Emotional burnout: how to recognize itself and why it can be more dangerous than the working one

You often hear about work burnoutbut it is growing too Another form of burnout, the emotional one. The emotional exhaustion is characterized by the lack of energy necessary to face daily reality and for the prevalence of feelings of apathy and detachment. You feel emptied, exhausted and you have the feeling that your emotional resources are exhausted.

To better understand what it is, how to recognize its symptoms and not underestimate certain signals, we have asked the Dr. Giuseppina LiberatiClinical psychologist expert in stress management.

Doctor, how can we define emotional burnout?
«The emotional burnout is a condition of psychological exhaustion which arises not so much from an excessive workload, as from the intensity and the duration of Continuous emotional requests. It can affect those who take care of others, such as parents, caregivers, educators or even those who live very engaging or complex relationships. Today it is more widespread because we live in an era in which we are often under pressure and emotionally urged: social networks, always “connected” relationships, family duties and poor possibility to really recharge the energies They make you often find yourself emptied, even without apparent external reasons ».

What are the main reasons that can cause it?
“Among the main causes we find excessive involvement in the difficulties of others, the inability to put limits, the sense of continuous responsibility, the lack of time for itself and the absence of emotional recognition. The presence of personal experiences not yet completely elaborate, such as mourning, layoffs, separations or trauma, can increase vulnerability to emotional burnout. In the end, Prolonged stressful life events like mourning, separationshealth problems or economic difficulties can gradually consume our emotional reserves until exhaustion ».

What are the signs that should make us think that we are affected?
«Symptoms can vary for each individual person, but often include: constant sense of mental fatigue, irritability, difficulty in remaining concentrated, emotional detachment from their loved ones, apathy and loss of motivation. In some cases, these can also result in physical symptoms such as headache or insomnia. You have the feeling of “don’t do it anymore” Even in situations that were first faced with serenity ».

Are women or men more affected and why in your opinion?
«The data show a greater impact among womenprobably because, in many cultures, they are still to take charge of the emotional management of family relationships, the care of children, the elderly and, often, even of themselves. The female gender then tends to show more attention and tuning towards the emotions of others, a factor that He exposes them more to an overload. However, many men also suffer from it, but they tend to do not find it or to talk about it with greater difficulty ».

What to do when you recognize yourself in the description of the person with emotional burnout?
“The first step is recognize your state without judgment. Often there is a tendency to minimize or guilty. Speak with a professional of the mental health It can help understand the dynamics that lead to exhaustion and recover energy and prospects. It is also important learn to say no, To take their own spaces and to redefine some relationships that consume too much energy ».

Do you give us some advice to protect yourself from emotional burnout?
“Listening regularly is fundamental: Learn to recognize when you are tired, angry or sad, without repressing it. Dedicating to regenerating moments, even short, but frequent. Both on a personal and professional level, it is essential, then, set clear and non -negotiable boundaries for relationships and responsibilities. And, finally, cultivate relationships in which You feel seen, welcomed, listened to. Even just being able to count on someone to tell how you feel can make a big difference ».