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Mental health

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Flip

Original poster

Recurrent burnout

7 replies

splashingabout · 02/02/2021 19:31

It's happened... again. I've burned out and feel completely overwhelmed by all that I have to do right now.

Unable to function properly. Missing deadlines.

Sleep massively affected. Poor diet.

Anyone have tips for how to overcome this? I am in therapy...

OP posts:

Original poster

splashingabout · 02/02/2021 19:35

Forgot to add that I lost a parent a few years ago and life has been moving at a million miles an hour since then.

OP posts:

Bmidreams · 02/02/2021 19:40

Sorry to hear this, op. I'm no expert, but have experienced something similar, and the only advice I have is that you need to STOP. Step off the treadmill and just stop. Get signed off work and rest. Take care of yourself and do everything you're supposed to do such as exercise and good diet.

Original poster

splashingabout · 02/02/2021 19:47

thank you @Bmidreams

I stopped working a few months ago but have taken on some voluntary roles and feel like I'm letting people down/giving myself a bad rep by quitting - any advice for having these difficult conversations? x

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Bmidreams · 02/02/2021 20:54

I'm no good at these conversations! I'm a bit blunt. You're not letting them down though, you'll be back fighting fit! Just a bit of time out to concentrate on you.

I found that the more I did, the more I could do etc etc (I thought) until I must have been moving at hyper speed and must have been a bit manic. I'm glad you're not at work as that is such a burden.

I lost a parent suddenly when I was quite young and it's very easy to be swept away by life and not grieve.

Original poster

splashingabout · 02/02/2021 21:19

thanks lovely @Bmidreams x

Really do relate to being swept away by life and not taking time to grieve. Every so often it hits me that my parent isn't coming back but it still feels removed from me - if that makes sense?

I was doing way too much and it was affecting the quality of the stuff that I did. Especially at work. Apparently it wasn't obvioius but I know myself and what I'm capable of..

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Pizzafortwo · 02/02/2021 21:45

So sorry for your loss. I think you are aware of burnout so that's the first step. If stress is on a scale of 0-10 what level are you comfortable with, before you start to burn out or miss deadlines? It's about having a balance between feeling happy and getting things done. Equally understanding what stresses you out, is it feeling bogged down or not getting enough exercise etc. and when you feel that way what is your reset button?

Is that quiet time to work things through, light chats with friends, reading. Focusing on immediate priorities and keeping people updated (writing that I realise I need to do this last one!).

Original poster

splashingabout · 02/02/2021 21:55

Thanks @Pizzafortwo x

I'd say I'm comfortable with a 7? Stress for me as having lots on my plate that I'm responsible for - so things relating to my home/work/study life that I need to handle (can't outsource).

Since death of my parent (and even for a while before this), I wouldn't say I really ever feel happy to be honest except sometimes when I'm with my DP.

I also don't really have a reset button... I typically ride the wave until it's over and then crash. Partially recover for a minute? And then get back on the conveyor belt.

OP posts:

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