Burnout is more than just a bad day at work. It’s a state of constant physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that occurs when your work-life balance is out of whack and the resulting stress becomes completely overwhelming.
If you think you might be experiencing burnout, you’re definitely not alone. A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that 77% of workers in the United States experienced work-related stress in the last month—with 57% experiencing the types of negative outcomes associated with workplace burnout. Let’s take a closer look at how burnout affects your mental health and how the team at Eagle View Behavioral Health in Bettendorf, Iowa, might be able to help.
10 Surprising Ways Burnout Hurts Your Mental Health
- Burnout Sends You on an Emotional Rollercoaster
Burnout can send your emotions on a wild ride. One minute, you’re irritated by the smallest things. The next, you’re too numb to care. That favorite playlist that used to perk you up? Now it’s just boring background noise. The warm bath that once melted your stress away? Now it barely makes a dent.
- Burnout Leaves You Lost in a Fog of Forgetfulness
Ever walk into a room and forget why you’re there? With burnout, that mental fog becomes your new normal. Ordinary tasks feel impossible, your confidence is shaken, and you start to question your abilities.
- Burnout Makes It Tough to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Burnout and sleep problems often go hand in hand. You’re exhausted, but your mind won’t shut off. You toss and turn, replaying the day’s events or worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list. When you do manage to drift off, your sleep quality suffers. Over time, not getting the rest your body needs can worsen your mood and ability to cope with stress.
- Burnout Messes With Your Appetite
Burnout can turn your relationship with food upside down. Some people lose their appetite entirely, skipping meals without even noticing. Others turn to food for comfort, leading to overeating and potential weight gain. These changes in eating habits can create nutritional deficiencies that impact your mood and energy levels.
- Burnout Amplifies Anxiety
Burnout can crank up your anxiety. You might find yourself constantly worrying about work, even during your off hours. This heightened anxiety can cause physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, or panic attacks—even if you don’t meet the formal diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder.
- Burnout Zaps Your Motivation
Remember when you used to bounce out of bed, ready to tackle the day? Burnout can suck the motivation right out of you. Even activities you once enjoyed may now feel like chores. Hobbies gather dust, exercise routines fall by the wayside, and social plans get canceled.
- Burnout Crushes Your Creativity
Burnout doesn’t just affect your productivity—it can stifle your creativity too. You might find yourself stuck in a rut, unable to come up with fresh ideas or solve problems creatively. This can be especially frustrating if your job or hobbies rely on creative thinking.
- Burnout Takes a Physical Toll
Burnout is primarily a mental health issue, but it can cause physical aches and pains as well. Headaches, muscle tension, and digestive problems are common complaints. You might notice yourself getting sick more often as your immune system takes a hit from chronic stress. Your existing health conditions may also worsen as you struggle to maintain healthy habits.
- Burnout Can Wreck Your Social Life
When you’re struggling with burnout, you might find yourself withdrawing from friends and family because you’re too drained to socialize. Communication with your friends and family may suffer as irritability and mood swings take their toll. Over time, social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection that make it even more challenging to manage your mental health.
- Burnout Can Lead to an Identity Crisis
At its core, burnout can shake your sense of self. You might start to question your career choices, your values, and your purpose in life. This loss of identity can lead to feelings of emptiness and despair, potentially triggering or worsening depression.
Are You Ready for a Healthier Work-Life Balance?
At Eagle View Behavioral Health, we understand the toll that burnout can take on your mental health. Our compassionate team of healthcare professionals is ready to provide the support and guidance you need to rediscover your spark. Our treatment programs are personalized to fit your unique needs, but could include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of talk therapy to address negative thought patterns and help you develop effective coping strategies
- Guidance on setting healthy boundaries in your work and personal life
- Advice on how to use deep breathing, grounding techniques, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage your anxiety
- Tips on incorporating mindfulness techniques to help manage your stress and improve your ability to focus
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential assessment.
