“I Can't Do This Anymore”: Navigating Burnout

Disclaimer: This is a first-person account, meaning these are personal experiences that might or might not resonate with you. The writer hopes that when you read this article, you will enjoy it, and if you feel that you are or have gone through similar experiences, you will be able to take away a few learnings.

If you're reading this, there's a good chance you've recently found yourself feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and maybe even a little defeated. Maybe you're feeling burnt out. You're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, burnout is becoming increasingly common, affecting people from all walks of life and industries.

As someone who has personally experienced burnout, I know just how debilitating it can be. The constant stress and pressure can make even the most mundane tasks feel impossible. It can be easy to feel like giving up and to believe that you're not cut out for the demands of your job or life in general.

But here's the thing: burnout is a normal response to chronic stress, and it doesn't have to define you or your future. With the right tools and support, you can overcome burnout and get back to feeling like yourself again.

What exactly is burnout, and how do you know if you're experiencing it?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), burnout is “a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” It's characterised by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.

If you're feeling burnt out, you might find yourself:

• struggling to complete even the simplest tasks
• lacking motivation
• feeling detached from your work or personal life
• struggling with sleep
• feeling tired most of the time
• avoiding socialising 

If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to take them seriously. Burnout is not just a sign that you need to work harder or push through; it's a sign that your body and mind are telling you that something needs to change.

So, what can you do to overcome burnout? 

The first step is to recognise and acknowledge that you're struggling. This can be hard, especially if you're someone who tends to push through stress and pressure. But it's crucial if you want to find relief.

Once you've acknowledged that you're experiencing burnout, it's time to take some time for yourself. This might mean taking a day or two off from work, or it might mean taking a longer break. Whatever it looks like for you, the goal is to give yourself some space to rest and recharge.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to seek out support from friends, family, or a counsellor or therapist. Talking to someone about what you're going through can help you process your feelings and gain a new perspective.

Now, assess the sources of stress in your life. This might mean taking a closer look at your workload, re-evaluating your priorities, or setting clearer boundaries between work and personal life. It might also mean finding ways to manage stress more effectively, such as through exercise, mindfulness practices, or seeking out new hobbies.

In addition to these practical steps, it can be helpful to adopt a growth mindset and to focus on what you're capable of, rather than what you're not. This means accepting that you're going through a difficult time, but also recognising that you have the strength and resilience to overcome it.

Finally, it's important to be patient and to give yourself the time and space you need to fully recover from burnout. 

This is not a one-time fix; it's a process that takes time and effort. But with the right support and mindset, you can overcome burnout and get back to feeling like yourself again.

Sources:

HelpGuide.org. (n.d.). Burnout prevention and recovery. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm

WebMD. (n.d.). Burnout: Symptoms and signs. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/burnout-symptoms-signs

Mayo Clinic. (2021, October 29). Burnout: Understanding and managing exhaustion. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642