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Low energy and intrusive thoughts
There is not a discussion category on this website that truly describes what I'm dealing with, so I'm posting this question here because my issue might relate to autism, since I am on the spectrum.
For the past 7 years I have had low energy (to the point that I can't have a job) and thoughts that pop up in my mind constantly, 24/7 (these thoughts can be about a variety of things, and I can't control whether or not they appear in my mind.)
I don't know for sure what is causing these issues, but based on my research I think the most likely cause is hyperstimulation. (You can find info about it on anxietycentre.com.) Hyperstimulation is a condition in which the body is stuck in a stressed out state and it's usually caused by a person worrying way too much, but I highly doubt that's what caused it in my case. Instead, I figure that engaging in way too much electronic screen time as a kid is what ended up bringing this condition on. There are several factors that made my brain particularly sensitive to the stress caused by excessive screen use, such as autism, hence why I am posting this question in this support group category.
We have tried just about everything to get myself back to normal, such as an electronic fast, relaxation techniques, medication, change of diet, the list goes on. I followed the directions for recovery from hyperstimulation as found on anxietycentre.com, yet my symptoms still did not improve. The relaxation techniques often fail to make me feel relaxed, which is probably what my body needs.
Is anyone else here experiencing the same combination of symptoms that I am? And are there any suggestions for how I can return to the way I was before these symptoms showed up?
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@klash89 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Many times we may have a few things going on at the same time, and trying to narrow down the causes can be a challenge!
What was your formal ASD diagnosis? For example, mine was Aspergers Syndrome.
My suggestion is to start with a good physical exam, and feel comfortable you are in good health in that regard. Are you following a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep and moderate exercise? Have you had any major emotional or mental traumas that have not been addressed? It's surprising how other factors can interfere with our well-being, and we may not even be aware! From there, looking at your past practices [too much screen time for example] can be something to address. Autism is a spectrum, and how it may affect us at one time may be different in another situation.
What do you find interests you in the course of a day, or week?
Ginger
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1 ReactionMy formal diagnosis as a kid was Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). I fell one requirement short of Asperger's. But they keep changing the labels and now by the medical community's standard I'm just considered to be on the autism spectrum.
As for what you said about the physical exam, I have had many tests done, and all of them have come back saying that my levels are normal. I eat pretty healthily, making sure to avoid junk food most of the time and getting vegetables in most days. I get a good amount of sleep every night, although I have to take melatonin for that to happen (I practice good sleep hygiene to a strict degree, despite what the need for melatonin would lead you to believe. I suspect this need for melatonin is caused by my condition producing the low energy and intrusive thoughts.) I no longer exercise aside from walking. This is because even though I've been told that exercise will increase a person's energy over time, the last couple of times I tried that it did not increase mine. And yes, I stuck to that exercise for more than just a few days. A significant portion of my day is spent resting/sleeping, so I want to invest my time in what things are higher on my priorities, and exercise is a lower priority for me, one reason being is that I'm a skinny guy with a fast metabolism. I have not had any traumatic experiences.
My interests are reading and illustrating. It's only recently that I've really gotten into illustrating, so I'm trying to build up my skill.
I'm a young adult and I'm still having to live with my parents because of my low energy. I wasn't exaggerating when I said we have tried just about everything to get myself back to normal. But thank you for responding to my post.
Also, I forgot to add in my first reply that as a kid I was also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Another piece of info to consider.
@klash89 It appears you are trying different things, and have a handle on what hasn't worked for you so far. I was formally diagnosed, as an adult, with Aspergers Syndrome and can understand some of the obstacles you are facing.
A couple of things I would suggest:
- start writing out your thoughts, and illustrating them if so inclined. A couple of years ago I started a conversation here on Mayo Clinic Connect: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/
For me, journaling has been quite insightful. And as you will read this thread, there are so many ways to approach this. It's not just words, you can expand into art journaling, writing poems, essays, etc. A look back after some time doing this, you may find your enthusiasm and energy has increased. My preference is to do it long-hand, for a couple of reasons: much more portable for me, and I can see how my mood is when looking at the handwriting.
- Zentangle is a great form of "meditative art" if you'd like to call it that. I discovered this in 2018, and it has changed my life! https://zentangle.com/ Take a look at their website
Remember, one's normal is not always another's normal, even in the autism world. We get upset and tired of being stuck in one spot, and it takes a great deal of commitment and effort to make a change. Even if we do not find the right key at the beginning, it is important to keep trying. Sometimes little changes at a time will make a difference in the long run. I am glad you came here to find a path.
Ginger