Do you dread going to the workplace every day? Is sleep eluding you most nights because of so many work-related thoughts? Is your job not giving you joy or fulfillment anymore? Be warned, you might be experiencing “emotional overwhelm” or burnout due to a job.

Work-related stress is common; it is, in fact, considered a major source of worry. A survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that a mere 37 percent of Americans in the employment force are sufficiently managing the pressure that comes with their work. This indicates that over 60 percent are struggling with work stress; about half are struggling with the chronic (long-term) type.

Work Burnout Defined

Work stress comes with every job no matter how much passion you have for it. Remember that being exposed to excessive work stress for a long time is not healthy. You can be swamped with too much work and thoughts that may lead to emotional overwhelm; burnout is one manifestation. Burnout can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues.

Burnout can be a response to all the stresses and stressors within the workplace. Often, it has many causes that make it more complicated. Without intervention, pressures may mount until you become emotionally and physically drained. It can make you feel inept, tired, empty, hopeless and helpless, even distrustful and resentful. You may feel you have given your all and that there’s nothing more to give.

Embrace Reality, Get Help

The nature of your job or profession has nothing to do with workplace burnout. Whether you are a trainee or a successful CEO, you can be overwhelmed at work. Passionate and hard-driven people may be more vulnerable because of having ambitious goals and possibly the tendency to be obsessed with fast recognition and promotion. Industry and company leaders are also inherently stressed with their desire to stay on top and to provide a good environment to the people working for them.

Embrace this reality: you can’t please all people and meet all of your top goals without sacrificing yourself. To survive the pressures, the trick is to know your options. What can you do before emotional overwhelm or burnout overtakes you? Make an intentional, smart decision to find a solution that is not merely based on easing your discomfort. Get help!

Get Some Support

Often, it is hard to solve emotional overwhelm on your own. You need someone to listen to you and assist you in sorting out what needs to be done and then help you accomplish it. One way is by accepting help from friends and family members you trust. Another is to find and utilize other resources. One such resource readily available to you is Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC.

We have therapists who can lend you a listening ear and provide you with some effective tools and strategies to fight emotional overwhelm caused by work stress. One of our many trained therapists can help you manage your stresses to change certain unwanted behavior and perceptions. Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC therapists can help you enjoy your work again.