Stress is a normal part of everyday life. Everyone experiences stress at one point in time or another. However, prolonged or chronic stress can have serious consequences to your mental health as well as your physical health. Stress has been linked to anxiety, inability to relax, depression, insomnia, headaches, increased blood pressure and heart disease. Therapy helps you address the underlying life events that are causing the chronic stress whether it is work issues, parenting, divorce, medical illness or a family member in crisis.
Burnout is the result of too much stress and exhaustion. When trying to cope with excessive stress, some people engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms, including abusing drugs, alcohol, or food. Others simply step away from their responsibilities altogether, which leads to aggregated feelings of inadequacy. Regardless of how it happens, it's essential to avoid burnout because it can lead to depression and all sorts of health problems; both physical and psychological.
This is a phase defined by optimism and excitement. You may feel ready to take on a new challenge while finding it easy to be positive, productive and creative.
Once the honeymoon phase passes, stress sets in. During this phase, the person will start feeling fatigued, unfocused and less productive.
Leaving the stress unmanaged will cause it to progress to chronic stress. In this phase, you may skip work, show up late, miss deadlines, and withdraw socially.
When you reach your limit, you reach the burnout phase. The source of the stress consumes every moment of your life and leaves you feeling mentally and physically exhausted.
You power through burnout and develop the ability to exist in a perpetual state of stress. People in this stage can no longer work, function, sleep, or enjoy day to day activities.
Burnout can last a very long time if left unmanaged and the truth is that the only person who can help you recover from burnout is you. You are the only person who can give you the permission you need to stop pushing yourself and engaging in self-care. A therapist can support you by providing useful coping strategies, relaxation techniques and recommendations to reduce stress and improve personal wellness.
Not sure who can help you? You can either fill out the form to be matched to a therapist that specializes in your unique situation or give us a call at (403) 588-7639.