Are you emotionally exhausted? These tell-tale signs can help you figure that out

We all have to deal with stress, sometimes more and sometimes less. But at times, our stressors overlap and we begin to lose control. That’s when the door for emotional exhaustion opens up. 

Emotional exhaustion usually happens when you are trying to cope with several challenges. The triggers for emotional exhaustion differ from person to person, but some of the most common stressors include a high-pressure job, toxic relationships, financial stress, chronic medical conditions, raising a child, and/or death in the family. 

But, emotional exhaustion is not the same as stress. It has a wider spectrum and can drain you out emotionally. That’s the reason why you need intervention. If you have been experiencing stress for a very long time, you might get emotionally exhausted. 

So we asked Dr Bhavna Barmi, a renowned Delhi-based clinical psychologist, for signs of emotional exhaustion you need to look out for. Here are some she wants to you to be wary of:

1. Increasing work-life conflicts and excessive exposure to prolonged stress
2. Overwhelming emotions with a lack of support from family
3. Incapacity to care for yourself and others
4. Forgetfulness and lack of concentration
5. Lack of patience and irritability
6. Decreased motivation and reaction time
7. Chronic stress due to several internal and external factors
8. Physical fatigue
9. Need to be withdrawn from everyone else
10. Feeling emotionally numb
11. Eating too much or too less
12. Difficulty sleeping and waking up
13. Low self-esteem
14. Headaches

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Here’s how you can lend yourself a helping hand
Dr Barmi suggests: “In the time of the current scenario dealing with the coronavirus pandemic has also drained each one of us emotionally and increased the emotional burnout. In these difficult times, resting and self-care are very important.”

It might be hard for you to bring the changes instantly, so don’t worry. Take baby steps and it will get easier eventually. You can overcome this phase by being a little mindful and focusing on your physical health. Try connecting with your loved ones. Also, try managing your work-life balance. And if all of this doesn’t seem to be working, then take a break and talk to your doctor.

“Conserve your energy by reducing emotional demands and learn to say no. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from friends and family. The best strategy is self-care to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Smile, breathe and go slowly,” concludes Dr Barmi.