We all get tired or a little exhausted at times. Whether work is getting too much for you, or you feel drained due to responsibilities such as childcare, looking after someone you love, or keeping on top of your daily errands and workload. It happens.
When things get too much, we may become overwhelmed or feel burned out. So, what does the term burnout mean, and how can we manage this if we have depression?
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is the term we use for the state of physical and mental exhaustion. You will feel like a candle that has burned itself completely out, and that you have no more energy to give. That could be either emotional energy or physical energy.
Burnout often occurs when you are under excessive stress within your job or personal life. Some signs that you are experiencing burnout include feeling drained or extremely tired all of the time, feeling defeated, trapped in your job/life, or helpless and worthless.
You may feel as if you have lost all motivation, and your performance levels are decreased. You may also have low self-esteem and negative beliefs about yourself and about others. Feeling burned out, when it isn’t managed, can actually lead to other mental health issues such as anxiety and yes, depression!
Burnout & Depression
Suffering burnout can have a negative impact on your mental health. It is for this reason that burnout and depression are closely tied together. In addition, the symptoms of burnout can be similar to those of depression.
For instance, these symptoms that often overlap with burnout can cause immense feelings of mental or physical exhaustion due to the excessive and prolonged stress you are experiencing. It can be taxing to deal with, and emotionally draining to the point where you may struggle to focus or enjoy certain activities. This is exactly the same for those suffering from depression.
Burnout is composed of three concepts. These are exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of professional efficacy. Exhaustion is when you feel chronic fatigue due to demands, whereas cynicism refers to the belief that people are always selfish, or pessimistic. Lack of professional efficacy is when someone does not believe in their capacity to attain performance standards.
Therefore, there is a strong bond between burnout and depression. These notions go arm in arm, someone who is depressed could be experiencing burnout, or someone who is experiencing prolonged burnout could become depressed.
4 Ways to Manage Burnout on Top of Depression
Set Boundaries
This is so important. You need time to yourself and you cannot give it all to someone else. Learn how to say no, and how to have time to unwind so that you do not become overwhelmed.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. This could be by taking walks, trying breathing exercises, taking a bath, or listening to relaxing music to unwind.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks can help you relax and recharge your energy. It can also limit further mental stress.
Social Interaction
It is so vital that you surround yourself with people you love, and those who love you. Spend time with those whose company you enjoy, as it will boost your well-being. You will also feel more confident, raise your self-esteem, and be more motivated.
Talk to someone you trust. Speak to a friend or family member about how you are feeling, and they may be able to help you find a solution so that you do not feel burnt out or as depressed as you are now.
You can also speak to a therapist for guidance. We are here to support you and help you develop healthy coping mechanisms for your burnout and depression. Reach out to us for depression treatment when you are ready.