I'm really really burnt out and need help

Seeking Advice

I've got a job that's on paper a dream job for me, somewhat relevant field related to my past work experience, it's a WFH job with kind bosses and leaders and respectful colleagues. They don't bother you too much or micromanage you, but of course the work is expected to get done on time. I've been here for two years now and given the last time i burnt out more than 3 years ago at a previous job, I would've killed then to be in this position now.

I'm aware that ultimately i just need to suck it up and get to it, but my body fights so hard against this every single day. My theory is that in a previous bad work burnout, i was so chained to my job and my identity revolved entirely around my job and my self worth was tied to my (measly) pay, I had several panic attacks once i finally quit the job after peak burnout. This time, i think I've been trying so hard not to revolve my identity around work. Especially this year, I've tried taking on more hobbies, being more social, just overall doing more (when I'm able, which isn't always) outside of work to the point that I think my brain perceives the concept of work as negative and threatening. I know rationally that I need my job to pay the bills and survive, but i feel too overwhelmed to actually do it. I dont have any more sick days left or i might've tried to take a small break.

I recently got diagnosed, and I've tried to learn about autistic burnout and recovery but all i end up doing is relating with the hundreds of posts on this topic that other people vented about or gave advice on, but i cant seem to take away anything that can help me 😭 but the more i read, the more i feel like I've been in this place for years, stuck. And i really need some help. I'm already in therapy and trying to work on some coping skills, but why doesn't this feel like it's enough on its own? Has anyone else faced this? How do you cope?

I really just need the energy and strength and motivation to do the bare minimum work each day, that's all.

Posted Sep 3, 2025, 6:26 PM UTC

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