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In today’s fast-paced world, we’re hearing much more about burnout. While it was once primarily associated with work-related stress, burnout is not just about feeling overworked or needing to set better boundaries. It’s a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion in so many aspects of our lives.
The many faces of burnout
One of the biggest areas where we experience burnout is our health. It can stem from a multitude of sources, such as:
- Health issues: Navigating healthcare systems and seeking answers for persistent health concerns can be exhausting and frustrating. The appointments, tests, and uncertainty can leave us feeling burnt out, even before finding a resolution. I recently went through this with an eye issue, but I didn’t give up. Months later, it was resolved.
- Long-term conditions: For those dealing with long-term health issues, including long COVID, the lack of definitive answers and the ongoing symptoms can contribute to a sense of burnout and fatigue.
- Proximity to services: Living in areas with limited access to specialized healthcare professionals or resources can exacerbate feelings of burnout, as individuals struggle to find the support they need. I see this often in perinatal care as a regular obstacle to my clients finding much needed services that are close to their homes.
Recognizing the signs
Burnout can manifest in various ways, and it’s essential to be aware of the potential symptoms:
- Ongoing exhaustion and fatigue
- Feeling overwhelmed by a growing to-do list and not knowing how and where to prioritize
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Trouble integrating work and personal life in a way that feels manageable, and then even balancing within personal time—between family, friends, and your own personal self-care
- Feeling cranky with ourselves and others (I like the term cranky rather than angry here —we give grace to babies and toddlers for being cranky, but not always to adults for being angry)
- Feelings of inadequacy (not enough; the pressure to succeed and self-criticism when we feel like we don’t measure up somehow)
- Sleep disturbances
- Trouble focusing and concentrating
- Loss of sense of purpose and loss of interest in hobbies
- Using alcohol, drugs, or food to self-medicate
- Physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, and body aches
These signs can be the beginning or part of burnout or may be compounded by burnout.
Burnout is complex, and it goes much deeper than work stress or feeling stuck. It affects our body, mind, and spirit in ways that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, drained, and disconnected from our sense of purpose.
Recognizing the signs and identifying triggers is a great start. In the next post, we’ll explore some simple strategies for healing from burnout.