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623d
Any tips for “social burnout”? I can only be around people for a few hours max, and my friends keep asking to hang out but I genuinely can not. I keep making up excuses why I’m not able to go out; or if I do go out why can’t spend the night, etc. I have told them the truth before… that my social battery is extremely low but they don’t understand that it takes longer for me to recharge. I know it’s not good to do, but I am scared of upsetting them or making them feel like I don’t want to be around them. I really enjoy these people and I don’t want to lose them but everytime I think about hanging out with anyone it stresses me out. Is there any way to get out of this? I want the desire to hang out with people again because these long periods of time where I don’t has costs me so many friends, and I don’t want that to happen once more. What do you guys do when your social battery is extremely low?
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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618d
@Chirp I never thought about it like this, wow! Thanks so much I’m definitely gonna keep this in mind!!
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619d
I struggle with this a lot. I go to my parents' house for dinner on Tuesdays and my sisters' on Wednesdays. But even though they're my family, it's sometimes too much. Tips are to have a safe space to retreat to or an escape route. When going to family gatherings, I started driving by myself so I could leave when I wanted to. I've been staying longer now because I don't feel like I have to stay. Just make sure your friends know you might just up and leave for no apparent reason and make sure you have a getaway plan, whether that be your own car, public transportation, or Uber/Lyft/whatever. SailorSpaghetti mentioned 21+ substances. I smoke before bed almost every night, just one or two hits, and it helps me sleep better. I've found that better sleep means a better physical charge, which lets me interact socially for longer periods. Good luck!
I'm currently working an internship as a political/labor organizer and so I get social burnout a lot. Don't get me wrong, I love what I'm doing and wouldn't change it for the world, but I always come home from my weekend of organizing (the office I work at is far away, so I basically sleep there over the weekend and they give me free food) with a negative charge to my social battery. When I get home, I mostly just cuddle with my boyfriend who also has a low social battery and so we don't have to talk or anything. Hell, our favorite things to do together are activities where we're existing in the same space and can talk to each other if we want to or remain silent if we don't. (They might be playing their video game while I'm reading in the same room, for instance.) And then while I'm home I have a specific routine where I will get up, do the basic self care stuff, and since it's summer, I will go to the riverfront near my apartment and find an isolated and (if needed) shady spot to just chill for a few hours. I may or may not use 21+ substances, I may or may not do homework or read for a little while, I may or may not go swimming, and I may or may not just sit there and enjoy being in the serenity of nature. It really helps me to recharge my batteries, and I've found that it's super helpful when I DO have homework because I feel a lot more motivated to get it done.
622d
Things that drain my battery a lot are things I don't want to do. Ie going out, being around loads of people, meeting strangers. Trying suggesting (or telling them to suggest more) activities that are more up your alley, bc those don't drain you so bad, and you'll be able to spend more time with them. For me, those activities include watching movies, ordering in, cooking, puzzles, and generally any kind of chill, night-in kind of activities. Best if it includes popcorn and blankets :)
when my social battery is extremely low, i will recommend we do things that i would enjoy doing if i was alone. like watching a movie, hanging out at home or in someone's backyard, etc. if that is even too much for me, i don't usually use an excuse. what i will say is something like "aw i would LOVE to go but i can't make it tonight. thanks so much for inviting me and have a great time!" if someone asks why i just say i'm "exhausted". as long as you keep in touch pretty regularly with people, they don't usually care if/why you can't make it to a certain event.
I struggle with this too. I'm not quite sure how to help but just know you're not alone
@Leot0603 thank you :) I hope managing it becomes easier for u!!
☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision
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