19/09/2025
As I look at my to do list I find myself opting for the shorter tasks, ones that need little mental focus. I found myself delaying writing a new blog, whenever I sit to write it out I struggle to focus for more than a few minutes. I feel resistance or a sense of “I can’t be bothered.” I find myself procrastinating work tasks, little motivation to study, which I normally enjoy, instead I’m drawn to crime novels and repeats of my favourite comedy shows.
After some solo reflection, and supervision which always provides an opportunity for checking in with how I’ve been feeling recently, I come to realise I feel a bit deflated and low. Well what’s going on then I think, I’m sleeping a lot but still feel tired, unmotivated to work, struggling to focus, flat mood. These things could point to burnout, or compassion fatigue perhaps? In my line of work as a Therapist it might be easy to assume that I wouldn’t experience such things, that I would constantly live in a happiness bubble with peak mental health. Well, that’s not the case.
I get familiar critical thoughts like, “I’m just being lazy”, and “there’s nothing actually wrong so just get on with it.” I know thoughts like this aren’t helpful to me, they are not going to increase my motivation, but will create pressure and shame. If it was laziness I would be doing nothing at all, or do a bad job and not care, I’m opting for shorter tasks while still attending all meetings with full attention, with a desire or urge to do more but lacking the energy to complete it, so this is not laziness.
How this relates to counselling
I hear this kind of self criticism from clients, putting themselves down for not achieving “enough.” I help them explore the unavoidable demands on them, along with personal expectations for themselves. How realistic are they? What do they consider success or failure? What do they do if things don’t go to plan? I know how unachievable expectations can lead to burnout, so in session we might look at what they are asking of themselves? Are they focusing on perceived failures and skipping successes?
Burnout is not just from physically working lots of hours, it is an accumulation of several aspects which can be harder to spot. Along with previously mentioned expectations for ourselves, here are some things that can add up to feeling burnout.
- Job insecurity, or changing demands that make it hard to keep a routine. This can create a feeling that we need to keep working hard now if our work seems uncertain for whatever reason.
- Lack of support from a reliable team with like minded attitudes towards the job.
- Feeling isolated or under pressure to complete tasks that we might need help with.
- If we don’t feel recognised for our hard work, or if we are underpaid.
- Long hours or shift work that impacts our home life.
- If our work clashes with our values.
The more you believe in what you do for a living, the more fulfilled and satisfied you might feel. If in some way you disagree with what your company makes or how it treats customers or employees, overtime this may become difficult to do with a clear conscience. Ask yourself what does it take for you to complete your work? Do you need to look the other way or ignore certain aspects of your company?
I realise how I have been overlooking small successes or things that have gone well, and focused heavily on learning and improving, whilst this is a good way to develop I still need to balance it with recognition for the good work I have done. I definitely feel fulfilled by my work, and it aligns with my values, but I often feel as if I “should” be doing more.
It’s been easy for me to assume I would avoid burnout as, for the most part, I get to choose my own work hours, therefore I would naturally avoid becoming overworked right? Ahh, for this to be true I would need strong self boundaries where I leave work completely in the office, and switch off when not working. Okay, I am starting to understand what I need to do to help myself… I come away feeling revitalised and humbled. Time for a break with my favourite comedy show.
If you notice signs of burnout, contact me today to start your healing journey.
