Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

Most of us have days when we feel helpless, overloaded, or unappreciated—when dragging ourselves out of bed requires the determination of Hercules. If you feel like this most of the time, however, you may be burned out.
Physical signs of burnout:
- Feeling tired and drained most of the time
- Lowered immunity, frequent illnesses
- Frequent headaches or muscle pain
- Change in appetite or sleep habits
Emotional signs and symptoms of burnout:
- Sense of failure and self-doubt
- Feeling helpless, trapped and defeated
- Detachment, feeling alone in the world
- Loss of motivation
- Increasingly cynical and negative outlook
- Decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment
Behavioral signs and symptoms of burnout:
- Withdrawing from responsibilities
- Isolating yourself from others
- Procrastinating, taking longer to get things done
- Using food, drugs or alcohol to cope
- Taking out your frustrations on others
- Skipping work or coming in late and leaving early
Does this sound like you? Our CareATC office near the medical center, now offers EAP (counseling) services. Consider making an appointment today by learning more here. Everything you share with this health care professional is confidential.
Reference: Burnout Prevention - Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri (mha-em.org)