Feel completely burnt out - how to get better?

[PrintersCourt]

I’m overweight, irritable, constantly tired, lacking in concentration, completely unmotivated and have multiple little issues like skin problems and not being able to sleep.

I’m 50 so I’m aware some of how I feel is my age but I’ve also had a lot on the past few years on top of the stuff like covid and money worries that have affected everyone. Most recently I’ve been travelling a lot to visit a sick relative who has sadly now died so there’s been a lot to organise there.

I just want to feel normal but I haven’t got the energy to take the steps I need to. Just keeping on top of work and life is enough - all I want at the end of the day is to crash out. I know I should probably see a doctor but I don’t feel like I’ve got time to make an appointment let alone do whatever they tell me I should. I haven’t had a proper break for years but I feel like if I stop I won’t be able to pick things back up again.

Help!

Are you on HRT? It might help with many of those symptoms.

Sorry to hear you are feeling so low. Self care is super important. Make that appointment and put your well being as your top priority because you are worthy of it. Good luck! X

I know I'm younger than you, so you may be facing different hormone issues - however it's astonishing just how much water, exercise and a healthy diet can help.

It's so difficult to start. But if you force yourself to get into a better routine, it won't be long until you can feel the benefits.

I haven't experienced being 50, but it's not at all elderly and I don't think you should accept that it's OK to feel bad. If you don't feel good, there's a reason and you owe it to yourself to find out what it is.

I get the impression that you're "crashing" after a particularly intense period. Things are a little less intense now, but it's now that you're really noticing your exhaustion. This is a normal pattern, at least for me. Adrenaline or fear keeps me going when things are insane. As soon as there's a little bit of calm, I crash. So don't worry. It's likely that that's what is going on.

That said, you should look at potential medical issues. Someone already mentioned menopause. Look into that (and I mean, be aggressive about getting help from your GP). I'd also ask immediately for a blood test. When I got weird skin issues a few years ago and felt exhausted, it turned out I had a vitamin D and iron deficiency. Within days of starting to take supplements, I felt like Wonder Woman.

The other issue is sleep. You need to be sleeping regularly, meaning falling asleep at roughly the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning. This might sound like woo-woo, but it's not. Our bodies do things on a schedule and when the schedule is disrupted, things can go haywire. Do whatever you can to get enough regular sleep.

Finally, the weight and fitness. You need to make a change. It'll be worth it. I became overweight during a particularly stressful period a few years ago and I now cannot believe how bad I felt and how glad I am now to be in good shape. Again, you owe it to yourself to be in a better situation. Maybe you don't feel like devoting yourself to a major change right now and that's OK. Start with small changes. Make sure to get outside every day to get light (especially in winter). Join a yoga class. Join a gym if you can possibly afford it and/or fit it in.

If you can sort out these issues and start making changes as far as fitness/weight, you'll feel more able to tackle anything else that's a problem. Good luck.

Why are we jumping to HRT and medical issues?
The OP says herself she is overweight and can point out multiple other elements which she should address first with lifestyle changes. Any health professional worth their weight (no pun intended) would say the same thing, essentially, help yourself before we can help you.

@hashbrownsandwich l expect others have mentioned hrt as she is at the age many women are menopausal and she has mentioned some of the symptoms related to that. A full health check wouldn't harm either, although there are of course lifestyle issues she can address herself. She asked for help and advice though and that's what's been given.

This is exactly how peri made me feel: exhausted, unmotivated, down, irritable and not able to sleep or concentrate on a task.

Thank you - I think my problem is partly that I don’t know what is because of my age and what is down to life having been so full-on or something else.

I’ve put on weight because I gave up smoking and tend to comfort eat but I think it’s also partly down to being peri (if I am). I know I need to make changes but it’s a vicious circle because I haven’t got the time or energy to.

Yes peri made me put on 2 stone - it alters your metabolism. Lost 1 stone of it now as must be more stabilised due to a year of HRT.

You'll get your energy and motivation back.

Well done for giving up smoking - that alone is absolutely amazing and is something to be immensely proud of! I did too about 7 weeks ago and put a quarter stone back on but I can live with that.

You may also be low on iron - that really makes you exhausted. Try spatone and floradix.

Good luck

Undoubtedly lifestyle changes could help a bit but peri hits many people like a train and no amount of drinking more water or whatever will relieve the symptoms of massive hormonal changes. The OP would probably benefit from both some lifestyle changes but also seeing the GP.

OP, fwiw I can't/won't take HRT but I am having a dreadful peri. I also hit burn out. I'm anxious ( never have been before), putting on weight (always been slim), can't sleep (which isn't a minor thing btw - it affects energy levels, appetite, etc). Supplements like evening primrose and magnesium help a bit, as do yoga and getting out into nature.