Re: burnout neuroatypical

Hi ,

> I am neuroatypical and I am experiencing burnout because of my
> activities in the free software world.
>
> ... But when I
> think about the community in the context of a company—with all that
> implies—I feel incredibly unwell.

It seems to me your first step is to turn off your computer and phone.
Unplug for a while.  If you can't get well, then unplug for life.

But keep in mind that no one here is a medical professional
(corrections, please), so you should seek professional help elsewhere.

(And I hope you are not one of those people who self-diagnose after
watching a TikTok or YouTube video.  That seems dangerous to me.  You
should seek professional help.)

Jeff

On Wed, Aug 26, 2026 at 11:07 AM Jean-Christophe
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QEAdlivGGs
> Hello,
>
> I am neuroatypical and I am experiencing burnout because of my
> activities in the free software world.
>
> What is Neuroatypical Burnout?
>
> Neuroatypical burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental
> exhaustion caused by prolonged stress,
> often exacerbated by the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent
> individuals. These challenges can include
> sensory overload, social expectations, executive dysfunction, and the
> pressure to mask neurodivergent traits
> to fit into neurotypical environments. Unlike typical burnout,
> neuroatypical burnout can be more intense and
> longer-lasting, deeply impacting one’s ability to function in daily
> life. It often feels like a complete shutdown,
> where even small tasks become overwhelming, and recovery can take much
> longer.
>
> I don’t want to leave the free software world. It’s my passion, my
> reason for living. It’s all I have. But when I
> think about the community in the context of a company—with all that
> implies—I feel incredibly unwell.
>
> I’m discovering this about myself, and it’s hitting me hard. I have no
> answers, no solutions, and no way to get help.
> I don’t have the means to see a therapist, and there are no resources
> where I live. Nothing. I’m just frustrated and
> can’t seem to do anything anymore. I don’t know how to move forward.
>
> I imagine I’m not the only one in the community who feels this way.
> When you check every box from
> this video, both the free software community and I need to
> ask ourselves the hard questions.
>
> The debate is open, and help is welcome—including discussion groups.
>