Burnout
5 SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE EXPERIENCING BURNOUT
Burnout, what even is it? It’s a word that has become more common in pop psychology and social media recently, however; you may not be sure what it looks like, how it feels, and how it can happen. In fact, it may feel like something that could happen to other people, but not you. Burnout is the exhaustion you feel from your job. This exhaustion is typically both physical and emotional to the point you feel you need to walk away from your employment altogether. If you are having trouble recognizing burnout in your life, here is a list of 5 potential signs of burnout to help you assess your symptoms:
1. SUNDAY SCARIES:
Sunday Scaries or the Sunday Blues is the anxiety you experience on Sunday evening before the workweek begins again. Have you felt feelings of dread and worry seep in as the weekend comes to an end? Or has the thought of going back to work felt crippling? Sunday Scaries could be a sign that burnout has begun to take hold. See our article on Sunday Scaries for more on this topic.
2. FEELING TIRED BEFORE THE WORKWEEK IS OVER:
Have you noticed that halfway through your workweek you feel exhausted? Feeling tired before the workweek is over, getting more exhausted than usual, and not having the energy to do things you used to love to do are all signs you may be experiencing burnout at work.
3. IRRITABILITY:
Perhaps you have noticed you have become shorter tempered with your coworkers or loved ones? When you get home from work you may find yourself irritable and less emotionally available for those around you. Consistent irritability could be a sign that you are burned out from your job and do not have the ability to filter yourself more than you used to.
4. SOCIAL ISOLATION:
Dread getting texts from your friends asking you to make plans? Avoid going to social gatherings because you just can’t be around people right now? If you are typically a social person and you have noticed that your weekends are now spent crashed on a couch avoiding the world around you, this could be a sign that your career is burning you out.
5. EXPLORING OTHER CAREERS:
Ever felt that maybe you picked the wrong occupation? Maybe you have explored job openings in a different field? Many people who are experiencing burnout have spent years achieving the career they are currently in. However, burnout can make this feel impossible to sustain and you may start to feel that you need to walk away altogether and start fresh with something else.
Although many of these signs could be explained by other mental health diagnoses such as anxiety or depression, the combination of several of these symptoms could be a sign you are professionally burnt out. It may be time to ask yourself, how long has it been since I last: went on a date, had a night with friends, enjoyed a relaxing weekend, was excited to go into work, practiced my hobby, or sat at my desk and didn’t daydream about quitting? If you find it difficult to answer these questions, you may be experiencing professional burnout. There is hope and healing is possible.
If any of these signs sound like something you are currently battling and you would like help navigating your next steps towards healing, our therapists would love to help and are passionate about working with those who are burnt out and ready for change. You do not have to walk this journey on your own.
