Understanding Burn Out & Mental Health
Updated: Oct 13, 2022
Protect your mental health!
Mental health is so important and knowing your limits will guide you to protect your mental health without reaching burn out.
This is by no means a diagnostic tool. If someone you know is in need of immediate crisis intervention, visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Call or text 988, or call 911.
In most cases, every individual has experienced some level of burn out in their lives. What some of those individuals don't realize is that It affects their mental health and they wonder why they are feeling the way that they do. These individuals vary between athletes, students, college and graduate students and even every day employees. Myself being one of them. Starting out as an athlete, being an injured athlete, going on to college and again to graduate school and now in my career. I can say for sure there has been and still are moments I experience burnout. However, I have learned how to manage so that I am protecting my mental health.
Now I am not saying every day is sunshine and butterflies. It is ok to have a not so ok day. But lets understand what we go through to help ourselves protect our mental health.
Take control of your Mental Health
What is Burnout and Mental Health?
A nonprofit guide to mental health & wellness explains that burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. The negative effects of burnout spill over into every area of life. It is a gradual process but can creep up on you. If you have a healthy and strong mental health you can acknowledge symptoms of burnout and prevent further damage to your health.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. Burnout can absolutely cause changes in your mental health. It is important to have a strong control over your mental health so you do not feel symptoms of burnout. Because of this, you are able to recognize that something just is not right and you can remove yourself from difficult situations and catch a breath.
Understanding Burnout & Mental Health
It is ok to have a not so ok day. Shit happens, but we get back up and keep moving forward. However, every day should not be a bad day. It is important to understand symptoms of burnout to protect your mental health.
Physical signs and symptoms of burnout
- feeling tired and drained most of the time
- lowered immunity, frequent illnesses
- frequent headaches or muscle pain
- change in appetite or sleep habits
Emotional signs and symptoms of burnout
- sense of failure and self-doubt
- detachment, feeling alone in the world
- loss of motivation
- increasingly cynical and negative outlook
- decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment
Behavioral signs and symptoms of burnout
- withdrawing from responsibilities
- isolating yourself from others
- procrastinating, taking longer to get things done
- using food, drugs or alcohol to cope
- taking out your frustrations on others
- skipping work or coming in late and leaving early
Life can most definitely get the best of us. Too much stress on our bodies, too many responsibilities, spending too much time worrying about work can all be factors leading to burnout. So how do we control these stressors in our lives? By controlling our mental health.
In order for us to control our mental health we need to keep a positive outlook on everything. Realize your full potential. Cope with the stresses of life. Work productively and make meaningful connections with those around you. Surround yourself with positivity and people who support and love you.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP AND STAY ACTIVE!!
Exercising is a great way to clear your mind and feel good about yourself. Even if It is a quick 10 minute walk or as long as an hour gym sesh. Get your body moving. It will feel refreshing.
Take control of your Mental Health
A refreshed mind leads to a healthy mind. Whenever you have a feeling of no self worth or feeling down in the dumps.....stop what you are doing and get outside and go for a walk or call a friend or just take a break. It is so so so important to give yourself a break. Relax on the couch with a comfy blanket and all the pillows and close your eyes for a few minutes or even an hour. Whatever you need to do to refresh your mind, just do It.
Ways to maintain a positive mental health
- getting professional help if you need It
- connecting with others
- staying positive
- getting physically active
- helping others
- getting enough sleep
- developing coping skills
Smile, you are living a beautiful life!!
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