Emotional Fatigue: Strategies To Confront And Overcome It
The emotional fatigue refers to mental exhaustion that is related to prolonged symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression.
We can all feel this extreme emotional exhaustion from time to time, although some people tend to experience it more often, as they are more sensitive or more empathetic. Those who suffer from emotional fatigue feel that they have exhausted all their emotional resources and have nothing left to give to others.
Emotional fatigue occurs in different situations. It is characteristic of some jobs related to assisting other people (doctors, social workers, psychologists, firefighters, etc.), since the emotional cost of these professions is not always rewarded. This type of fatigue can also be linked to emotional problems, coming from difficulty communicating or adapting to the environment.
Furthermore, in the work environment, emotional fatigue is a symptom of Burnout, which affects workers who have reached a very high level of physical and emotional exhaustion.
How does emotional fatigue manifest?
Emotional fatigue occurs when an individual has exceeded his or her ability to withstand prolonged emotional stress. It is common for people who suffer from it to be unaware of their symptoms, since the lack of motivation and emotional exhaustion, characteristic of this phenomenon, causes a behavior of avoidance and rejection of one’s own emotions. This type of fatigue manifests itself with physical and psychological symptoms. Below we present some of them:
Emotional fatigue causes significant problems for the person who suffers from it, both in their personal well-being and in their interpersonal relationships. These difficulties can cause depressive states as a consequence of the “lack of control” that the person with emotional exhaustion feels. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms to avoid further unnecessary suffering. Emotional fatigue can indicate more serious problems (depression, burnout, etc.), so It is important to know the exact cause that causes it in order to be able to act with the intention of tackling the underlying problem.
Ways to deal with emotional fatigue
Emotional fatigue can be treated if the symptoms are detected as early as possible. To prevent further consequences, it is necessary to have certain stress coping skills (positive coping strategies, taking time off, etc.). But first of all, the first step is to recognize the emotional fatigue in us and find out what circumstance is causing it.
1. Mindfulness and self-reflection
Many research seems to indicate that Mindfulness can be useful for these types of problems, as it helps us better manage our emotions. Sometimes, it can be easy to recognize what causes emotional exhaustion, and other times, we have to dig a little deeper to discover what its symptoms are telling us. Self-reflection can help us figure out the triggers for emotional fatigue in us.
Furthermore, Mindfulness provides tools to disconnect from what produces tension. Being in the present moment, with an attitude of acceptance and compassion towards ourselves, minimizes the impact of emotionally stressful situations, and allows us to face these situations positively.
On the other hand, physical exercise provides many benefits on a psychological level, so regular practice can provide an escape route for the mind: improves self-esteem and promotes the release of chemicals in the brain related to happiness and well-being. In this sense, a healthy lifestyle, with good sleep hygiene or healthy eating, is essential to face daily life in the best possible way, and positively affects our emotional well-being.
2. Psychological therapy to treat emotional fatigue
Emotional fatigue can be remedied by following these tips. Don’t forget that, if on any occasion you find yourself overcome by its symptoms, It is a good idea to discuss the problem with a mental health professional.which will provide you with tools and techniques to solve the situation.
