Even in this day and age, mental health is often the part of people’s general well-being they tend to ignore. Of course, we can’t blame ourselves for that—most of us haven’t been taught how to take care of our mental health and how to notice the early signs indicating that we might not be doing that great. The good news is, though, that it’s never too late to start learning these kinds of things.
With that being said, today, let’s talk about emotional exhaustion and the things signaling that you might be experiencing it. Twitter user @P_Walkerr2 has recently gone viral after they shared a thread naming 9 signs of mental and emotional exhaustion. The thread quickly started gaining a lot of attention and it currently has over 130k likes along with more than 30k retweets.
More info: twitter.com
The thread has quickly gone viral and it currently has over 130k likes along with more than 30k retweets
Image credits: P_Walkerr2
To understand the topic of emotional exhaustion a bit better, Bored Panda contacted clinical and consulting psychologist Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman. “Emotional exhaustion or burnout is not uncommon to depression. It is the wearing away of emotional resilience we might normally have, in the face of ongoing stressors,” Dr. Abdulrehman explained to us.
Image credits: P_Walkerr2
Image credits: P_Walkerr2
“This can be work-related—when people are overworked; it can be ongoing distress in people’s lives; and with the global pandemic, it can be Covid and the many impacts it has in our lives, including the inability to engage in the things that prevent that emotional exhaustion, like social contacts, physical activity, and work. Though emotional exhaustion is not a diagnosable condition, it may be a set of difficulties on the road to a larger problem like depression, or it could be words used to describe depression for others,” said the psychologist.
Image credits: P_Walkerr2
Image credits: P_Walkerr2
When asked about the common symptoms of emotional exhaustion, the psychologist told us this: “Because it’s not a formal diagnosable condition, there is not an agreed-upon set of symptoms. But generally, when we see how it’s similar to depression, we find we have less energy, motivation, or interest to engage in the things we previously engaged in. Sleep doesn’t seem to replenish us, and for many, they may have difficulty with sleeping; sometimes too much and sometimes too little. This can have an impact on appetite, libido, and even can cause physical body pain (psychosomatic pain).”
Image credits: P_Walkerr2
Image credits: P_Walkerr2
There are many different reasons behind why someone is experiencing emotional exhaustion. “Emotional exhaustion or burnout specifically typically tends to occur with an overburdening of stress, and the removal of resources that replenish us. This occurs with excessive work, but as noted above, also with the increased pressure of the Covid pandemic. But this can also occur with ongoing personal stressors, conflict with a spouse or family member, abuse, etc.,” Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman told us.
All these situations can remove a sense of control over our lives, and also decrease our ability to access or completely remove those things that actually build a sense of emotional and psychological resilience, such as social support (friends, family, face to face contact that is social), physical activity, and routine with a sense of purpose (work, school, etc.),” the psychologist added.
Image credits: P_Walkerr2
Image credits: P_Walkerr2
When we asked Dr. Abdulrehman what a person could do to make themselves feel better while going through emotional exhaustion, he told us this: “Since emotional exhaustion is akin to depression, I think it’s always important to consider if one does need to get the assistance of a professional, like a psychologist.”
“But some things to consider also would be to 1. be mindful of physical activity and exercise. Look for ways engage in even small doses of regular ongoing activity. Small walks, stairs on a regular basis, or even more intense exercise. This can help regulate mood fairly quickly. 2. Begin to find time to rest. It is not a waste of time, but can allow our physical and psychological selves to recuperate so we have the resources to face ongoing stress,” he told us.
Image credits: P_Walkerr2
“3. Make sure you find a way to engage with people socially. Amidst the pandemic, this might be challenging in person, but even phone or video call can be incredibly helpful. Don’t wait until you have a lot to say to someone. Brief but regular contact can be very helpful too. 4. Look for variety in your daily activity. When we are focused on doing one thing most of the time, a change in activity can be helpful. Creative activity too can be helpful. It’s why so many people find joy in cooking or baking. Be creative to find an activity that forces you to shift direction from what you do most of the day,” Dr. Abdulrehman continued.
“5. Challenge negative beliefs about yourself and the world, not by positive thinking; but instead with realistic and solution-focused thinking. The ability to look for a solution (even if it’s not the best solution) and be pragmatic can offer more control and more hope that can help diminish emotional exhaustion, burnout, and a lack of hope,” Dr. Abdulrehman explained.
