Identifying Burnout: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
Burnout has been on the rise for some time now, but how much do we really know about it? Often misunderstood and stigmatized, we many times resort to the classic feeling of the “I’m just so stressed out” keyword there being stress. However, burnout isn’t something that goes away on its own. Rather, it can worsen unless we face the challenge and address the underlying issues causing it. When we choose to look past the signs of burnout, it will in turn rear its ugly head while it wreaks havoc and causes harm to our physical and mental health.
Indicators of Burnout are Diverse
The physical, mental, and behavioral indicators of burnout are diverse. Frequent distress, disengagement, absence of emotion, loss of the ability to connect, indifference, and a general willingness of an individual are all symptoms of burnout. In its most obvious forms, burnout can make a person wonder if life is even meaningful.
Stress and Burnout Can be Vastly Different
I think we can all share that feeling of being stressed out, however, stress and burnout can be vastly different. Deciphering stress from burnout is important, for burnout can take a much deeper hold on our day-to-day lives. Burnout is characterized by a feeling of complete exhaustion that does not go away with common recovery methods such as time off, a work-free weekend, or a vacation.
At Lotus Psychotherapy we understand the challenges that arise when stress becomes burnout and our skilled team of therapists are here to help you understand and overcome your struggles.
First, let’s take a look at some classic scenarios that you may feel you can relate to…
Anxiety & Emotional Exhaustion
Everyone experiences some level of anxiety from time to time, but individuals who experience burnout will often find that these feelings become more noticeable and pervasive. We may even reach a point where we are unable to complete work that would have been effortless or even second nature prior to the built-up results of our burn. For example, if you're worried about making an essential phone call, you can put it off and end up creating greater troubles than you would have been required to deal with otherwise.
Lack of Sleep and General Fatigue
Can you recall a time when you had a particularly trying night? It isn't a big deal on its own, but when it builds and interferes with your life, it can be a real concern, both personally and professionally. When we're tired, we're more prone to make mistakes and move more slowly on certain tasks, which might exacerbate our overall burnout.
“Cynical Outlook”
When we are experiencing burnout, we may start to have the distinct feeling that there is no way out of these emotions of pointlessness and dreariness, that these emotions are just part of the territory with work, and that things "will always" feel like this.
Now let's break burnout down…
SIGNS:
Your ability to concentrate or maintain focus during regular activities has diminished.
Job and family worries feel like a waste of time.
Feeling that no amount of effort seems to show results or be recognized
You feel like you have no motivation to undertake anything, not even the things you want to do.
HOW WE FEEL:
Because of this, you feel powerless and insecure.
You experience self-doubt and an overall perception of yourself as a failure
Continues decline in your ability to feel joy
Your workload seems overwhelming and in turn just too much to handle
YOUR ACTIONS:
You begin to experience the feeling of being drained not only physically but mentally
There is a good chunk of your day spent on activities that are either mindlessly dull or completely overwhelming.
As a result, you have isolated yourself from others.
You've seen a change in your usage of food, drugs, or alcohol as a coping technique (either an increase or decrease).
Take it out on those closest to you, be it friends, family, or the workplace.
So now that we know the signs and symptoms of burnout, what can we do to help ourselves escape the clutches that burnout has on us?
Ways to reduce the intensity of the symptoms that come along with burnout
Self-Care Practices
We find that creating a list of self-care practices you enjoy can be really therapeutic. Every day, set a 2-minute timer in your calendar. Take the two minutes you have to yourself when your self-care timer sounds to indulge in something from your self-care list. We can all spare a few minutes to better care for ourselves!
Engage in Interests and Hobbies to Combat Burnout
Consider an activity or interest that you haven't done in a while. It could be a project, a book, or a social activity. Devote time to participating in something not directly linked within counseling at least once a month.
Prioritize Your Relationships!
Find space to nurture your personal connections. Your family, friends, and the people you work with can provide you with a chance to pause for a moment and reset your priorities by helping you feel more connected to your core values. In addition, they will be there for you to provide support whenever you need it.
Lotus Psychotherapy is a great resource if you're struggling to define your passion and purpose and develop a strong sense of purpose. Permission to treat oneself kindly is essential.
Begin Therapy for Stress in Westchester, NY
Has your stress gone from manageable to feeling out of control and overwhelming? You might be suffering from burnout! Therapy for Stress can help you understand the underlying causes for your burnout and develop coping strategies to overcome it.
Our therapists can work with you via online therapy in New York or in person conveniently located in Westchester County so you can be more resilient when faced with adversity and setbacks. If you're ready to begin therapy for stress:
Request an initial therapy appointment, or fill out the free therapy consultation form below
Learn more about our New York therapists
Gain support and guidance to navigate the challenges you're facing
Other Therapy Services Offered at Lotus Psychotherapy
Our therapists at Lotus Psychotherapy know that you may face many different challenges in life and that you may benefit from a variety of therapy services. Our talented team offers a wide range of therapy services at our office and online in New York to help you through any challenge you might be facing. In addition to therapy for stress, we also offer individual therapy, anxiety therapy, therapy for depression, therapy for teens, therapy for college students, therapy for new and expecting parents, and group therapy and workshops. We also offer Lotus-Cares Low Fee Therapy.