Is it traditional burnout or neurodivergent burnout? What if the difference doesn’t matter as much as we think it does?

It is a heavy thing, isn’t it? That feeling when the battery doesn't just hit zero, but feels like it’s lost the ability to hold a charge altogether. If you are finding yourself in a season of deep exhaustion, please know that your body is likely doing exactly what it needs to do to protect you.

Often, we use the word burnout as a catch-all, but many are beginning to notice that exhaustion wears different masks. Sometimes it’s the result of a world that asks for too much doing, and sometimes it’s the result of a world that isn't quite built for our specific way of being.

We invite you to sit with these reflections, not as a diagnostic tool, but as a gentle mirror to help you understand what your nervous system might be asking for.

An Invitation to Reflect

As you look at your current state, you might find pieces of yourself in one—or both—of these experiences. There is no right way to be burnt out, and often, these two paths walk hand-in-hand.

Reflections on the Traditional Path

Traditional burnout often feels like a slow flickering out of a flame that once burned bright. You might ask yourself:

Does my exhaustion feel tied to a specific role, a project, or a dropping of boundaries at work?
Have I noticed a sense of cynicism or "checked-out-ness" creeping into things I used to love?
Do I feel like I just need a long vacation to find my spark again?

Reflections on the Neurodivergent Path

Neurodivergent (ND) burnout often feels less like losing interest and more like a system-wide blackout. You might ask yourself:

Am I finding that tasks I used to be able to do —like cooking, making a phone call (author’s note - I note the irony of including phone calls in this list, if you’re anything like me, making or receiving a phone call irregardless of burnout is a neurodivirgent nightmare), or finding words—suddenly feel impossible?
Does the world feel louder or more abrasive than usual? Does light or sound feel physically painful?
Have I been performing or masking my true self for so long that I’ve forgotten what I actually need?

Exploring the Nuances

While every journey is unique, it can be helpful to see how these experiences might differ in their roots and their healing:

Finding the Path Back to You

Whether you identify with one or a blend of both, somatic (body-based) support offers a bridge back to yourself. It isn't about fixing the exhaustion, but rather about creating a safe container for your body to do its work.

For the Traditional experience: Somatic work is a gentle invitation to thaw and replenish. When we are burnt out, we often go numb. Moving through the body helps us reconnect with our internal needs and find our "yes" and "no" again.
For the ND experience: Somatic therapy acts as a sanctuary. It’s an invitation to stop performing. By using low-stimulation environments and honouring rhythmic movements (like stimming) and leaning on spoon theory, we allow the nervous system to re-integrate after years of holding it all together.

A Gentle Reminder: You don't have to choose a side. You are allowed to be exhausted by your job and life and overwhelmed by the sensory world. Recovery isn't a race; it's a homecoming.
…the twist of hope beyond dilemma…
If you find yourself nodding along to these reflections, perhaps your body is signaling that it’s time for a different kind of support. You don’t have to navigate the fog or the exhaustion alone.
I invite you to explore booking a time for us to connect—a space where your exhaustion is honoured, and your nervous system is allowed to simply be. Whether you are seeking to thaw or looking for a safe place to hibernate, we can gently discover the rhythm that feels right for you - Book a telehealth consultation

The Burnout Dilemma