My mental health OT told me she could see signs of shutdown from being in survival mode for too long. She said "just focus on meeting basic needs." So today, as I repeated the words: "eat, drink, rest", like a mantra, I filled my water bottle. I made some toast. I brushed my teeth and showered. And then I put on a fresh pair of pyjamas and went back to bed. Once upon a time I would have thought myself lazy. But I'm not. I'm Autistic. And I'm burnt out. I deserve rest. So do you.