Emotional Burnout…

Sometimes emotions run wild. Often, they are a way of processing reality by throwing outward whatever is inside us - thoughts, feelings, perceptions, worries.

This emotional outpouring usually leads to three possible outcomes:

• A sense of relief, accompanied by understanding or compassion from others.
• A sense of powerlessness, along with indifference - or even opposition - from others.
• A feeling of being completely drained and exhausted, regardless of how others respond.

The first outcome suggests that emotions were expressed in a healthy way. These are constructive emotions, as they contribute to personal well-being and collective harmony.

The second outcome is linked to destructive emotions. They are toxic, create a negative atmosphere and tend to damage relationships.

But what concerns me mostly is the third outcome - when emotions burn a person from the inside.

As a way of processing reality, if this capacity of expressing emotions becomes exhausted or “burnt,” other less healthy mechanisms often take over - such as addictions or compulsive behaviors.

At that point, the person may feel overpowered and defeated. There seems to be no way out, at least on the surface.

To prevent emotional burnout, some helpful approaches include:

• Finding healthy ways to release emotions, such as sports or group therapy.
• Practicing meditation with a proper methodology that fosters emotional regulation, such as mindfulness.
• Making lifestyle changes; sometimes even a simple shift in diet can have a noticeable impact.
• If burnout is approaching - or already present - taking some distance from the source of stress, for example by travelling, may help in the short term.

And finally, there is nothing more calming than speaking with someone who truly listens.

Just do it, it is very important for you and for others.