Here’s what people had to say about this list
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The fact I'm only 13 and this is how i feel every day ESPEICALY during the school year really says a lot huh
it's a sad reality for kids in school(and everyone) that have to go through the changes in the world. It's exhausting and it makes me hate myself for reasons I shouldn't. One thing that I like to do to feel better is to write future me notes and letters(stupid things that I think I'll laugh at later on) good luck to my fellow students(I'm 14 btw)
me to as well im 11
11 also, have panic attacks sometimes but I mostly just feel sad and anxious constantly
I’m also 11 and same here
same... i just turned 13 and idk im just really sad and angry all the damn time. ITS SO ANNOYING UGH
yeah. im 12 and school is getting really hard. the worst part is that i cant talk to any teachers or friends (in person) ive been having panic attacks and have been feeling worthless most of the time. its really sad that this is the reality.
I am 14 and this describes me so much. School just makes me want to die. When I get home, I want to sleep, stay awake, eat, and not eat. School causes my mental illnesses. Lmao. The only good thing that came from the virus is that I don't have to go to school.
ye but zoom sucksssss
Omg me too, but I'm 12
Omg im 13 and feel exactly the same! Actually in school rn and damn it is stressful and tiring it's no wonder I am sooo tired all the time
That you have issues that definitely are a sign of mental health issues in adults but which may or may not be expected at your age probably doesn't help. It is not appropriate for you to be looking at this stuff because it is too difficult for you to discern what it is and what it isn't. You're 13, and we are not evolved to be able to process such information at that age. Most have difficulty making sense of this information their entire lives. By trying to understand what might not apply to you, you are prone to creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. It might sound cliche, but what a 13 year old ought to be doing - in an evolutionary sense - is playing and socialising - learning the skills for adulthood, and NOT confusing play with the real thing. That being said, if you really think you have problems, and that might be possible, then talk them out with someone appropriate, which is NOT the internet. Someone appropriate is someone who is close enough or experienced enough to...
...understand and guide you, and part of that guidance will be helping you not to focus on such thinking, as you will make it come true if you think too much about it.
Does it? Most of these are just symptoms of typical teenage angst, so it stands that most teens and pre-teens are like this. Still too little or just too busy to have a proper sleep schedule, moody and irritable, and generally a downer about things. That’s like every teen, ever.
That could be true- but why is that normalized? I had a friend that would cut herself and when she tried to reach out people where saying "Oh this is normal for your age, all teens have mood swings" she's doing much better now but I don't know what would have happened if i didn't find out. I also i have panic attacks when i go to the mall or store and hate when people come closer then 3 feet from me. These are normalized for teens and i think its kinda part of the problem
This comment has been deleted.
I feel like this at 12 and I just can't do it anymore.
Sending you a hug!
Oh no! Go to a therapist! Depression is a big deal!
I know at this age everything feels like the end of the world but it gets better, it gets easier. Take it all one day at a time. Grade school sucks for a lot of people but as you get older you will find people like you that make you happy, that love you for being you and it will get better. Never give up. And as a mother please talk to your parents about how you feel sweetheart, I have a 12 year old and this breaks my heart.
You aren't alone in this. These feelings are normal for what we are going through. Try to keep in mind that although it may feel like its forever, its not. Things will get better. Hang in there, you will get through this.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
That’s why I think these kinds of articles and threads are toxic for teens and preteens. Kids are kind of naturally followers, because that’s how you learn. Kids jump at a chance to relate to one another and be part of the ingroup. Giving kids material like this to glom onto can’t be doing anything good for society.
Or maybe letting them know that they are not alone, that what they are feeling is normal under the circumstances. I do feel that more emphasis on the fact that this isn't going to be forever, that they have their whole lives ahead of them.
Your comment reminded me of the fact that these younger generations are (most of the time) only called snowflakes because we're more aware of emotional and mental trauma and issues and up until technology most people had no idea about depression and anxiety, therapy was taboo, and if you had some of these problems people just ignored it, told you to get over it or called you crazy or mentally troubled. The result of that is lots of neglected children, broken or abusive households and so on. So yeah, ignoring mental issues will not bring anything good for society, it will only make it worse.
