Burnout is a happiness and energy zapper. Sadly, a lot of people live in burnout mode most of their adult lives and don’t know how to get out of the cycle.

Often clients come in with anxiety, depression, and relationship problems due to burnout. They are overly exhausted, overly irritated with their spouses or loved ones, ready to quit their jobs, or are on the brink of losing their jobs. But, in digging deeper, there’s usually more to burnout than just working a lot or being overwhelmed. It’s most often a boundary problem—not expressing your feelings and needs.

In this post you will learn more about burnout, the reasons, signs, and what to do about it. This information is not just for career burnout—mother’s and anyone in a care taking role experience burnout as well.

What is burnout?

Burnout is the way our bodies and brains react when we experience prolonged stress due to feeling exhausted and discouraged. Burnout is overextending yourself and time, usually because you are either people pleasing, care taking, have a fear of failure, or fail to express your own feelings & needs. People often have difficulty saying “no”, expressing their own needs, or drawing lines with family, friends, or employers. We are afraid if we say we can’t do something right now that the other party will be angry, disown, or punish us in some way. All of those things may be true, but is it healthy to stay in that position with someone all the time?

What are the reasons for burnout?

• unhealthy boundaries with yourself and others

• failing to express your own feelings & needs

• doing things you don’t find joy in

• trying to always achieve perfection

• fear of letting others down

• fear of failure

• doing your best, but feeling unappreciated

• giving advice, but people not following it

• listening to people/conversations that drain your energy

• trying to control things or people that you have no control over

What are the signs of burnout?

• being cynical

• poor or decreased performance at work

• neglect relationships

• check out or tune people out

• start hating your job

• feeling overwhelmed by even small decisions

• deteriorating health

• losing focus or reduced cognitive functioning

• working hard, but not efficiently

• lack of energy to get things done

• feeling drained and exhausted all the time

• feeling of not having the time to care for yourself

• feeling like nothing you do is making a difference

• resentful of others when they express their needs

• feeling like you don’t have time for others

What to do if you are experiencing burnout.

• express your needs and ask for help

• re-evaluate priorities

• practice mindfulness

• journal

• eat well-balanced meals

• exercise

• learn your own limitations

• delegate tasks

• remove yourself from situations you don’t belong

• take time away from a situation or people who are draining you

• join a process group for women, men, professionals

• seek counseling

• practice gratitude

You don’t have to live in a constant state of frustration or exhaustion. Learn the root of your burnout and work toward a state of peace. Resources are available and we are here to help.

ARE YOU NEEDING TO FIND THE ROOT OF YOUR BURNOUT, ANXIETY, OR DEPRESSION?

Harvest Counseling & Wellness is a mental health counseling practice in Argyle, Texas. We provide therapy for couples, individuals, and families are struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, abuse, and grief. Our office is located near Denton, Highland Village, Flower Mound, Lantana, Roanoke, & Justin. If you are looking for a therapist in Denton or surrounding areas, contact us today for a complimentary phone consultation, 940-294-7061.