Beacon of Hope

What It Is & What To Do About It

What Is Burnout? Burnout happens gradually, over a long period of time. In my situation, after my husband's first hospitalization, I felt satisfaction knowing that I was able to help him through some very difficult days and nights. I had hope that with his medication and therapy things would return to normal. They didn't. He suffered from three years of unrelenting depression and anxiety. During this time, I was a constant support to my husband emotionally, along with my other responsibilities of a full time job and taking care of the house. In addition to this, I took over many of my husband's responsibilities. His depression ended with a second hospitalization for mania that was very traumatic. Soon after, the demands of my job increased. It became difficult for me to be around other people and see their lives working out while mine wasn't, and I gradually became more and more isolated. I started having trouble falling asleep at night. When I got home from work I didn't feel like doing anything. If there was a cold or flu bug going around, I would get it. I was angry and frustated with my husband because he wasn't getting any better and it didn't seem like he was trying hard enough. I began to feel overwhelmed and feel like I was incompetent at my job. I felt trapped, like I would just like to run away, but I couldn't. My emotions were right on the surface and I would lose control and begin crying over small things. I finally ended up in clinical depression. How Can I Tell If I'm Burned Out? Burnout progresses through stages in which the emotional and physical reactions gradually increase, until they reach a crisis stage. Since burnout happens over a period of time, you may not really notice what is happening. Here are some questions to ask youself to help you discover if you may be on the road to burnout. Am I feeling drained, like I have no energy? Am I finding it difficult to do the things I normally used to do with no problem? Am I less productive? Am I feeling like I don't do a good job anymore, like I am not a good employee, mother, father, or partner? Am I feeling frustrated, angry, or sad? Am I having trouble concentrating? Am I experiencing frequent headaches, backaches, stomach problems, colds/flu? Am I having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Is my skin breaking out? Am I feeling overwhelmed, trapped, like I want to run away? Am I feeling resentful? Am I feeling empty, like there is no joy in activities I used to enjoy? Am I spending more and more time at work to avoid going home or am I consumed with taking care of my partner? Am I using a substance to medicate my pain such as alcohol, drugs, or food? What Do I Do About It? Here are some suggestions for easing or avoiding burnout. Get help for yourself from a counselor, doctor, or clergy person. Do not wait until you have a crisis to go for help. If you find you are suffering from depression, please seek help now. Take care of yourself. Your well being is important too! Do a physical activity that you enjoy. Eat healthy foods. Take breaks from your partner to do things you enjoy. Learn to say NO. Set boundaries for the demands that are being placed on you. Get involved with other people. Join a club or group at your church. If you have trouble connecting with people a support group can be a safe place to start. Encourage your partner to reach out to others for support through club houses, support groups such as Emotions Anonymous, Schizophrenics Anonoymous, Anxiety In Motion (AIM), or Recovery, Inc. Contact your local mental health agency to apply for Respite Care. Make a list of your needs and make it a priority to get them met. Ask for help from family members and friends, explain your situation and how they can help. Hire someone to help with chores if you are able. Additional Resources Here are some links to articles and programs that may be helpful. Articles: The Four Stages of Burnout Respite Care What is a clubhouse? (Eureka Clubhouse in Australia) Programs: Emotions Anonymous Dual Recovery Anonymous

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