Psychology Today defines emotional burnout as “a state in which one feels worn-out mentally because of accumulated stress from a situation in their personal life.”
Every individual is at risk of experiencing emotional burnout, and it could occur at any stage in one’s life. There are a variety of triggers that could lead to emotional burnout. Individuals that are exposed to prolonged and constant stress are at increased risk for developing emotional burnout. Not all people will be emotionally triggered in the same way by the same experiences, and everyone has different tolerance levels and abilities for coping with life’s challenges. Emotional burnout can manifest as physical and emotional symptoms, such as feelings of overwhelming exhaustion, cynicism, and detachment, as well as an overall sense of ineffectiveness or lack of accomplishment. One of the most common signs of emotional burnout is emotional exhaustion. To mitigate emotional burnout, most individuals must make lifestyle changes, and obtaining guidance from a mental health professional, such as a therapist may be advantageous.
Where To Turn
There are a variety of ways to recover from emotional burnout, and countless resources available, including a plethora of mental health clinicians. An excellent place to start your search for a qualified mental health provider is to consult your primary care physician, as they will be able to point you in the right direction, and many may even offer recommendations from within their professional network. There are fantastic online resources that offer curated lists containing reputable mental health providers (e.g., Psychology Today). Everyone is different, which is why when working with a professional the most effective treatment for emotional burnout is accomplished through a customized treatment plan that is completely informed by and tailored to the individual’s nuanced needs. A mental health clinician works with his or her client to uncover the causes and identify the symptoms that led to emotional burnout. Individuals are encouraged to evaluate unhelpful habits and patterns that have been established in their daily lives that contribute to perpetuating the cycle of emotional exhaustion. The mental health professional will help individuals learn to implement healthy lifestyle choices (e.g., exercising regularly, obtaining ample sleep, eating nutritiously, engaging in mindfulness practices, etc.) and learn effective stress-management strategies and useful coping mechanisms.
Further Information and Support
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all-consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. At Upwell Advisors, we offer unique, customized concierge therapeutic services to provide our clients with unparalleled support throughout every step of the recovery process.
Feel free to reach to contact us anytime via email at [email protected] We look forward to supporting you on your journey.