The Symptoms Of Burnout And How To Manage It - By Coach Kait
Juggling work during COVID as a paramedic, while also working as a coach and maintaining her training, @CoachKait_Rebuild acknowledges that even she isn’t immune to the effects of burnout.
From Kait:
"Mental fatigue and burnout are things I could argue most of us have experienced over the last two years.
It’s a multifaceted issue that requires constant monitoring and persistent effort to resolve."
Understanding Burnout
Burnout, simply put, is the response to repetitive psychological and physical stress that leads to emotional and mental fatigue. It doesn’t matter how mentally “strong” you are—everyone has limits.
When those limits are reached, it can have
detrimental effects on your
mind,
body, and
soul. These are deeply interconnected.
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Fatigue
Mental fatigue can present in many ways, including:
- Chronic stress
- Caffeine dependency
- Repetitive adrenaline dumping
- Dysregulated nervous system
- Lack of support
- Poor work-life balance
- Compassion fatigue
- Inadequate hydration, sleep, nutrient-dense food, or exercise
- Rejection of self-care
- Lack of personal boundaries
(This is not an exhaustive list.)
If left unaddressed, these issues can escalate into serious physical and mental health concerns requiring medical attention.
Kait’s Personal Experience
"I’m not immune from life’s stressors.
This year has been one of the worst for me in terms of managing my fatigue."
As a paramedic working through the pandemic, Kait experienced several of the challenges listed above, which brought her dangerously close to burnout.
She noticed:
- Irrational and exaggerated reactions to small issues
- Compassion fatigue
- Remaining hyper-vigilant even outside of work
- Saying yes to too many commitments
- Feeling anxious about situations that normally wouldn’t faze her
View this post on Instagram: Rebuild Health and Fitness
The Importance of Prioritizing Health
"I have learned that prioritising my health is the only way to solve these problems—and I've made it a non-negotiable."
Kait’s key takeaway is a crucial reminder: We’re all
only human, doing the best we can.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary.
Final Thought
If you find yourself feeling mentally drained, burnt out, or overwhelmed, know that you're not alone.
Recognizing the signs, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care are essential steps toward recovery—and toward becoming a healthier, more resilient version of yourself.
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