Exhaustion Isn’t Just ‘Feeling Tired’: How to Spot the Early Signs Before You Hit Burnout
Tired. Worn out. Running on fumes.
If you’re parenting a neurodiverse child, chances are you know these feelings all too well. But how do you know when "just tired" has shifted into something more?
The truth is exhaustion—especially the kind that comes from the relentless demands of advocating for your child—often sneaks up on you. And before you know it, you’re not just tired anymore. You’re running on empty with no idea how to refill the tank.
So, how can you tell when you’re heading toward exhaustion? Let’s talk about the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that might be easy to miss.
The Difference Between Everyday Tiredness and Exhaustion
Everyone feels tired sometimes. But secondary exhaustion—the kind that comes from mental overload, emotional labour, and constant advocacy—hits differently.
Here are some early signs that your body and mind might be waving the white flag:
Physical Symptoms:
Waking up feeling like you haven't slept at all.
Unexplained headaches, muscle tension, or aches.
A persistent sense of heaviness in your body.
Emotional Signs:
Feeling unusually irritable, overwhelmed, or emotionally "flat".
Crying more easily—or feeling like you want to but can’t.
Losing patience more quickly with your child, your partner, or yourself.
Cognitive Clues:
Forgetting simple things (like why you walked into a room).
Struggling to focus during conversations or appointments.
Feeling like your brain is "foggy" all the time.
Behavioural Red Flags:
Snapping at loved ones—even when you don’t mean to.
Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities you once enjoyed.
Relying on caffeine, sugar, or distractions just to get through the day.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Why Exhaustion Hits Parents of Neurodivergent Kids Harder
When you're constantly navigating school meetings, therapies, meltdowns, and the ever-present mental load of advocacy, your brain stays in "high alert" mode far longer than it's designed to.
This is secondary exhaustion—the kind that doesn’t go away with an early night or a weekend off. It builds slowly, bit by bit, until one day, even basic tasks feel impossible.
What Can You Do?
The good news? You don’t have to live like this.
The first step is understanding what's happening in your body and mind—and recognising the signs early so you can act before burnout takes hold.
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