Burnout Boardgame

Originally published on NeuroDiversity University Blog FaceBook page on 3 October 2024

I've just started using Viv Dawes Autistic Advocate Burnout Recovery cards (link at the end, no affiliation).

I would hasten to add that every Autistic/Adhd person I know has Burnout or Burnout tendencies.

We think and feel big.

Our Bonfire Brain is big and that fire needs stoking, replenishing, lots of care and it can burn us, you and anyone in close vicinity if it gets out of hand.

Our Bonfire Brain can also give warmth and joy and love and passion. I find Bonfires to be mesmerising. safe ones that is.

Anyhoodle. These cards help me to support clients to understand and validate Burnout.

One big piece of knowledge/information I give out is that whilst there are many (7 according to Viv) forms of rest, nothing is restful if we have shame. I've written about this here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/QFbLv59dQdNk2Z7r/

I wonder if a boardgame needs to be created as a visual way of understanding Burnout.

You start with so many credits/lives (like spoons, look up Spoon Theory).

Being harmed depletes these credits. If you hit Burnout you miss a turn(s) and stay where you are.

This is where you Rest.

Except if you feel Guilt/Shame/Self loathing then take a step back.

If you think that Rest means you can now move forward then you are mistaken as that shame holds you back and in fact moves you steps back, further back than when you first stopped.

If society thinks you've rested and wonders why you haven't moved forward, then add another pile of shame and go back yet again.

If you are scolded for reduced Exec Function, take another step back.

If your parents are threatened with a Fine unless you go to school, take another step back.

And we wonder why Burnout is so big and heavy.

No wonder we can't recover fully/easily.

The reality of being in Burnout is dark and scary and lonely.

It doesn't need to be like that though.

There is a pile of sparkly happy cards in the Compassion Pile.

There's also a pile of Self Knowledge cards.

And Community Cards.

Lastly there's a pile of (proper appropriate) good Rest cards.

These are the Cards you need.

These are the Cards I and others tell you about.

Many ND Professionals hold those cards.

We share our stories and share our vulnerability to help you navigate Life. We share about sensory profiles and Masking.

There's a bunch of us networking behind the scenes trying to collaborate and help.

For the Love of Chocolate, do try to find us and please know things will get better but only when you find community and are able to try and drop the shame.

If anyone wants to create this Boardgame, please do.

Burnout Cards: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Zj9vWxmWSYNU82P3/

ND Therapists/Databases: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/A1pwXypr5cdh2CW8/

Pic description: Pack of cards on my desk, spread out showing glimpses of words/information.