Burnout Symptoms
 

Burnout Symptoms

Psalm 42:9-11: “I say to God…’Why have you forgotten me?…My bones suffer…” (vv.9-10).

“I’m working harder than ever, yet accomplishing far less,” a busy executive said. “Just the thought of getting out of bed in the morning, dressing, and going to face people makes me gag. I used to enjoy being with others, but lately people irritate me. Everyone blames me for everything. I want to run away and never come back. I hate the person I’ve become. Everything just keeps getting worse. Why won’t God help me?”

These words reveal classic burnout symptoms. Unless steps are taken to reverse the debilitating process, this person will become another charred statistic. Although there are no simple solutions to burnout, the first step to becoming mentally strong again is to accept responsibility for one’s own life and health. Accepting responsibility means making decisions to reverse self-destructive thoughts and behaviors.

A person facing severe burnout cringes at the mere thought of doing something. Doing is what propelled him to this devastation. However, this time the doing is not in the name of accomplishment, success, or service. This doing is to regain life. I know. I remember. This burnout victim was me.

Lord, my mind hurts,
my heart hurts,
and my body hurts.
Don’t abandon me now. I need help.

Joan C. Webb

This happened yearly, because I didn't take time to nurture myself. I was so busy helping others, had no time for myself. I needed God time. I was told that I needed to top myself up and only give away the overflow.