The Sensory Cost of Campus
By Marina King
Today, I am going to talk about burnout for neurodivergent graduates; I am also going to touch on a few things that may be helpful for you in terms of recovering and recharging.
First of all, I want to address the environment you have just come from. I am a big fan of the university environment; I love a place of learning, and all the books and knowledge feed me on a very deep, fundamental level. However, it is not exactly a safe space for people who have different sensory needs or who prefer not to be around a lot of people.
I always used to escape to the library. Not only was I surrounded by my special interest – books – but there were also quiet floors, and I really needed that. I needed things to be quiet so I could process and immerse myself in learning. Generally speaking, universities are often not suitable for those with sensory needs. (And I am going to call them a need, not a preference). Whilst some campuses have lovely hidey holes or nooks with cushions and bean bags, it still takes immense effort to exist in that environment for the duration of a whole degree.
Burnout is an Environmental Impact, Rather Than a Personal Flaw
When I talk about burnout, it is really important to me that we have a context for it. Burnout does not just arrive out of nowhere; it is due to environmental factors and impacts. Those impacts need to be accounted for.
I want to be very clear: it is not about the way you are experiencing your environment; it is about the way the environment is impacting you. That impact drains your energy. By the time a person has completed their degree, they are carrying the accumulated weight of every sensory and social impact from their time at university.
The Weight of the Invisible Everything Else
Typically, there is very little time to rest at university. You might have three assignments for three different modules happening simultaneously; that is an incredible amount of pressure.
And that is just the academic side. We are not even talking about the everything else that uses your energy:
- Feeding and clothing yourself
- Communicating with others and navigating social norms
- Managing mental and physical health needs
It is a lot to carry. If you are a graduate sitting with symptoms of burnout right now, please recognise that you have left that environment and how much you have been through.
The Power of Small Things: Finding Your Wholesomeness
As I often say, in my world, small things are big things. A small action can have a massive impact on your recovery. When we leave university, we need to fill ourselves back up with neuro-affirming validation and support.
For me, playing with a fidget or stimming is essential for my processing. But beyond that, we need to find activities that are truly enjoyable. What is that for you?
- Is it looking at trees or talking to your cat?
- Is it going for a bike ride or lying in a hammock?
- Is it baking or watching informational videos on YouTube that are focused on your interests?
Recovery Has No End Goal
The most important thing to understand about burnout recovery is that it requires two things: time and patience. Things will need to be done differently now, because the way things were happening previously contributed to this burnout.
Your recovery has to be neuro-affirming; it has to be about what feels good to you, as an individual. Some people would find baking stressful or a bike ride overwhelming. This is why suggestions must be tailored to you.
I find low-goal activities to be the most restorative. These are things that do not have a productive end point:
- Stroking your cat
- Watching fairy lights twinkle
- Making a cup of tea just for the sensation of it
- Looking at the clouds
Play Gently
What could you do today that makes so little sense to anyone else, but all the sense in the world to you? I encourage you to play gently with those things and see what arises for you.
I would love to hear about your lived experiences and what works for you in your recovery. Please take care of yourselves to the best of your ability; just do what you can. I am here if you want to check in, leave a message, or book a chat. It would be lovely to hear from you.
How We Can Work Together
That is what I love to offer neurodivergent graduates: For people who are looking for a neuroaffirming mentoring space where your processing style is respected, your needs are supported, and your talents are uplifted, there are two ways we can connect:
Individual Mentoring
This is a space to make sense of yourself, your history, and your options while navigating transitions and outcomes/goals. We work with strategy, identity, and harm reduction in environments that reward performance over coherence.
“Marina is an amazing mentor and has helped me through many difficult times and helped me to understand myself and the ways to live and study that improve my overall wellbeing and university experience.”
The Community Initiative
I am currently opening a waiting list for a new community space. This is for graduates who want to connect with others, share experiences, and engage in cultural repair as we redefine what a successful life looks like on our own terms.
Take the Next Step at Your Own Pace
To have a video or text chat, you are welcome to:
- Contact me directly for an informal and friendly chat to enquire about 1:1 mentoring.
- Join the waiting list for the emergent community initiative to receive updates on when we begin
Whatever ‘now’ looks like for you, remember that you already have what you need to grow in a direction that is true for you. You are already enough. I trust you and your choices.