If constant stress has you feeling disillusioned, and completely worn out, you may be suffering from burnout.
Burnout is a psychological term for the experience of long-term exhaustion and diminished interest.
There are many theories about burnout, but all involve exposure to excessive and prolonged stress. This could include work issues, health related outcomes, ongoing physical pain, and mental health problems.
The recent ongoing Earthquakes in Christchurch and the ongoing pressures of EQC, Insurance claims, relocations etc have left many people reporting feeling ‘burnt out’.An analogy used since September 2010 has been the experience of ‘living under a wet blanket.’
There are differences between being stressed and burnout. Burnout is likely the result of unrelenting stress and when in that state people usually feel empty and devoid of motivation. When ‘stressed’ we have the capacity to imagine that if things get under control we can feel better.
There is also some evidence that people with chronic burnout have specific cognitive impairments e.g. reduction in cognitive processing functioning such as non-verbal memory.
There are many approaches to help with burnout e.g. re-evaluating goals and priorities, healthy lifestyle balance and boundaries, rest, exercise, managing stress e.g. via relaxation, Mindfulness techniques .
It is also helpful to address personal beliefs that can contribute to stress levels e.g. high expectations, excessive needs for achievement and approval etc.
It is important to have a Psychological assessment . Some people may be experiencing other issues e.g. Clinical Depression, PTSD, Substance use.
Sleep problems can also add to stress levels .
Having a Psychological Assessment allows the chance to clarify these issues and then consider the best interventions.
Should you need advice in this area, call Graeme Clarke on 348-5595 to get his professional help.