Burning Out?
The worst thing about burn out is that it creeps up on you. Even when you have had it before and promised yourself you will recognise it earlier, it can get you again. It is important to know in ourselves when we are exhausted and when we are burnt out. Exhaustion can be resolved with a sleep-in on the weekend, and a day off to catch up. Burn out can take months to recover from and even require support to reprocess the messages you told yourself and the meanings you created during the time when you worked too hard, too long, or for the wrong people.
[1] Symptoms of Burn Out
Feeling exhausted
Unable to recover from common colds
Frequent headaches
Frequent gastrointestinal problems
Sleep disturbances
Shortness of breath
Stiffness of muscles, especially the shoulders and neck
[2] Behavioural signs of Burn Out
Irritability
Heightened emotional responses (quick to cry or get angry)
Suspicious or paranoid about colleagues
Substance abuse
Stubbornness, rigid thinking, unwillingness to listen
Negative attitude
Appears depressed
What stage are you in?
[1] Enthusiasm - nothing wrong here!
You set your goals high and invest a great deal of energy. You mostly feel optimistic.
[2] Stagnation - work is becoming too important and dominant in your life!
Family and personal priorities start to take a back seat as you focus on work. Some people say they were not present and ‘really involved’ when their kids asked to play. Your disappointment starts to increase because no matter how hard you try, you are not achieving additional success.
[3] Frustration - powerlessness starts to spin and impact your attitude!
Your efforts feel pointless and what you do achieve feels not good enough. When there is no acknowledgement for the great work you are doing, you start to convince yourself you are inadequate and being monitored for incompetence.
[4] Apathy - you see no way out!
Despair and disillusionment occur, and you feel trapped. The passion you started with and the creativity you used to offer is gone.
[5] Intervention - you look for help!
After suffering and feeling helpless for too long you start to look for and accept help.
At this 5th point it is crucial that you tell the right people. It takes courage to put your hand up and share that you are not coping so make sure a) if the right people do not respond b) go higher and c) know what you need and ask for it. Doing some personal reflection can help you identify:
Your Values
(Is the company you work for changing or did your professional values never align?)
Your Boundaries
(Which ones have you collapsed and now are motivated to reestablish?)
What does your ideal workplace look like?
(Perhaps it is time for a change of career?)
Recovery is possible from burn out - you can come out of it clearer, stronger, empowered, motivated and inspired. If you cannot see a way out because the smoke is too thick, please reach out and seek counselling.
