Understanding Burnout and Building Emotional Resilience

Burnout is more than just a trendy buzzword. It’s a real and pervasive issue that many individuals, especially those in helping professions, are struggling with today. Whether you’re a teacher, healthcare worker, or mental health professional, burnout can affect anyone who’s under chronic stress and feels undervalued or overworked. In a recent conversation with Emily Nykamp, a therapist at Wedgwood’s Bouma Counseling Center, we learn about the causes of burnout, how we can recognize it, and most importantly, how we can prevent and recover from it.

What is Burnout, and Why Is It So Common Right Now? 

Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, typically tied to work or caregiving. It’s more than just being tired after a busy week; burnout occurs when stress accumulates over time without being addressed. Emily explained that burnout often manifests as fatigue, irritability, a lack of enthusiasm for things that once brought joy, and even depression-like symptoms. In a world where “hustle culture” is often celebrated, people are working harder, longer hours, and pushing themselves to the limit, only to realize they’ve hit a wall. 

“Post pandemic, burnout is especially prevalent in professions like healthcare and teaching, where people are feeling overworked and undervalued,” Emily shared. “It’s becoming more common for people to speak up about their struggles and seek help before they reach the breaking point.” 

Recognizing Burnout in Ourselves and Others 

The first step to addressing burnout is recognizing its signs. Emily pointed out that everyone experiences stress, but if you notice you’re feeling drained, irritable, or apathetic on a daily basis for weeks at a time, it might be time to pay attention. Other signs of burnout include a lack of compassion for coworkers or family members, feeling physically exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, and a general sense of dread about going to work or fulfilling daily responsibilities. 

For loved ones, recognizing burnout might look like a change in behavior. If someone is more withdrawn, negative, or less engaged with the things they usually enjoy, it could be an indication that they’re struggling with stress and burnout. 

What Happens if We Don’t Address Burnout? 

It can be tempting to push through burnout, especially when we feel like our work is important or that we’re being counted on by others. But if burnout is left unchecked, it can lead to serious physical and mental health consequences. Chronic stress affects our body in many ways, increasing the risk for health problems like heart disease, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances. 

“If we keep pushing through stress, we may experience physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension, and in the long term, burnout can lead to depression or anxiety,” Emily warned. “It’s not about pushing through at all costs; it’s about acknowledging the warning signs and taking action to protect ourselves.” 

Strategies for Preventing and Recovering from Burnout 

The key to preventing burnout is adopting a lifestyle that prioritizes emotional wellness and self-care. Emily emphasized the importance of taking breaks, practicing self-compassion, and finding ways to manage stress regularly. 

1. Recognize the Signs of Stress Early: 

The first step is being aware of how stress manifests in your life. Take time to reflect on your feelings and energy levels. Are you feeling drained more than usual? Are you becoming irritable with colleagues, clients, or loved ones? Catching these signs early on gives you the opportunity to address them before they escalate into full-blown burnout. 

1. Build a Support System 

Emily also stressed the importance of social support, “People need people,” she said. Whether it’s friends, family, coworkers, or a therapist, having people to talk to and share experiences with can be a game-changer. Sometimes, just talking about stress can lighten the load and provide valuable insights into how to cope. 

1. Set Boundaries and Take Breaks: 

Especially for those in caregiving or helping professions, it’s easy to feel like you need to be “on” all the time. However, it’s important to set boundaries and taking intentional breaks. “Recognizing that you’re not always responsible for fixing everyone’s problems is key,” Emily said. “As a therapist, I’m there to support my clients, but I can’t fix everything for them.” 

Taking a Step Back from Hustle Culture 

Burnout is a serious issue, but with awareness, support, and proactive self-care, it’s possible to prevent and recover from it. Whether you’re feeling the effects of burnout yourself or noticing it in a loved one, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help – whether through a professional, a support group, or trusted friends and family. Burnout is a signal that something needs to change, but it doesn’t mean you can’t recover and build resilience for the future. 

If you need support in navigating burnout or want to explore strategies for improving emotional well-being, Wedgwood’s team of compassionate professionals is here to help. Get connected to support by reaching out to our counseling team https://www.wedgwood.org/services-counseling-services/ by emailing counseling@wedgwood.org or calling 616.942.7294.