As discussed on the bex thread. I have suffered from this badly this year, I went from being SO IMPORTANT but its like i just cant
Thank you for sharing! I resonate with a lot of this and particularly the bit in bold but it's not something I've actually conciously realised so super helpful!Hello
I'm on a burnout recovery journey too.
Pretty sure I have undiagnosed ADHD which leads me to being extremely overwhelmed all the time, but also to taking on immensely challenging roles etc because I thrive on the stress and the difficulty.
So yeh I don't make life easy for myself but I can't seem to manage any other approach.
Came out of a toxic team in November 2022, where I'd been stuck throughout covid with an awful line manager who attempted to destroy my confidence not through malice but through incompetence. Moved on promotion to a fantastic team but on a very emotionally and intellectually demanding role however I can achieve all things with excellent colleagues which i have, however the toll on me has been immense.
Was definitely burnt out from big massive life changes like moving house in 2022, and the general overwhelm I experience from parenting my two young teens and house work life admin etc.
Add in a lot of other stressors and then family serious illness in December just past and I really reached breaking point in terms of sheer exhaustion.
On holiday now but back at work on Monday and hoping to continue my rest and focus on getting myself recovered. Have started little bits of self care and definitely seeing a difference already while on hols. Took another holiday last month and spent it on pure rest and recovery and it helped immensely.
I overthink a lot and make bad choices with food etc, addicted to stressful work situations. Little things push me over the edge but I do bounce back quickly.
Burnout is scary and I can't afford to let it get any worse.
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Oh yes and just wanted to say my burnout manifested as just psychologically and physically giving up which is so out of character for me as I push on regardless. But then over the last while if something difficult happened, I'd just mentally think I can't do this, and I'm giving up. Also feeling unmotivated, exhausted, irritable, not wanting to do anything or go anywhere.
I totally hear you about the work stuff, purposely making things more stressful etc, from what I've read about ADHD it's the way our minds search for / create opportunities for stress and conflict because it makes it easier to maintain focus and interest.Thank you for sharing! I resonate with a lot of this and particularly the bit in bold but it's not something I've actually conciously realised so super helpful!
I'm actually temping at the moment in a much easier role and less high pressure evironment, it's actually been great to boost my confidence as compared to my last job they think I'm great because I'm used to being constantly pressured to be doing more. But I also recognise that I'll probably get bored with it after a while, or potentially make ways to make it more stressful (getting unnecessarily anxious about it, slacking through the day and having a mad 3pm rush to get everything done, etc.). so I'm at a bit of a crossroads deciding whether I'm better of sticking to this easier, nicer role or going on to another job that has the potential for higher earnings and more glory but is going to be a lot harder and more stressful.
I hope you've enjoyed your hol, it's really nice to take time off and just rest, but I'm abasolutely terrible at it!
That makes a lot of sense! I did some reading into ADHD when my sister was diagnosed with it a few years ago but I haven't looked at it for ages, maybe I should. I've spent all of my life wondering why I seem to actively sabotage myself so hearing you say you do the same thing is sooo helpful! and makes me feel less mad haha, so thank you!I totally hear you about the work stuff, purposely making things more stressful etc, from what I've read about ADHD it's the way our minds search for / create opportunities for stress and conflict because it makes it easier to maintain focus and interest.
I'm also bad at resting! It seems to be a family trait but I'm now seeing the devastating impact of it on a loved one who never stopped.
I've been balancing resting with indulging my need to do things ... it makes the resting part easier if I can comfort myself with the knowledge that I've done X Y and Z so I won't have the worry that I'll look back and beat myself up for being lazy! Honestly my brain and way of looking at life exhaust me. Constantly overthinking and analysing. Does me no good in some ways, and helps me in others.