up” for ADHD lessens once you can control your symptoms and have the resources you need to thrive every day.

Here are some pointers to help you get over burnout:

• practicing self-compassion
• setting realistic daily goals
• making time for relaxation and activities that bring you joy
• exploring and engaging in stress management techniques, like meditation or deep breathing
• celebrating achievements, no matter how small

This is not something you must face alone. To avoid and overcome ADHD burnout, consult a mental health expert. A therapist can assist you in creating more efficient coping mechanisms for ongoing stress in addition to helping you create a thorough management plan for ADHD symptoms.

The bottom line

The ongoing stress of difficulties with ADHD can lead to a state of physical and mental tiredness known as ADHD burnout. Many persons with ADHD deal with constant stress as they manage their symptoms and try to live up to expectations in unsupportive circumstances, while not everyone will experience burnout.

If you’re suffering from ADHD burnout, concentrate on getting better and dealing with the root reasons for your stress. By working with a mental health expert, you can learn better-coping mechanisms and overcome burnout.