One year ago it happened.
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in a meeting with a client, there was an 'issue' and my mind would not let me think of a solution. Not a single thing came to mind and it felt like this issue was the world coming to an end.
I decided to call it a day and drove home. I came home, crashed on the floor and sat there for hours, feeling absolutely nothing and everything at the same time. The next day I went to my GP and was referred to a mental health practitioner. There I was…. Burnt out!
I’m writing this so that maybe it even just reaches one individual, who is in this situation and doesn’t know where to start the journey to recovery. My 2 best tips to you:
Be an open book! The most compassion and understanding I received was because I was completely honest about my situation. Mental health should never be a taboo in the first place, but people were still very surprised I just told them so bluntly what I was experiencing when they reached out to me.
Set boundaries: Even though this can be the toughest job in a burnout, try to set boundaries on what you want and/or expect from the people around you. Tell your friends: “I’d like to see you, but not talk about how I feel.” Tell your mom: “It’s okay if you bring me food, but don’t look at me like I’m a sick puppy.”
It’s really difficult for those loved ones around you to see you hurting. So tell them how to make you feel better. They will listen if that will make you feel better.
So what’s changed since then?
I now sleep 8 hours per night (used to be 5 or 6)
I’m a queen at knowing my limits
I like yoga & taking naps
I chose to go back to a 32 hour workweek instead of full time so I could have more “me” time.
I'm better at my job and better at supporting those in need.
If you feel sorry for me because I went through this, please don’t!! This was my body and mind needing a reset. I came out of this as a new me and it’s nice to re-meet you!
Yours truly,
Annie 2.0