You’ve probably heard of getting burnt out by things like work or extra responsibilities. But, have you ever heard of emotional burnout? It’s more common than you might think and occurs when what’s draining you is more than what you are “depositing” into your overall emotional “bank account.” Unfortunately, you might not even realize you’re burning out until you hit a low point.
You might be able to manage to invest yourself in people, activities, work, etc., for a while. But, if those things are taking up all of your time, energy, and emotions, you will quickly become depleted.
So, what are the signs of emotional burnout and how can you restore yourself to a healthy emotional state?
Understanding Emotional Burnout
The signs of emotional burnout can be different for everyone. Some people might experience more physical symptoms while others will have symptoms that pull at their emotions in different ways.
With that in mind, some of the most common signs include:
- Having trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Changes in eating habits
- Depression
- Not enjoying hobbies like usual
- Feeling a lack of purpose/meaning
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Anger
Understanding these signs can clue you in on whether you’re reaching the point of burning out. If you find yourself feeling “off” or you’re not acting in ways you normally would, take those signs seriously. If you don’t do something to change the situation, they will likely continue to get worse.
Not only will that impact other people in your life but it could lead to more serious mental health concerns for you, including major depressive disorder or anxiety.
What Causes Burnout?
The factors that play into emotional burnout or exhaustion are different for everyone. You might have a high-pressure job that demands a lot from you. Or, the pressure and stress of raising a family can be too much at times if you’re not putting yourself first.
Troublesome situations in your life can also trigger a pattern of emotional burnout, including divorce, financial troubles, or the death of a loved one. Over the last 2 years, when the COVID-19 pandemic took over the world, you might have started to experience the stresses of everyday life more than ever before, on top of the uncertainty going on in the world.
So, there isn’t just one underlying cause. It’s crucial to take a look at your own life and determine where you’re being depleted the most, so you can start to turn things around.
Making Deposits in Your Emotional Bank Account
So, what can you do to balance things out and refuel your emotional state? The first thing to do is press the “pause” button on everything going on in your life. Take a breath and take stock of what you might be lacking.
Do you need to get more sleep? Are you eating well? Getting enough/too much exercise? Are you lonely and need more social engagement, or would you benefit from more alone time?
The ultimate question you need to ask yourself is this: What is going to help you feel restored and rejuvenated? Obviously, that answer looks different for everyone, so think about what helps you feel fulfilled and content, and make it a priority
There is an old saying that suggests you can’t pour from an empty cup. While you may have the best of intentions, if your emotional state becomes depleted and you aren’t taking care of yourself, you’re not going to be able to help anyone or give yourself to any particular cause or situation.
Set boundaries when it comes to your emotional health. Knowing how much you can handle and understanding when to take a break will make it easier to prevent burnout and strike a healthy balance in your life.
