Stressed? Burnt out?

What is burnout?

Burnout is emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and/or prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Originally the term was used in relation to work stress, but it is applicable to other areas of life (hello carers and parents). 

• energy depletion or exhaustion;
• increased mental distance, or feeling negative or cynical
• reduced efficacy (AKA can't get your act together).

Again, the road to burnout is excessive and/or prolonged stress. It doesn't have to big one big event or trauma. It can be a series of events or unrelenting pressure. 

And “the thing” that becomes the straw that broke the camels back, is often just that, something pretty minor and that otherwise would've been a non-issue.  But instead it 

• brings you to your knees
• has you sobbing in the storeroom.
• makes you want to avoiding everyone.
• is the nasty inner voice beating up on you.

And it leaves you feeling confused by your level of overwhelm and exhaustion, because “you're normally the one who can manage stuff”. 

So it would be helpful to recognise some of the symptoms of stress so we can change course, right? Here are just some of the symptoms.  

• headaches, body aches, muscle twitches
• fatigue that isn't better for a decent sleep, exhausted at the end of the day
• struggling to fall or stay asleep, too little or excessive sleep
• changed eating habits, loss of appetite, craving for sweet or starchy food
• gut changes, IBS, loose stools, constipation, indigestion

These are the short-to-mid term effects; longer term can include high blood pressure menstrual changes and more. 

• new or increased feelings of anxiety
• increased irritability, low tolerance, uncharacteristically aggressive
• frustration or depression not related to a specific cause
• sense of urgency, not being able to disconnect when you need (e.g. leave work at work)

Longer-term, as burnout develops these symptoms change, for example, becoming disengaged and feeling everything is hopeless. 

In the very short term, stress focused on a particular task (for example, a deadline) can be positive and help people think creatively.  But if stress continues or is more diffuse it can lead to cognitive symptoms, including:

• forgetfulness, poor memory
• inability to absorb information, everything is a bit muddled
• difficulty concentrating, distractable
• difficulty or unwillingness to make decisions (because it's too hard or you don't trust yourself how you're feeling)

• neglecting self-care; eating more or less than usual, no exercise, drinking more
• withdrawing from others, being uncharacteristically aggressive
• being consistently late for or missing appointments

There's a lot there so I imagine you've felt some at some time - we just don't want most of them or even any of them most of the time.

The first step is to take stock, check in with how you're feeling and thinking. And then have a think about what might be helping or making things worse, like movement, nutrition, boundaries.

The Energise Her guide is a great place to start and helps you assess where things are at, and where it might be most helpful to start.

Download a copy 

*** Note: if you have new or worsening, concerning symptoms, please see your health care professional for review ***