things need to change. the realities & consequences of ADHD burnout in grad school.

[@skabcat242]

That forest looks so peaceful.

[@TheVintageAcademic]

It was! Very much so!

[@KaelynGraceApple]

This video was beautiful. Not just because of the visuals and calm of the California redwoods but seeing you embrace yourself, communities of support/security, etc.

[@TheVintageAcademic]

Thank you friend ♥️

[@DH-pw6jj]

It´s interesting what you said about "no identity", I see you as something with a lot of own identity, very authentic and unique. The difference between how we feel and how others perceive us is interesting.

[@TheVintageAcademic]

I agree! It's something I think I struggle with quite a bit - the way people seem to perceive me and how I perceive myself don't always match up. But I'm trying to trust how people see me a little more and stop thinking of myself as an actor or an imposter!

[@CuteCoffeeGal]

Sending you so many hugs!!!! I'm glad you've been able to get some restorative time in, and I so much appreciate you sharing your experience on such a personal topic. Talking about burnout and mental health is something we should do much more often. (Also, great book choice 😉 - I loved Master & Apprentice, just saw Claudia Gray at Dragon Con last week!)

[@TheVintageAcademic]

Agreed - which is why I felt I had to make this video before I could move on with content as usual, and why I'm making it more of a point to share rather than avoid these tough feelings. (and thank you! I've been reading a bunch of prequel books - I've also just recently finished Padawan, Queen's Shadow and Ahsoka!)

[@CreativelyBria]

I related to a lot (all?) of this, I’ve been through it too. You’re inside my brain! But I’m glad you’re able to recover and also make the changes. I’m happy for you. I go back and forth between comparing myself with other students to being glad I created my own accommodations for success. But then I remember what’ll happen if I try to be somebody else (again). I really love your videos ❤ I’m not doing a thesis for my program so I’m excited to see how yours works!

[@TheVintageAcademic]

I appreciate you relating to my experience! I find it so hard to not try to be like other people/students but this is reminding me how important it is to accommodate ourselves - lest we burn out again!

[@Ashthegrey]

I'm so excited for you regarding your thesis. I hope you take care of yourself and your mental health through this adventure 💕

[@TheVintageAcademic]

Thank you for the support! ♥️

[@macattack557]

I have a quick question.. I didn’t watch the whole video because it was triggering my anxiety and depression a bit (not your fault-videos like this are important), but did some of your struggles have to do with being in the hustle and bustle of nyc? I am from there, and long story short, I left for boarding school due to extreme anxiety and some ADHD, and I am now in Madison WI (very low stress) for university. My parents don’t want me to move back to NYC after undergrad (I’ll be either 26 or 27) due to my anxiety and their perception that nyc would trigger it big time. I have to remind them that I grew up there and am familiar with the vibe there (even if the vibe changes as time goes on, but I adapt to the general gist considerably well when I’m there for only a couple of days). As a newcomer to nyc, how fast did you adapt to the city’s stressors, considering you have anxiety as well? Again, I didn’t watch the whole video, but was that a factor in your burnout?

[@TheVintageAcademic]

I didn’t mention it in the video but the short answer is yes, most definitely. The sensory overwhelm of the city is really taxing for me - from the noise to the humidity to the number of people and visual stimulation - and I wouldn’t survive without my noise cancelling headphones and the dedicated hour I take to decompress when I get home from being out and about. I hate to say it but places like NYC can be really overwhelming for ND people who have sensory needs. I didn’t even realize I had sensory needs until I moved here but it made it really apparent. These days I just kind of cope with it - finding quiet spots on campus, getting to class early so I can have a quiet minute in the classroom, decompressing at home, etc.

[@macattack557]

That's good information for me. I will keep it in mind for my future! :) @@TheVintageAcademic

[@autismandndadvocacyassocia9476]

This sounds a lot like autistic burnout!

[@autismandndadvocacyassocia9476]

but totally understand how ADHD is a disability. i agree. it has positives but also negatives!

[@TheVintageAcademic]

I’d be interested to hear more about how this sounds similar to autistic burnout if you want to dm me! Anything to help me learn how to prevent it from happening again

[@yvevia]

🤗 🩷

[@TheVintageAcademic]

♥️

[@SammysOnWheels]

I'm so glad to see you're recovering and bouncing back my friend! 🫶🏻 You in those redwoods was me at the beach about 2 weeks ago, lol. So peaceful

[@TheVintageAcademic]

It was exactly what I needed - I hope the beach did the same for you!