If you have been following me on Instagram for a while, you will know I have been on a personal adventure this year.
I hope this finds you well and thriving. Today, I wanted to chat about something that's close to my heart and might be closer to yours than you think - Burnout.
It's been a year since my delightful diagnosis of anxiety, all thanks to stress and burnout. So grab a cuppa, maybe a biscuit (or three), and let's dive in to this wave of adventure.
I’ve learned a lot about myself and the signs of burnout that I wish I had recognised earlier, so reflecting on this adventure (I hate the J word), I feel it’s crucial to share my experiences and the signs of burnout, so we can all better understand and manage this condition.
In this blog, I’ll dive into the personal signs that I experienced, from my inability to react well to change and heightened frustration, to physical symptoms like chest pains and excessive tiredness.
My goal is to provide you with valuable insights and resources to help you identify and manage burnout in your own lives.
Embracing Change, Until I Couldn't.
Imagine this: a lass (actually in Orkney I would probably be called a 'wife' as I am a lot older than I think I am), who once thrived on change, like a seagull on a windy day. Yep, that was me. The excitement of new challenges, the thrill of unpredictability, the joy of adapting—until burnout decided to pop in uninvited. Suddenly, the thought of changing anything, even my curly hair products (IYKYK), filled me with dread. Change became my worst enemy, and I became a creature of habit, clinging to routine like barnacles on a boat.
The thought of altering my routine or facing new situations became overwhelming, filling me with anxiety rather than excitement. This was one of the first signs that something was wrong. Just ask my close family and friends, they would tell you they never know what I am going to do next. For a long time, my poor mum would wonder when I would next move house, or start a new project! Welcome in Curly Sunami!!
Frustration and Aggression at Every Turn
Oh, the joy of finding new levels of frustration and aggression!
OK, so I'm not usually known for being a patient lass, but during my burnout phase, even the tiniest inconvenience made me want to throw a tantrum worthy of a two-year-old - well actually a peri-menopausal woman that has just found out her boss wants to change her class timetable for the 3rd time that week! Yes, that happened!!
Not being able to get on my treadmill at the gym? Tears.
Out of milk for my tea? Despair.
It was like living in a permanent state of 'I've-had-enough-of-this s**t! I began to take out my frustrations on those closest to me and was often found emotional over every little thing.
How can I be like this? I was the happiest I had ever been, in a very loving relationship, had a good career, supportive friends and family, a brilliant network of people around me, yet I was still angry ALL THE TIME!.
The Physical Toll: High Heart Rate, Chest Pains and Anxiety
Burnout isn’t just a mental and emotional thief; it's a physical one too.
I started noticing chest pains, calling my mum telling her I was having a heart attack....she quickly reminded me that I would not be calling her if I was having a heart attack!
Simple activities made me feel like I was climbing Ben Nevis, going for a walk was the last thing I wanted to do. My anxiety levels were through the roof, making it hard to concentrate, relax, or enjoy a single second. The physical symptoms were a clear sign that I needed to make some changes before my heart exploded.
Actually the day that I was walking to the gym and I misunderstood a comment Ewan had said to me, made me turn around and tell him "I can't do this", was when I realised I needed help. I climbed in to bed and couldn't stop crying. Even a cooked breakfast couldn't fix me....one bite of a sausage and I was back on the door step crying my heart out, with no rhyme or reason. After a lot of encouragement to have a cold shower, I calmed down, called the doctor, started medication and was signed off from work.
Motivation Evaporated
Ah, motivation, my old friend.
As someone who’s always been driven, losing my motivation felt like losing my compass in the foggy Orkney weather. I struggled to find joy in my passions, including my beloved curly hair care routines and sea swimming. Tasks that once brought me pleasure now felt like climbing up Morven, or Wideford Hill. This loss of motivation was a wake-up call that couldn’t be ignored. This is when I also lost all motivation for my business, meeting up with friends and just had enough energy for doom scrolling on social media.
Exhaustion Beyond Sleep
Then there was the tiredness.
Oh, the glorious, unending exhaustion. No amount of sleep seemed to help. I would wake up tired, spend the day tired, and go to bed even more tired. This perpetual state of zombie-hood affected every aspect of my life, from my physical health to my mental clarity and emotional stability.
I was sleeping well, or I thought I was. I woke up every night at some point between 2-4am, but got back to sleep quickly, yet I was exhausted. I was so tired that I had to have regular naps, and the feeling of utter depletion rushed upon me like a sledgehammer.
My Diagnosis, and the Road to Recovery After Recognising Burnout
So, about a year ago, I decided to seek professional help.
The diagnosis of anxiety caused by stress and burnout was a bit of a surprise. I thought it was peri-menopause and it was just the fact I had entered by 40s. However, after lots of tests and a few breakdowns in the Dr Surgery it started to make sense and it was a crucial step toward understanding and managing my condition.
With the help of my Doctor, I embarked on a journey of recovery that involved medication, a break from work, lifestyle changes, therapy, and a renewed focus on self-care. Apparently I had to rest. Well, I hadn't done that in about 40 years, so I had no idea how to. I spent my entire childhood and adulthood working, or feeling lazy if I was not busy, so that was a learning curve for sure and a topic for another day.
Signs of Burnout: What to Look For
Based on my personal experience and the knowledge I’ve gained, here are some key signs of burnout to watch for:
Inability to Embrace Change: If you usually thrive on change but find yourself dreading it, this could be a sign of burnout.
Increased Frustration and Aggression: Feeling unusually irritated or aggressive at minor inconveniences is a red flag.
Physical Symptoms: A high heart rate, persistent anxiety, and other physical symptoms like chest pains, headaches or stomach issues can indicate burnout.
Lack of Motivation: Losing interest and motivation in activities you once enjoyed is a common sign.
Excessive Tiredness:Constant exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest is a major indicator of burnout.
Taking Steps Towards Healing
Seek Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you suspect you’re experiencing burnout. Professional guidance is crucial.
Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for activities that relax and rejuvenate you. Whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or simply resting, self-care is essential.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set boundaries to protect your mental and physical health. Overcommitting can exacerbate burnout.
Stay Connected: Lean on your support network. Friends, family, and community can provide emotional support and practical help.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help manage stress and anxiety.
Building a Supportive Community
As someone passionate about sustainability, curly hair care, and sea swimming, I’ve found that building a supportive community has been incredibly healing.
Connecting with others who share your interests and values can provide a sense of belonging and support. Whether it’s through social media, local groups, or online forums, finding your clan can make a significant difference. However, a word of caution - if any of this drains you in any way, STOP! I had complete 'eco guilt', no passion for my hair and struggled to go for a swim, so I eased up on it all.
Let's End There
Burnout is a challenging and often overwhelming experience, but recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps can lead to recovery and growth.
My journey over the past year has been filled with ups and downs, but it has also been a period of profound learning and transformation. By sharing my story and the signs of burnout, I hope to help others navigate their own paths toward healing and well-being.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Reach out, seek help, and prioritize your health. Together, we can create a community that supports and uplifts each other through every challenge.
If you'd like to learn more about burnout and how to manage it, here are some resources and podcasts I found helpful during my journey.
Thank you for being part of my adventure and for your ongoing support. Together we can overcome burnout and build a healthier, happier future.
Make sure you sign up to my Newsletter on www.curlysunami.com to get the next instalment of this adventure and follow me on Instagram and TikTok.
With love and resilience,
Susan xx
Side Note: These are my experiences and do not take over any advice from a professional.
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