What is burnout?
Typically related to one’s job, burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by stress. Classified as an occupational phenomenon by the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is a commonly used term for those who are experiencing excessive and prolonged stress and who have developed additional conditions that make them feel drained and unable to function in their normal way.
How can I tell if I’m burnt out?
It can be difficult to tell if you’re feeling burnt out because the signs can be subtle and develop gradually. Most people seek help for other symptoms they’re experiencing, like anxiety and moodiness, without realizing they’re on the brink of burnout or are heading in that direction.
Some typical signs of burnout include:
- Feeling lonely and defeated
- Loss of motivation and decreased satisfaction
- Feeling physically and mentally fatigued and drained
- Increased or excessive use of substances
- Increased moodiness and irritability
- Sleep deprivation
How to recover from burnout
Burnout recovery can take a long time depending on your situation. Recovery from burnout is a slow process, not only in changing the environment that’s causing you stress but also breaking down the habits and physical reactions you have to stressful situations around you. If you’re able to catch burnout early, you’ll have an easier time recovering and preventing further burnout symptoms.
One key step to feeling better is getting professional help in assessing and providing treatment for your specific situation. You may not need to go to therapy for your whole journey, but having an outside perspective and recommendations tailored to your needs is critical in feeling better faster.
