Burnout Part 1: The Signs, The Struggle, & The Aftermath

Sofia Isabella Flores
Jul 25, 2021
4 min read

Hello there.

I believe we have all experienced a time (or multiple of such) when our minds feel weak, and for the life of us, we simply cannot understand why our spirits appear to be so low.

We live in a world and society that is enthralled with constant stimulation and intrigue. For the majority of us, it is difficult to be still, alone with only our thoughts; almost as if we would rather overexert ourselves and prevent this isolation at all costs than face a mere minute spent with none other than the voice that directs our mind.

Many attribute this desire to remain ever-productive on our political and socio-economic structure; this argument cannot be discounted, for they both very well contribute to the overall issue.

“Sofia, please get to the blog post already.”

Today I will be addressing a topic that is extremely close to my life experiences at present - burnout.

Yes, one of the most popular of any “Youtuber, Social Media Influencer, and Celebrity” phenomena has finally made its way to my mental wellness blog.

In all seriousness, burnout is an extremely pervasive issue in our contemporary world. It can detrimentally impact the life of any individual.

Friends, as I write these very words, it feels both embarrassing yet freeing to tell you that I have very much so been in a state of utter burnout for the last several months.

It is almost as if I have no words left in my brain, no energy left in my body, and no motivation to complete the tasks I have set before me.

This particular post will not follow the usual flow and layout of my past blogs, for I would like it to serve as merely a discussion between myself and you, the reader. Despite the fact that I will be the one that is “speaking” for the vast majority of this conversation, I do not want you to feel as though this is a lecture or strictly informative setting; rather, it is best to envision these next few minutes as if they are spent with a friend (me) who is attempting to help you (the reader) navigate the difficulties of your overwhelming obligations, stressful schedule, or occasional periods of hopelessness and lack of drive.

Burnout: The Basics

Burnout can result from a multitude of circumstances; the symptoms often include mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion, cynicism, numbness, and detachment from friends, family, social gatherings, etc.

Overall, being in a state of burnout - regardless of how one arrived there - is debilitating. And it can often resemble many aspects of depression and anxiety, making it difficult to recognize and isolate when attempting to treat symptoms.

Burnout can follow a series of stages in which symptoms can vary in severity; the beginning stages often present themselves through growing feelings of irritability, restlessness, worthlessness, and the inability to concentrate. From there, and depending on how stressful one’s situation continues to be, the symptoms can worsen and result in severe mental health challenges.

For the most part, school, workplace, and other long-term obligational environments can become breeding grounds for burnout or burnout syndrome.

The Origins of Burnout

It is far too often that individuals of all ages begin to feel as though they must overwork themselves, meet the expectations of all they come across, take on the burdens of others, and perform each and every task at an unprecedented level of success to ultimately prove themselves to the world and standards they set for their own life.

Truthfully, we inhabit a rather harsh reality at present; the pressures placed on young people, students, parents, teachers, healthcare workers, company workers, hospitality workers, the unemployed, and individuals of virtually all demographics have become outrageous in the age of social media, instant gratification, and technological overload that we find ourselves in.

Due to growing competitiveness in almost all aspects of life, the demands thrust upon the vast majority of people have made them feel as though they must accomplish otherworldly achievements in their lives if they are to be worthy and deserving of joy and satisfaction. Thus, we believe it necessary to take on more school/work responsibilities, tasks, jobs, challenges, outside hobbies, etc.

It has become normal and frighteningly common for one to enter a state of burnout from these inflexible, unhealthy, and unsustainable schedules. Most devastatingly, the traits and detriments of burnout have been glamorized - made to appear entirely trivial.

Experiencing burnout is not reserved for a certain type of individual; it is not limited to those working full-time; it is not untreatable; it is not unavoidable; and, it does not mean that you are weak for falling into its clutches.

Burnout is not to be taken lightly. If you are struggling, if you cannot continue to bear the weight of your various commitments, or if you simply feel drained from what you have endured, you fully deserve to take care of yourself and rediscover what it is in this world that brings you a genuine sense of inspiration, hope, and/or joy.

In an effort to spare you an hour-long tangent consisting of my thoughts on burnout and its utterly tragic influence on our lives, I will end this beginning segment on the topic here. (Not to mention the reality that I myself cannot articulate much more beyond this at the moment due to my own burnout status) Next week's post will feature more information on burnout's effects in different aspects of one's life as well as resources, coping mechanisms, and advice regarding how to combat it.

Thank you, as always for reading and entrusting me with your time today.

In light & peace,

Sofia I. Flores

There is a world - separate from our own - that inhabits the rubble, the scorched lands deserted and left to its own accord. Perhaps, likewise for us, it is possible to become lost and create a new beginning in the confines of listlessness.