Burnout: Symptoms and Causes

Have the pressures in your life become more than you can bear?

Have you suddenly found it difficult to focus on your daily tasks?

We often face situations in life that are beyond our control, and each of us experiences stress at some point that requires considerable psychological resilience. Anxiety is an extremely common and natural human feeling. Some people can manage such pressures and anxiety in healthy ways, but for others, accumulating stress becomes more than they can bear and leads to what is known as burnout.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical and psychological exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress. It affects people in high-intensity work environments or professions that demand more time and effort than they can manage. Other factors may also increase the likelihood of burnout, such as a person's daily lifestyle and certain personality traits, how they spend their free time, and how they view the outside world. It may also be associated with personal problems between spouses or the responsibilities of parenthood, and it can appear among those required to care for others, such as nurses.

Symptoms of burnout

1. Feeling more physically exhausted than usual.
2. Mood swings and an absence of positive emotions.
3. Changes in appetite and sleeping habits.
4. Depression and anxiety.
5. Reduced immunity and frequent headaches.
6. Difficulty concentrating and sleep problems.
7. Heart palpitations or chest pain.
8. Persistent and recurring illness.
9. Taking out your frustration on those around you.

Possible causes of burnout:

• Experiencing a major life change, such as divorce or the death of a family member.
• Going through an unstable financial situation.
• Experiencing psychosocial pressure due to family or school responsibilities.
• Living with a chronic illness.
• Working in a highly controlling and excessively demanding environment.

If you do not address your stress and exhaustion, the negative effects of burnout can extend into every area of your life, including your family and social relationships. It may even cause long-term changes in your body that leave you vulnerable to physical illness, and it can develop into a range of psychological effects. The psychological strain caused by trying to appear strong may take a very heavy toll. Remember that caring for your mental health is extremely important and should always remain one of your highest priorities.

Download the Tatmeen app for online psychological and family consultations from the Apple Store or Google Play. You can also register on the Tatmeen mental health website to access valuable information and practical tools for strengthening your mental and family well-being.