Who would downvote comments from a teen who's just saying how badly they feel? You can't argue with how someone feels.
The fact I'm only 13 and this is how i feel every day ESPEICALY during the school year really says a lot huh
it's a sad reality for kids in school(and everyone) that have to go through the changes in the world. It's exhausting and it makes me hate myself for reasons I shouldn't. One thing that I like to do to feel better is to write future me notes and letters(stupid things that I think I'll laugh at later on) good luck to my fellow students(I'm 14 btw)
me to as well im 11
11 also, have panic attacks sometimes but I mostly just feel sad and anxious constantly
I’m also 11 and same here
same... i just turned 13 and idk im just really sad and angry all the damn time. ITS SO ANNOYING UGH
yeah. im 12 and school is getting really hard. the worst part is that i cant talk to any teachers or friends (in person) ive been having panic attacks and have been feeling worthless most of the time. its really sad that this is the reality.
I am 14 and this describes me so much. School just makes me want to die. When I get home, I want to sleep, stay awake, eat, and not eat. School causes my mental illnesses. Lmao. The only good thing that came from the virus is that I don't have to go to school.
ye but zoom sucksssss
Omg me too, but I'm 12
Omg im 13 and feel exactly the same! Actually in school rn and damn it is stressful and tiring it's no wonder I am sooo tired all the time
That you have issues that definitely are a sign of mental health issues in adults but which may or may not be expected at your age probably doesn't help. It is not appropriate for you to be looking at this stuff because it is too difficult for you to discern what it is and what it isn't. You're 13, and we are not evolved to be able to process such information at that age. Most have difficulty making sense of this information their entire lives. By trying to understand what might not apply to you, you are prone to creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. It might sound cliche, but what a 13 year old ought to be doing - in an evolutionary sense - is playing and socialising - learning the skills for adulthood, and NOT confusing play with the real thing. That being said, if you really think you have problems, and that might be possible, then talk them out with someone appropriate, which is NOT the internet. Someone appropriate is someone who is close enough or experienced enough to...
...understand and guide you, and part of that guidance will be helping you not to focus on such thinking, as you will make it come true if you think too much about it.
Does it? Most of these are just symptoms of typical teenage angst, so it stands that most teens and pre-teens are like this. Still too little or just too busy to have a proper sleep schedule, moody and irritable, and generally a downer about things. That’s like every teen, ever.
That could be true- but why is that normalized? I had a friend that would cut herself and when she tried to reach out people where saying "Oh this is normal for your age, all teens have mood swings" she's doing much better now but I don't know what would have happened if i didn't find out. I also i have panic attacks when i go to the mall or store and hate when people come closer then 3 feet from me. These are normalized for teens and i think its kinda part of the problem
This comment has been deleted.
I feel like this at 12 and I just can't do it anymore.
Sending you a hug!
Oh no! Go to a therapist! Depression is a big deal!
I know at this age everything feels like the end of the world but it gets better, it gets easier. Take it all one day at a time. Grade school sucks for a lot of people but as you get older you will find people like you that make you happy, that love you for being you and it will get better. Never give up. And as a mother please talk to your parents about how you feel sweetheart, I have a 12 year old and this breaks my heart.
You aren't alone in this. These feelings are normal for what we are going through. Try to keep in mind that although it may feel like its forever, its not. Things will get better. Hang in there, you will get through this.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
That’s why I think these kinds of articles and threads are toxic for teens and preteens. Kids are kind of naturally followers, because that’s how you learn. Kids jump at a chance to relate to one another and be part of the ingroup. Giving kids material like this to glom onto can’t be doing anything good for society.
Or maybe letting them know that they are not alone, that what they are feeling is normal under the circumstances. I do feel that more emphasis on the fact that this isn't going to be forever, that they have their whole lives ahead of them.
Your comment reminded me of the fact that these younger generations are (most of the time) only called snowflakes because we're more aware of emotional and mental trauma and issues and up until technology most people had no idea about depression and anxiety, therapy was taboo, and if you had some of these problems people just ignored it, told you to get over it or called you crazy or mentally troubled. The result of that is lots of neglected children, broken or abusive households and so on. So yeah, ignoring mental issues will not bring anything good for society, it will only make it worse.
Who would downvote comments from a teen who's just saying how badly they feel? You can't argue with how someone feels.