As per the title, does anyone else get this? The random events, the lack of routine, not quite knowing what day it is. I've found the past few years it's been worse (compounded by family bereavements). What doesn't help is that my workplace environment seems to be more challenging in December also, this year particularly. Yesterday I found that I just felt wiped out and this morning felt anxious and on edge and that makes me feel ill. I was unable to run yesterday and this morning so my routine was gone and I was irritable, snappy immediately. Thankfully recovered a bit in the afternoon.
Anyway, just wondering if others find this particularly in December.
Yes. The last few years I managed it really well but this year has been difficult for whatever reason. There's the lack of sunlight, disruption to routine, increased workload, more frequent socialising, overstimulation from lights and repetitive songs, the list goes on!
Yes there are so many changes in routine during December and I find I get more overwhelmed by Christmas nowadays rather than enjoying it and soaking up the festive atmosphere. I have barely been able to listen to Christmas songs this year as they bring on a sense of dread rather than joy like they used to. Before I’d have Xmas songs playing in the car and whilst cooking/cleaning etc but this year I’ve just stuck to my normal playlist. The cheesy songs just haven’t done it for me.
I have children who are really excited for Christmas though so I have to put it all on for them, but if I was on my own I would definitely be toning it down as I’m just not in the mood. I’m not really looking forward to any of the social stuff planned this year and am just hoping to get it over and done with. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve had a challenging year with work and good friends dealing with worrying and serious health issues or if this is just me getting older. I feel like lots of people older than me still enjoy Christmas so maybe it’s just the fact that I’m tired.
I get 2 weeks off over Christmas and to be honest can’t wait to go back and have some normality again. No Christmas songs on the radio at work, no talk about plans over Christmas, no cheesy Christmas adverts, decorations everywhere etc. I want it to be over before it’s really begun!
I have children too and perhaps this is part of it. There is also this myth that Christmas has to be great which means extra pretending at this time of year.
Yeah there’s definitely extra pressure when you have kids to make it great for them. Of course I want them to have good memories around Christmas time but it’s another layer of effort. We don’t even go especially crazy, Christmas Day is spent at home so they can enjoy their gifts and we get quality time together, so I get frustrated with myself for finding it all so much. I think it’s the build up that makes it all worse.
Nah
I love it.
Yes I hate it and dread it every year. I feel much happier in Boxing Day.
I feel really overwhelmed - it’s the social stuff mainly for me, I just can’t ‘overcome’ my inability to communicate properly. I had to do a couple of work lunches and I just felt awful. But also I’m overwhelmed with my emotions during this month.
Tied in with my depression and loneliness, it’s the worst time of the year. And this is common amongst us autists.
I hope you feel better through the rest of the month.