EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION
Emotional exhaustion is when one feels emotionally drained or worn out. This may be a result of piled-up stress from different aspects of your life. People who experience emotional exhaustion feel like they have no control or power over whatever happens in their life. They may feel that they are trapped or stuck.
Decreased motivation, poor sleep quality, and lack of energy can make it more difficult to get over emotional exhaustion. Over time this chronic state of being stressed out may damage your mental health permanently. A person who experiences stress or tension on a long-term basis can become mentally and emotionally overwhelmed and exhausted.
SYMPTOMS OF EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION
Emotional exhaustion may cause emotional and physical symptoms. People experiencing emotional exhaustion may have
- Lack of motivation
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Feeling helpless and hopeless
- Absent-mindedness
- Apathy
- Frequent headaches
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling nervous
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Temperament issues
- Pessimism or cynicism
- Dreadfulness
- Depression
People who are employed may feel overworked and emotionally exhausted and may have changes in job performance. For instance, they may fail to meet deadlines, may have more absences, and have high turnover rates.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION
Feeling stressed or anxious sometimes is normal, but over time, long-term stress can take a toll on the overall health of a person. The triggers of emotional exhaustion differ from person to person. A situation that can be tolerated by one person cannot be tolerated by another person at all.
The triggers may include:
- Intense competition at school e.g., Medical or dental school
- High-stress jobs like police, doctors, teachers, etc.
- Working for long hours, especially at a job you may not like
- Financial stress or poverty
- Relationship issues
- Death of a family member or a friend
- Living with chronic illness
- Accident
MANAGEMENT OF EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION
Whenever you feel stressed out, it is necessary to make some changes in life even if they are minor ones. Forming healthier habits is very important.
ACKNOWLEDGE AND ELIMINATE THE STRESSOR
This might sound a bit difficult but the best possible way to treat stress is to eliminate the stressor. For instance, if your boss or manager is the cause of your stress, consider transferring departments or changing jobs.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Choosing a healthy and balanced diet is also a way to love yourself and get rid of stressors. When we eat healthy foods, it will improve our digestion, sleep, and also energy levels and it works like a domino effect. Physical activity helps the body to release serotonin and endorphins which in turn help in improving the emotional state. It also distracts you from focusing on the problem.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Sleep is the most important part of mental health maintenance. Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep every day for a relaxed body and state of mind. Caffeine restriction from the diet also has a positive effect on your circadian rhythm.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is the practice of engaging your mind in the present moment. This can help you in taking your mind off negative thinking. Practicing mindfulness in ways like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, going for a walk and journaling is very helpful.
CONSULTING A PROFESSIONAL
Seeking professional help along with making lifestyle changes. A professional can help you by showing techniques that help you in releasing your stress or any other mental health issue you are going through.
POSSIBLE RISKS OF CHRONIC EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION:
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Premature aging
- Anxiety
- Depression
