Written By: Caroline Goldschein, LMHC, NCC
Associate Counselor

As summer passes, you might notice yourself feeling extra tired both physically and mentally. Maybe you have experienced these feelings before, or maybe this is the first time. If it feels like you are constantly going without a second to catch your breath, you might be experiencing burnout. 

Burnout is not just experienced by individuals in healthcare and helping professions, but it can happen in any profession or role. We might not only experience burnout at work but at home or in school. Maybe you are a parent and you feel like you are taking on more responsibilities than your partner. Or, maybe you are caring for a sick or aging family member and feeling like you can’t keep up. Even teenagers might be experiencing burnout as they try to balance school, sports, and friendships. Rarely do these teens get to leave school at school as they come home to not just homework and studying, but social dynamics and pressures on their phone.

What are some possible signs of burnout?

  • Fatigue
  • Emotional and mental exhaustion 
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, changes in appetite, or getting sick more often
  • Lack of satisfaction at work
  • Sleep problems
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Cynicism and apathy

Burnout can be detrimental to how we function in both our professional and personal roles and in our relationships. Burnout can leave us feeling less motivated at work and negatively affect our job performance. We can try to respond to burnout with rest and relaxation, but an even better way to combat burnout is to prevent it. 

Preventing Burnout:

  1. Identify and notice your warning signs
  • Are you feeling more irritable?
  • Is your work impacting your relationships?
  • Do you feel less motivated in your role?
  • Are you experiencing an increased desire to use alcohol or other substances?
  • Are you experiencing less patience than normal?
  1. Develop realistic self-care strategies
  • Find a form of physical activity that works for you
  • Put your phone down
  • Engage in social self-care
  • Use vacation time
  • Practice sleep hygiene
  • Set and maintain boundaries
  • Practice saying no
  1. Utilize your support systems
  • Family and friends
  • Colleagues
  • Therapy
  • Support groups

Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for help!  To learn more about the practice and services we offer, or to schedule an appointment, visit the website.