ADHD Burnout: Signs, Causes, and How to Recover
Learn How to Recognize the Signs, Understand the Causes, and Take Steps Toward Recovery and Prevention
Living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be rewarding in its own way, but it’s not without its unique challenges. When everyday responsibilities pile up, it’s easy to catch yourself experiencing ADHD burnout.
ADHD burnout can feel like a state of mental, emotional, and/or physical exhaustion that goes beyond ordinary stress. Recognizing burnout is the first step toward recovery. Burnout can look different for each individual, but in this blog you can learn common signs, frequent causes, and how to prevent and recover from ADHD burnout.
Common Signs of ADHD Burnout
Each person with ADHD will experience burnout differently, however, if the below symptoms sound familiar, you may be out of balance.
Low energy and motivation
Procrastination and difficulty starting tasks
Persistent fatigue
Overwhelm when facing responsibilities
Mood swings, irritability, or anger
Feeling emotionally numb or detached
Changes in appetite
Disturbed sleep patterns
Social withdrawal and isolation
Frequent Causes of ADHD Burnout
Because ADHD impacts executive functioning, even daily tasks can require extra effort. Without support, the cycle of stress can lead to emotional exhaustion. Below are some frequent causes of ADHD burnout.
Constant stress and high demands
Responsibilities that require planning, organization, and time management
Unregulated emotions and frustration tolerance
Lack of self-care practices
Poor or inconsistent coping strategies
Over-commitment at work or in relationships
How to Recover from ADHD Burnout
Recovering from ADHD burnout is a process. Below are a few ideas on how to get started.
Getting proper rest and quality sleep
Eating a nourishing, balanced diet
Regular exercise and movement
Meditation, breathwork, or mindfulness practices
Walking in nature or spending time outdoors
Leaning on supportive family and friends
While the above steps can help, ADHD counseling or ADHD therapy may be necessary to help you recover. An ADHD trained therapist can provide emotional support for ADHD individuals, while an ADHD coach can teach executive functioning support techniques that make daily life more manageable.
Preventing Future Burnout
Recovery is important, but prevention is just as essential. Ask yourself:
Do I lack structure or routine?
Am I struggling with poor time management?
Have I been overcommitting at work, school, or home?
Get ADHD Therapy in Colorado
By identifying your unique triggers, you can set up preventive strategies and lean on ADHD-friendly therapy that supports long-term success. You don’t have to push through ADHD burnout on your own. With the right combination of rest, healthy habits, and professional guidance, you can recover and thrive. Read more about how we approach ADHD therapy on our specialty page.
If you’re ready to take the next step, consider reaching out to Colorado Therapy Collective for ADHD therapy or schedule a consultation with our intake team. Spend 20 minutes getting your questions answered and get matched with a therapist today.