How to Know If You’re Experiencing Burnout
“Stress is like a spice, a little goes a long way, but too much can ruin the dish” -Unknown
Burnout, as described in the book Burnout, is emotional exhaustion, the depletion of empathy, and a decreased sense of accomplishment.
Burnout happens when we get stuck in this emotional state of exhaustion.
Common symptoms of burnout include struggling to be productive, increased irritability, feeling detached from work or school, and frequently feeling overwhelmed.
Students and professionals are susceptible to burnout, due to high demands at school and the workplace, prolonged periods of concentration, and continuous processing of information. This is due to mental fatigue, which is described as “cognitive weariness”. You see, our minds get tired too!!
Reaching these levels of chronic stress is not inevitable, and not everyone experiences burnout.
If you, however, find yourself slowly feeling more negative about a career you were once passionate about or are finding it impossible to have energy to do anything at the end of a work week, or even work day, it’s worth checking in with yourself.
Burnout is
being stuck in emotional exhaustion.
Burnout Signs Check-In Questions
Have you started to notice that no matter how much sleep you get, you still seem to feel exhausted?
Have you started losing interest in your work, and find it increasingly harder to initiate tasks, focus, or stay motivated?
Have you noticed physical changes that don’t seem to get better, such as frequent headaches, more frequent colds or infections, or increased or decreased appetite?
Have others in your life mentioned that you have been withdrawn? Or you have realized that you are isolating from others, or no longer interested in activities that you normally enjoy?
Have you noticed that your mood is different, and feel like you have a whole new personality?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time to speak with a mental health professional and discuss how you’re feeling.
I hope that this was helpful. Leave your experiences with burnout in the comments below!
As Always, Be Well!
Jessica Herd, LMHC
P.S.
Burnout can be prevented with proper stress management. Check out this blog post where I discuss how:
