What is Burnout? How Therapy Can Help
What is Burnout? How Therapy Can Help
Are you feeling burnt out? If you do, you’re not the only one! We live in a fast-paced world and burnout is the result. Whether it’s due to work, family obligations, personal responsibilities, or other stressors, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted.
Allowing your body to function in a constant state of burnout is not suitable for your overall wellness. We will explore the common signs of burnout and discuss how talking to a therapist can help you regain balance.
What is Burnout?
According to Psychology Today, “Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress.” For many people, this occurs in the workplace but can also exist in other areas of life, such as parenting or romantic relationships.
Burnout can leave many people feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or with a negative outlook or perspective.
Recognize the Signs of Burnout:
Our bodies give us many clues when we are near burnout. Burnout is more than just experiencing stressful moments or being unable to rest. It is a state of mental and emotional exhaustion over a prolonged period. Recognizing the signs and knowing what to look out for is essential.
1.) Physical and Emotional Exhaustion
Your sleep patterns are a good indicator of burnout. If you experience insomnia or are extremely tired despite being well-rested, it could be a sign of physical and emotional exhaustion.
2.) Reduced Performance and Productivity
Burnout typically occurs in the workplace but can also manifest in our work. If you’re unable to concentrate on specific tasks/goals, procrastinate, or feel little accomplishment, you may be experiencing burnout.
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3.) Negative Thoughts & Detachment
People who are burnt out typically do not have the best outlook on life. Some signs could be irritability, detachment, or not finding joy in activities that previously held your interest.
4.) Emotional Distress
Your emotions are great at answering questions about your mental well-being. Burnout brings emotions of hopelessness, loneliness, and sadness.
Recognizing these signs early is critical for addressing burning before it becomes more severe.
How Can Therapy Help?
Therapy can be a powerful tool for addressing the underlying causes of burnout. It creates an environment where you can feel safe and supported in discussing what’s causing your burnout and developing strategies to overcome it. Here are a few reasons why talking to a therapist could help with your burnout.
1.) Figuring out the Why
The burning question is, why do I feel drained? Why do I feel unmotivated? A therapy session can help you pinpoint the factors causing your burnout, like work, depression, and personal obligations.
2.) Developing Coping Strategies
Therapy can supply you with many strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Some can include creating a routine, journaling, breathing, or relaxation techniques.
3.) Emotional Support
When you feel burnt out, having a space to talk freely and feel heard is essential. Talking to a therapist can offer validation for your emotions and support for navigating them in the future.
4.) Finding Balance
Burnout is a chaotic feeling. Therapy can restore balance and control in your life and help you reconnect with the things that matter most to you.
If you're experiencing signs of burnout, consider contacting a friend, family member, or therapist. Therapy can provide guidance and support to navigate challenging times and the emotions they bring.
Path to Growth Counseling offers online counseling services. Our virtual sessions eliminate barriers like transportation and scheduling, making therapy more accessible. Click here to learn more about our counseling options and book a free consultation today!
About Path to Growth Counseling:
Path to Growth Counseling is an online counseling practice serving Texas, Nevada, and California. We conduct all sessions virtually – through a secure online platform. This helps reduce some of the barriers to therapy like transportation and scheduling. Our clients love this aspect of our practice. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a quiet confidential space, and openness. Pets are always welcome.
