Burnout is a word that gets thrown around often, but not many people actually know what it means.
People often mistake the side effects of burnout with anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders. While they can go hand in hand, looping them all in together is not always the best.
The solution to depression does not always help to resolve burnout. Burnout is a subsection of depression.
It is not a new term, having been around since the early 1970s, but it used to be used solely with medical and other care-giving professions. Now, it is used to describe all sorts of occupations, even as young as high school students.
Terms like “gifted-student burnout” did not come around for no reason. However, hope is not lost.
Burnout is difficult to break free from, but not impossible.
First, you have to recognize the symptoms. The signs are not always so obvious; they normally go unnoticed most of the time.
Built-up exhaustion, not wanting to participate in well-liked activities and an unusual lack of effort are the most common signs that a burnout spiral may be occurring.
Now, this can just be how some people are. That is why there is an emphasis on “unusual.” If someone normally puts in 100%, then suddenly drops down to 70%, that may be a sign that they’re burning out.
One of the biggest steps to resolving burnout is admitting that you are burning out. Acceptance is a huge step in a lot of mental health resolutions; burnout is not much different.
Another possible step, though it may not be the best for everyone, is to reach out for help. Whether a therapist, a friend, a co-worker or someone you trust dearly, reaching out to someone can help a ton. It takes the burden of being alone away.
Additionally, understand that your health comes first. You are not a bad person for skipping a class or two if you feel that you really need to.
There is nothing wrong with skipping a work function to go home instead and binge-watch movies. Prioritize your wants and needs.
Work will always be there tomorrow. Focus on exercising and eating healthy, maybe even sign up for an activity you’ve been meaning to.
The last example is to practice self-compassion. Self-care is a term that is thrown around so loosely, it has almost lost meaning entirely.
Self-compassion just means to treat yourself with the same kindness you treat others. You would not get upset at someone else for making little mistakes, so do not get upset with yourself for making those little mistakes.
As we get closer to fall finals, make sure to prioritize what matters to you. It is okay to take breaks when you need them and it is okay to fail.
Just focus on making sure you are still the best you that you can be.
