I’m not diagnosed but I “feel you” lol. I never really had a name for it aside from just hitting my limit. There’s no amount of excitement, argumentativeness, sorrow, etc that reaches me after that. It’s like being physically or mentally exhausted but for your emotions. Its never really concerned me though because what am I supposed to do about it?

Overall it’s a similar response to my social battery. It just wears down to the point where I’ll withdrawal, and if someone tries to push me further I get very snippy and will eventually just leave the area/situation or go completely gray rock until it ends. As I’ve gotten older I’ve noticed I’ve built in escape hatches for myself and have no qualms about just walking out of emotion-ridden situations or even the middle of conversations. You will never see me without control over my own transportation to get home for more than about 30 minutes, and that’s only in emergencies.

I’ve never really planned my day around it though, as I’ve already built my life around it. I’m reclusive and analytical by nature and any type of strong emotion is usually a bit much for me. I hate sappy movies and songs, I usually refuse to participate in arguments after a certain level of heat is hit, and I find excessive excitement grating to my nerves. My family growing up was always very “extra” to me so they’ve learned they only get a few hours during the holidays before I do the ol’ Midwest knee-slap and hit the road.

Now the only time I hit my limit is usually during arguments where I am disinclined to leave (like at home with a spouse). Then I just end up looking like a psychopath because I’ll suddenly just kind of shut down and just go numb. My husband says he finds it very unnerving but it’s a pretty rare occurrence.