We’re often more tuned into bodily sensations than emotional cues. No one needs to tell you when you feel exhausted. You’ll probably take a break a sit down long before anyone comments. But emotional burnout is trickier. You can feel mentally worn out but not recognize yourself as such.
Burnout is often in response to factors at work, school, or in your personal life (or all three). Other elements at play could be related to your finances or physical health issues. When going through major life changes, you are especially at risk for emotional burnout in all its guises.
Signs of Emotional Burnout
As mentioned, the first step in dealing with emotional burnout is identifying it. To follow are some common signs and symptoms to look for:
Physical
Exhaustion and fatigue
Body aches and tension
Weakened immunity, getting sick more often than usual
Headaches
Emotional
Irritability, short temper
Seeing only the negative side of things
Easily overwhelmed, low resiliency
Feeling unmotivated
Lacking optimism
Behavioral
Letting responsibilities fall to the wayside
Avoidance and procrastination
Not tending to your own needs
Neglecting regular self-care
3 Types of Emotional Burnout
Another big step to addressing burnout is self-education. What is it and does it exist in more than one form?
1. Overload
This is the classic “type A,” multi-tasking workaholic. You risk your own well-being in order to fulfill the demands of another person — or yourself. Your frenetic quest for success leads you to a place of feeling overwhelmed and neglected. Rather than slowing down, you cope by griping and complaining
2. Under-Challenged
The second type of emotional burnout flips the script. You’re burnt out, not due to overwork, but due to lack of challenges. Your life, your job, your relationship — none of them are inspiring you to be better. Common signs of under-challenged burnout include:
Days that feel monotonous
Boredom and indifference
Feeling under-appreciated
Few opportunities to learn and grow
Low levels of stimulation
People enduring a situation like this may choose to grow distant from others. They will appear cynical and detached… hopeless, even.
3. Neglect
This form of burnout usually grows from one of the two described above. Whether you’re overwhelmed or under-stimulated, you feel helpless. So, you stop trying. Lacking the motivation to fight against the factors at play, you grow passive. To others, you appear unmotivated and incapable.
Emotional Burnout Coping Mechanisms
Acceptance
Step back and recognize what’s going on. Accept the presence of burnout and your need for a change. Denial is never your friend. Once you’ve accepted emotional burnout as being present, you are in a good position to identify why this is happening.
Take a Break
Things cannot continue as is — regardless of what kind of burnout you’re experiencing. Break the cycle by stepping away. Regain some perspective. Your body, your career, and the people in your life all require you to prioritize yourself and your needs.
Practice Self-Care
Recovery isn’t a magic pill. To heal, you must take active steps. One of the best things you can do is re-connect to your daily self-care habits. Remind yourself that you matter. Also, remind yourself that success is not possible if it does not include your personal health. Check your eating, sleeping, and exercise patterns. Cultivate some relaxation techniques. Enjoy some solitude.
Finding Long-Term Solutions
The problem of emotional burnout is frequently too big to solve alone. Lean on your social support system. In addition, reach out for life counseling. Consider committing to regular therapy sessions. By doing so, you’re choosing a proven path toward healing. Let’s get this process started. I’d love to connect with you for a free and confidential consultation.
