Are you mentally unwell, or are you actually suffering with “burnout”?
Thoughts about "Burnout" from a Clinical Psychologist
“Burnout” is a phrase that has well and truly found it’s place in the collective consciousness – and for good reason – cultural, environmental, political and societal factors have been relentlessly compounding and generated a significant population of people with chronically stressed autonomic nervous systems.
Many people have found themselves:
- Striving for prolonged periods of time doing their best for themselves and their loved ones
- Putting their own needs last
- Feeling like they are falling short of their ideal standards or
- Feeling a failure.
This physiological expense and lack of reward, recreation or sense of achievement eventually leads to the physiological state of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction / burnout.
Burnout can happen in stages and across several domains of human functioning, and these symptoms can
emulate a variety of psychiatric disorders, most notably:
- Depressive disorders
- Anxiety disorder
- ADD/ADHD
- it can also contribute significantly to SUD / Substance Abuse or other harmful compulsive behaviours.
Some of these overlapping signs and symptoms include –
- physical malaise
- cognitive impairment (including difficulties concentrating and completing tasks, procrastination,
memory problems) - social isolation and detachment
- depressed mood
- impoverished and rejecting views of self
- substance abuse.
How we can help
Diagnosis informs treatment, and a thoughtful assessment of biopsychosocial factors can help someone receive the best possible interventions for their unique set of circumstances, including psychological shifts and nutritional changes that can help them repair, regenerate and nurture themselves back to a healthy state.
There are many Naturopathic interventions that can support Psychological Therapy including the appropriate use of herbs, nutrients minerals, psychobiotics and dietary recommendations.
If you feel that you or somebody that you love are suffering from burnout and would benefit from compassionate, attentive therapy, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Nutrition and Naturopathic Services at Psychology Health Studios may be of assistance.
Request an appointment online for a time that suits you.
