I’ve experienced burnout throughout work and education since I was sixteen. Usually around once every 12-18 months. I’ve accrued a lot of associated trauma.
For context, burnout for me is extreme depression and executive dysfunction lasting for months at a time to the extent I stop all work and social activities.
I’ve struggled with freelancing in the past because there’s too much freedom and not enough structure. Now that I’m medicated and in therapy maybe I should give it another try.
I guess I had always my animals to give me enough structure to not completely lose it, then my child. It’s like an override. Even now with child almost grown and only spending half his time here, you wouldn’t believe how much better I eat when he is here compared to when he’s not, just because I want to make sure I feed him well and set a good example. And I never fail getting up because the animals need feeding - imagine a horse neighing and two donkeys braying when they consider it’s getting a little late. Like having a boss, but with a really fluffy nose and generally nicer and less annoying.