Recognizing Crisis in Neurodivergent Mental Health — When to Reach for Help

For neurodivergent individuals, a mental health crisis can look different. It’s not always overt self-harm or manic episodes. Sometimes, it’s the exhaustion after masking, the sensory overload that becomes unbearable, or the burnout after striving to “pass” all the time.

So, how can you tell when things are more than just a bad day? Here are some signs to watch for:

1. Loss of capacity to mask.
   When the effort of hiding neurodivergent traits feels overwhelming—when stimming feels too risky or masking just stops making sense—this may signal a significant mental health burden.¹

2. Emotional shutdown or meltdown.
   A meltdown could come from sensory overload, unmet needs, or extreme exhaustion. If your emotions or reactions feel out of your control, it’s okay to call it a crisis-worthy moment.

3. Isolation and identity confusion.
   Chronic masking can detach you from who you are. You may feel like you’re losing touch with your true self, which increases risk for depression, anxiety, or burnout.²

4. Disconnection from support.
   When asking for help feels overwhelming, or you start to shut down communication, these might be crisis red flags.

If these experiences resonate, consider reaching out:

Talk to a mental health professional who understands neurodiversity.

Use a crisis line. If you’re in the U.S., call or text 988.

Reach out to a trusted friend or community who can help you feel grounded.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Recognizing that things feel unsafe for you is a powerful, courageous first step toward getting help.

¹Penn State Sites. “Masking and Mental Health in Neurodivergent Communities.” Penn State University

²PubMed. “Identity, Masking, and Mental Health Outcomes in Neurodivergent Adults.” National Library of Medicine