Can relate. I think it's the case for many people; so long as you feel like you're adding net positive value, bs is tolerable. But when you lose that feeling of positive contribution, bs becomes intolerable.

The anecdote about pulling the thread from a comfy sweater was spot on. It's the nature of curious people to keep pulling that thread. Soon enough, the sweater begins to fall apart and you may discover a more chilling reality.

You have no choice but to change direction, move to a warmer place and try to get that spark going again.