On disability after burnout, late AuDHD diagnosis — struggling to figure out next steps

Seeking Advice

I’m hoping to get some perspective or advice from people who might have been in a similar position.

I’m approaching 50 and was diagnosed with AuDHD 2 years ago

I haven’t worked in about 3 years following redundancy/burnout/health issues, and my work history before that has been a bit inconsistent. I’ve always tried, but I’ve struggled with energy, focus, and maintaining stability over time.

At the moment I’m on disability, and I don’t have much in the way of family support or a wider social network, which makes things feel a bit more uncertain and isolating.

Right now I feel quite stuck. I’m trying to figure out what’s realistic for me going forward — whether that’s returning to some kind of work, focusing on health, or continuing to pursue more stable support like housing.

I think what I’m finding hardest is not knowing: what I’m actually capable of long-term

whether I’m underestimating or overestimating myself and how to move forward in a way that’s sustainable

If anyone has been in a similar place (especially later diagnosis, burnout, or figuring things out in their 40s/50s), I’d really appreciate hearing  what helped you get clarity and/or what direction you took or really anything you did that you found helpfu to make changes or move forward. Thanks for reading and TIA.

Posted Apr 7, 2026, 11:34 AM UTC

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