acquaintances and colleagues - 3 questions

Post Reply New Topic

Throughout life I have consistently experienced - and experience - a sensation of a perceivable drain of energy whenever am in the presence of others.

It matters little who they may be, or the level of interaction required - even with those sharing an interest or discipline. Even my family of origin. It is simply and most decisively draining. Were it possible to retain that energy, things would be far easier.

Really would like to know please:

1. Do you experience a similar phenomenon?

2. If so, what do you think may be the origin of this?

3. Have you found any effective method to mitigate this?

Thanks very much,

jamin

P.S. if this subject has already been discussed at one time, would appreciate simply a pointer on where to look. Thank you.

Actually, this subject (or some permutation therof) comes up rather frequently here, since it seems to be common to those with Asperger's Disorder. As far as the reason it occurs - my guess is that it has a lot to do with the fact that because we don't have that natural knack for reading human social cues and participating in the non-verbal 'dance' that goes on between people in social settings, we become mentally fatigued from working at something that comes easily and naturally to others. It is a mental and emotional drain the level of which varies from one situation to another. I've found nothing that prevents it and only isolation and psychological 'decompression' afterwards for a period of several hours (sometimes a few days) allows me to 'recharge my emotional batteries', so to speak.

This is interesting, because I am energised by being with others.

I'm one of the supposedly few people who're not introverted (gaining more energy by being alone) and autistic, but actually extroverted (gaining more energy by being around people) and autistic.

1. Yes.

2. People are hard work.

3. Stay away from people.