Burnout is characterised by long term stress which leads to physical, emotional and mental exhaustion, as well as the inability to complete tasks or enjoy activities as per normal. People considered ‘high achievers’ are often at risk of burnout. This sort of person often finds themselves taking on more and more than they can manage, over time, ultimately leading to burnout.
The signs and symptoms of burnout are plenty, and may differ somewhat from one person to the next. If you are concerned that you or someone you care about is suffering from this condition, then read on to discover the common signs and symptoms.
Chronic Exhaustion
Common to all sufferers of burnout is chronic exhaustion – whereby you are physically, emotionally and mentally depleted. An inability to find the physical or mental energy to complete or enjoy tasks is a common characteristic of burnout.
Sleeping Difficulties
Chronic stress can wreak havoc with your sleep, from struggling to fall asleep in a reasonable amount of time to ongoing insomnia. Furthermore, reduced or impaired sleep can reduce your ability to deal with stress throughout your day, which may in turn cause further difficulty when it comes to going to bed.
Inability To Concentrate and Recall Information
Chronic stress and impaired sleep have a significant effect on the way in which we are able to give ourselves fully to a task at hand. You may find yourself unable to concentrate on simple tasks, or forgetting things in a way you normally wouldn’t.
Feelings of Anger and Irritability
When we are chronically stressed and exhausted, we may find we have a short temper and can feel hypersensitive. When something goes wrong, people suffering burnout may overreact or respond to a situation without considering their options first.
Decreased Happiness and Enjoyment
When we experience burnout, we lack energy and often feel irritable. In this case, those suffering from this condition may be likely to withdraw from people or activities which previously generated great happiness and enjoyment.
Appetite Changes
Burnout may cause some sufferers to consume excess food as a source of comfort (i.e. overeating), whereas others may lose their appetite and begin undereating. On the contrary, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can assist the body to better manage stress and reduce feelings of exhaustion.
Reduced Productivity
When we are chronically exhausted and stressed out, we are not able to perform at our best. These feelings may lead to us being unable to perform at the same level as we normally do, and make us feel like we just can’t get on top of all the things we need to do.
Weakened Immune System
People experiencing burnout can find themselves sick (e.g. with a common cold) more often than compared to when they are feeling rested and free of stress. The combination of chronic stress and exhaustion, inadequate sleep and an insufficient diet leads to a weakened immune system and leads you to being more vulnerable to illness.
If it is not recognised and treated appropriately, burnout can have detrimental effects on personal health, relationships, work and the enjoyment of day-to-day life. Furthermore, untreated burnout can lead to other mental health issues (such as depression). Contact Blissiree Pty Ltd today and get the professional help you need to reduce and manage your stress and overcome burnout. Let us help you to get back to feeling yourself and enjoying your life as soon as possible.