Do you think you might be burnt out?
Sometimes we don’t recognise burnout because it has become habitual and we have normalised the way that we feel. Some signs are being exhausted and not feeling refreshed no matter how many hours we sleep (sleep may be broken and interrupted with anxious thoughts.) We may procrastinate and find that tasks that we used to be able to do are taking longer or we don’t complete them at all. Perhaps we are short tempered and try to cope by using food, alcohol or drugs to help us feel better. We may feel trapped and stuck.
We may be in a job where long hours are expected and we do not feel able to set boundaries. Some industries where this may be the usual way of working are healthcare, the corporate world, government, policing, the fire service, emergency services, education. This list is not exhaustive.
Sometimes overworking is encouraged as a way of demonstrating commitment and ambition. We all live and work within systems that seem as though they are set in stone. Toxic ways of working are accepted as the price for success. Sleep and rest might be considered as rewards for working hard – rather than as an absolute necessity.
If more and more people are going off sick, resigning or losing their lives to suicide where you work there is a reason for this. The reason is not that people are lazy or not committed. If you are finding that you are dreading going into work and that Sunday night is filled with anxiety, as you anticipate Monday morning, this is worth being curious about.
I recognise that there will be people in low paid jobs who do not have the choices that some people do. People are our most precious resource. If you are in a position of influence are you willing to look at your work place culture and see where changes need to happen.
The reality is that no-one has limitless capacity and energy – we all have a point at which we cannot carry anymore and our mental and physical health will be impacted. Some physical signs might be acid reflux, upset stomachs, loss of appetite or eating more than we usually would, increased use of alcohol, struggle to switch off and relax. This is what happens when our nervous system is on hyper-vigilant. Our minds might be racing with all the things that we need to do, the things that we are trying not to forget to do and an underlying sense that failure is not acceptable. We want to be strong not weak so we push and push even when everything within us is telling us to slow down. The reality is that if we are burnt out we will not be able to do our best work. Sometimes people think if they just try harder they will feel better.
Sometimes we are dealing with chronic stress and anxiety due to circumstances beyond our control. Perhaps there is an ongoing health issue for ourselves or a loved one. Maybe we have financial difficulties and fear a job loss if we ask for time off. If we are feeling trapped and helpless it can be helpful to consider if there is one step that we need to take and will take to help ourselves.
As we experience this ongoing heatwave, I listen to the news and I see the firefighters working up to 15 hours. They do so in unbearable heat and circumstances to try and contain the wildfires I do hope that there is psychological support for them. The government alarm that went off our phones last night must have taken us all by surprise. We all have a responsibility to do what we can to keep ourselves and other people safe. I think too about the NHS and the long hours that the staff there work. We want to be looked after but who is looking after the people who are looking after us?
Burnout is serious – to recover we need to make some changes.
Perhaps professional support could help you.
