Thinking you should be strong in every given situation could actually lead to emotional exhaustion, a study reveals
We are all stressed, some more, some less and for different reasons. Some people, however, end up worrying about everything!
Not just work, but also about the conflicts that normally arise when dealing with other people, with family, and worrying about the future and the past --- and even the anxiety caused by having to make a choice!
Emotional exhaustion is like a bomb that explodes without a timer, from one day to the next. Without notice. It is like a rope that breaks without ever showing signs of weakness, at least for what you were able to see from the outside.
via Health Line
Emotional exhaustion is like sinking into an abyss of negativity where a person's inner space is filled with depression, melancholy, and despair. In severe cases, it is also the moment when chronic diseases develop. The person suffering from emotional exhaustion feels like they cannot breathe, their breath is short and heavy and it seems that there is no way to go back to living more serenely. They feel the weight of existence is too heavy to manage and that they will never be free.
Their mind is exhausted but also their body is just as tired, yet, they cling to a glimmer of inner strength that allows them to still smile, even if inside, there is an unstoppable emotional breakdown in progress.
What causes emotional exhaustion
Those who feel that they receive much less than what they give develop inner feelings of frustration and submission. Those most often hit by emotional exhaustion are those who give their best in every situation, even at the expense of their own well-being.
They ignore their own needs continuously hoping to receive the appropriate recognition for their commitment but always end up with the regret of having allowed themselves to be sidelined once again! Nevertheless, at work and in the family, these people are always ready to take care of everything and take responsibility for everything.
These people end up feeling ignored and practically non-existent after having sacrificed all their time for others! And this situation makes them feel empty and full at the same time of problems and things that regard others and not themselves.
What are the symptoms of emotional exhaustion?
- Physical tiredness: Physical exhaustion continues from the morning as soon as one is awake, until the evening when appetite or desire to eat is also missing.
- Emotional blunting: The person who is about to have an emotional breakdown no longer feels strong emotions, both positive and negative. All emotions are blunted and there are no highs or lows.
- Lack of motivation: Lack of willpower or desire to do anything, even what was once a source of pleasure and joy.
- Inability to concentrate: The mind is so full that one is not able to focus on a single thought. A sense of confusion prevails.
- Forgetfulness: A person suffering from emotional exhaustion begins to have some memory lapses and even forgets important events or facts. These episodes make them feel even weaker and more inadequate.
- Irritability: Attacks of anger and nervousness occur that make them feel that they are no longer themselves.
- Insomnia: The quality of sleep worsens and people suffering from emotional exhaustion, wake up continuously during the night due to agitated dreams.
How to overcome and prevent emotional exhaustion
The most effective weapon to overcome a period of emotional exhaustion is absolute rest. It can also be useful to get away momentarily from everything that causes stress, to restore internal balance and analyze the conditions that have led to emotional exhaustion.
In order to prevent emotional exhaustion, on the other hand, it is appropriate to make sure that you ALWAYS have time to devote to your own well-being! It does not necessarily have to be a moment in which you dedicate yourself to a particular activity, in fact, doing absolutely nothing is very beneficial.
At the same time, we must learn to forego perfection! Things will not only be done to perfection if you take care of them, but they are also fine even if they are imperfect. Pursuing the idea of perfection and total control over situations is a utopia that will only take away time and harm your health.
