Help How do you become content with life as someone disabled? And or Chronic Exhaustion?

[WastedPottential]

Hi Guys, I was just wondering if there's anybody else out there who has coping strategies regarding or with:
Autism, Adhd, CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)/ LC Long Covid, etc. and some coping strategies on how to deal with that?

I wish I could work, and my main coping strategies have been gaming, reading and creating things.
Gaming, I'm slowly starting to fall out of favour with, since it either feels like I'm tired and sick of it, and the more I do it, the more I feel a void, and the more I look at my favourite genre; Visual Novels the more the characters represent people I could never end up being.
(Apologies for the rant)
Reading depends on my energy and focus, and seems to be my default, but even then it's more so to pass the time

But I really love creating things, ever since my adolescence, even in my darkest hours, when I wished to do CBT, I always stayed because I had a project I liked working on, and It used to be my refuge, but it seems like every day I try to create things. I can barely do it and can't do what I wish to do, and it's just upsetting now.


Does anyone want to use this thread to discuss coping strategies?

 

[Sunderland]

I've only been diagnosed with ADHD and MDD. As far as physical ailments go, I've got 2 herniated discs and that limits my physical activity quite a bit. Even sitting for long periods of time hurts after a while, I always have to end up laying on a flat surface after 2 hours to crack my back into place (oh how i miss 16 hour gaming sessions). As far as coping strategies go, the only one that really clicks with me is alcohol. Shitty advice, I know, but it depends what kind of drunk you are. You've got good drunks and bad drunks, good drunks get to the point where they're silly and free then pull back, bad drunks keep going till they spew.

Non self destructive ways of coping I've found would be (insert text here lmao). I'm genuinely curious to find what helps for others.

pic related

 

[wantingdignity]

I don't have the same diagnoses, but I really sounds like you're looking for a sense of purpose, or at least something to get you out of bed.

I'm not working at the moment either. Going to an outpatient program has been helping me. I know someone else that is going to a residential behavioral health program.

I'm trying to decide if I can go back to work and actually meet the physical and mental requirements for it. If I can't, that means starting over, and I do not do well with blank time.

You're doing a good job with coming up with hobbies! It might be good to incorporate something that has a set schedule and/or has a social aspect. I'm not sure how severe your symptoms are, so it might be easier said than done.

Have you found anything in the past that you liked? Maybe something that you can try starting again?

 

[INYGTRMTFMO]

I have autism, adhd, and suspected chronic fatigue. My joints hurt a lot; I think I might be hypermobile, but I may also just be really out of shape.

I just survive the largest moment I can. Even if that's gritting my teeth and making it through the next five seconds. If you make it a second at a time, you'll survive the day.

It also helps to break tasks down into the smallest component. Doing a project can be overwhelming. Typing one paragraph, making one kandi bracelet, drawing one eye of the painting, can be a lot more doable. Unloading the top rack of the dishwasher is easier than cleaning the kitchen.

And, of course, rest when you can. I know this is a lot easier said than done for a lot of us. But needing rest and recovery isn't a moral failing or a sign of weakness.

...I do also drink more alcohol than is healthy, and sometimes I scream, cry, hurt myself. I'm neck deep in autistic burnout and am on the cusp of drowning. But if I can a few moments here and there to listen to ASMR, maybe go on a walk at my favorite park if time permits, I can make it through.

 

[Pale_Rider]

I drink also. Idk. Im really lost these days.

 

[WastedPottential]

Thanks for the advice and for telling your stories and experiences, everyone; it means a lot to me.

I'll try my best and follow some of the advice. Sometimes, it's hard to really find meaning in all those little accomplishments. When I was more disabled due to certain events, that was a purpose of mine, but now I'm finally feeling like I can claw out, not being able to escape my situation fully can be scary sometimes.

But I'll try, day by day, every little bit of progress is a goal


(I do wish I could drink alcohol/do drugs) But I have had and heard some bad experiences with family members and friends due to drugs, so I can't unfortunately

You're doing a good job with coming up with hobbies! It might be good to incorporate something that has a set schedule and/or has a social aspect. I'm not sure how severe your symptoms are, so it might be easier said than done.

Have you found anything in the past that you liked? Maybe something that you can try starting again?

That's been my goal for the last couple of weeks, and I've been working on my art and stuff, and occasionally trying to keep it consistent. My biggest fear, though, is disappointing everyone again when I inevitably burn out or have an equivalent, past year has been full of burnouts, and it feels like ass, anytime I can't do something.

But I'll keep working towards it, thank you.

 

[milkteacrown]

I have a disorder that causes severe fatigue and I struggle in ways similar to you. Lately, I've been focusing on redirecting my goals and dreams to very attainable ones. For example, my original goal was to become a doctor—something that is no longer realistic for me. But I love writing, and so I have been writing a book I'd like to publish someday soon. I do still mentally burn out, but I like intellectual stimulation, so that hasn't been so difficult for me.