The Neurodivergent Survival Trap: Why You Keep Burning Out (And How to Break the Cycle)

How many times have you been told, directly or indirectly, that you’re too much? Too sensitive. Too emotional. Too intense. Too needy.

For many of us who are neurodivergent, this message has been there since childhood. We internalise the thousands of small, negative comments and microaggressions we hear growing up. By the time we’re adults, those words have left deep marks.

As children, we learn to adapt by hiding our true selves:

• We stop asking for our needs to be met (if we even recognise them in the first place).

• We learn the world isn’t safe, and assume we are the problem.

• We take on the belief that we have to do it all alone, because nobody really has our back.

• We start to think we’re the only one who feels this way.

And what happens when these stories run our lives?

👉 We push harder and harder.

👉 We burn out.

👉 We get sick.

👉 We shrink our brilliance.

If this feels painfully familiar, you are not alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck here.

I recently recorded a new episode of my podcast, Calm Your Nervous System, especially for those of you who know you need to break free from these burnout cycles… but haven’t quite figured out how yet.

This episode is part of The Limitless Series, where I share a taste of my unique method for shifting from constant neurodivergent burnout into a life that feels healthy, abundant, and aligned.

This isn’t about trying yet another productivity hack or app (because I know you’ve already read the books, tried the breathwork classes, and downloaded every organiser under the sun). This is about learning the missing piece: how to work with your nervous system and reclaim your energy so you can finally thrive.

Skip ahead to what you need…

[00:00] Welcome Back and Introduction to Burnout Cycles

[02:51] Understanding Survival Mode and Its Impact

[06:14] The Shift from Survival to Creative Mode

[09:07] Identifying and Meeting Personal Needs

[11:57] The Power of Community and Sensitivity

[14:44] Gaslighting Ourselves and Trusting Our Intuition

[16:52] The Connection Between Burnout and Disconnection from the Body

[20:17] Breaking the Cycle of Burnout

[21:15] The Role of Interoception in Well-being

[24:41] The Importance of Listening to Our Bodies

[27:36] Transforming Lives Through Empowerment

[30:21] Real-Life Examples of Transformation

[33:05] Conclusion and Next Steps

Connect with Jenny, Chronic Illness Coach:

• Sign up to the The Limitless Circle

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• Send me a message on Facebook

• Find out more on my website

DISCLAIMER: Everything mentioned in this podcast is only my/my guests’ opinion and should not be a substitute for seeing a medical professional. Please seek advice from your doctor and confirm with them that they are happy for you to implement something you heard on the podcast.