Emotional burnout

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ArtsieSteph

ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
Apr 1, 2014
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Arizona
So I have a more tense job now than I have in the past, and I’m noticing that I find myself a lot more tired when I’m home. And not like a standard tired where you can just take a nap and feel better, but a mentally and emotionally tired.

I work with homeless families who have small children. So there is the interpersonal between families, parents to other parents, kids to kids, ect. I also am supposed to be a sort of authority figure as far as maintaining order.

And for some reason those things, which aren’t even the main crux of my job, exhaust me the most. I don’t know why, but they do.

I honestly thought having the weekend to relax would be enough to kinda refresh me and restart me to square one, but it hasn’t seemed to have fully. And I’m kinda scared. Dreading work. That may be because I haven’t worked a regular job since sometime in the beginning of the year but...I don’t know... I just need help.
 
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ArtsieSteph said:
So I have a more tense job now than I have in the past, and I’m noticing that I find myself a lot more tired when I’m home. And not like a standard tired where you can just take a nap and feel better, but a mentally and emotionally tired.

I work with homeless families who have small children. So there is the interpersonal between families, parents to other parents, kids to kids, ect. I also am supposed to be a sort of authority figure as far as maintaining order.

And for some reason those things, which aren’t even the main crux of my job, exhaust me the most. I don’t know why, but they do.

I honestly thought having the weekend to relax would be enough to kinda refresh me and restart me to square one, but it hasn’t seemed to have fully. And I’m kinda scared. Dreading work. That may be because I haven’t worked a regular job since sometime in the beginning of the year but...I don’t know... I just need help.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you're getting burned out, next stop possible depression ..Play some lively praise music and try walking as brisk as you can if able for 20 min every day, set a two week goal, learn to look forward to it . Praying to help yourself enjoy it is something the Lord can work with .... And speak with a supervisor could help
 
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My brain makes no sense. When I’m here at the job I am totally fine. Doing things, moving stuff, I’m good. As soon as I sit my brain goes AAAAAAAAAA!

I don’t exercise. I think that may help a great deal, and will also give my mind an activity where it doesn’t have to exert so hard.
 
ArtsieSteph said:
My brain makes no sense. When I’m here at the job I am totally fine. Doing things, moving stuff, I’m good. As soon as I sit my brain goes AAAAAAAAAA!

I don’t exercise. I think that may help a great deal, and will also give my mind an activity where it doesn’t have to exert so hard.
Click to expand...
Actually sounds like a stressfull job you have, I don't think I'd want it , and I always advise trying exercise first because to many it's a forgotten built in miracle to those that never get around to it .. And beware of us message board doctors who really have little clue .. lol ... Hope things go right for you ..
 
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bojack said:
Actually sounds like a stressfull job you have, I don't think I'd want it , and I always advise trying exercise first because to many it's a forgotten built in miracle to those that never get around to it .. And beware of us message board doctors who really have little clue .. lol ... Hope things go right for you ..
Click to expand...
I have had problems in the past. I have OCD so physical exercise has helped a bunch. I imagine the same will apply here. Yeah I always try and take second opinions Hahahaha. I know God put me in this job for a reason, though what He has in mind or how He thinks I can do it long term is totally up to Him.
 
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It's so understandable that you feel this way. I would feel exactly the same if I were in your situation. I have OCD-related issues as well so I totally get it. Struggling with a condition like that is hard enough as is. Have you perhaps talked to a higher-up about your situation? Maybe they can help.

I like @bojack's suggestion about exercising. I know exercising really refreshes me. Also, do you get to go outside a lot? Going on a brisk walk or even just standing outside and looking into the distance has been psychologically proven to help with stress and sleep-related issues. Even just looking out the window could be helpful. Do you feel like you are being fulfilled in other areas of your life? Are you spending time with family/friends? Have you been able to continue doing hobbies and such? I love making art and sometimes after a long day I just get a piece of paper out and do some doodling. It's not a masterpiece, but it still allows me to do something I enjoy.

I think it's so wonderful that you are doing this job. I agree that God has put you there for a reason. Of course, the God who gave you this opportunity is the same God who wants you to take care of yourself. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says that "your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit." Have you been treating yourself as such? God loves you so much and wants to make sure your needs are being met. You can't pour from an empty cup. I will be praying that you will have peace this week. I also urge you to pray and ask God what you can do for yourself to ease the stress this job is putting on your body. You are His daughter: He cares about you and He will answer!
 
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ArtsieSteph said:
So I have a more tense job now than I have in the past, and I’m noticing that I find myself a lot more tired when I’m home. And not like a standard tired where you can just take a nap and feel better, but a mentally and emotionally tired.

I work with homeless families who have small children. So there is the interpersonal between families, parents to other parents, kids to kids, ect. I also am supposed to be a sort of authority figure as far as maintaining order.

And for some reason those things, which aren’t even the main crux of my job, exhaust me the most. I don’t know why, but they do.

I honestly thought having the weekend to relax would be enough to kinda refresh me and restart me to square one, but it hasn’t seemed to have fully. And I’m kinda scared. Dreading work. That may be because I haven’t worked a regular job since sometime in the beginning of the year but...I don’t know... I just need help.
Click to expand...
I actually would love a job like that, being able to make a difference in someone's life. However, if it's too much emotion for you, it is not a good match for you. God bless.
 
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ArtsieSteph said:
So I have a more tense job now than I have in the past, and I’m noticing that I find myself a lot more tired when I’m home. And not like a standard tired where you can just take a nap and feel better, but a mentally and emotionally tired.

I work with homeless families who have small children. So there is the interpersonal between families, parents to other parents, kids to kids, ect. I also am supposed to be a sort of authority figure as far as maintaining order.

And for some reason those things, which aren’t even the main crux of my job, exhaust me the most. I don’t know why, but they do.

I honestly thought having the weekend to relax would be enough to kinda refresh me and restart me to square one, but it hasn’t seemed to have fully. And I’m kinda scared. Dreading work. That may be because I haven’t worked a regular job since sometime in the beginning of the year but...I don’t know... I just need help.
Click to expand...
Your reaction would be fairly typical for anyone starting such a job in the human services industry.
Id say ride through this difficult
starting phase. Things gradually get easier. You are getting toughened up. You will get into a rhythm. stay fit and avoid junk food.
Try to help people without getting worn out. avoid compassion fatigue. avoid people pleasing. we sometines confuse people pleasing with compassion.
get advice on how to cope from bosses or mentors. you need support.
 
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It sounds like this is new to you and you may be experiencing a different kind of stress. It may take some time for you to adjust to this type of intense and personal interaction. Could you possibly arrange your schedule to allow for part of the work day to tend to more executive duties, allowing for a break from the families? Self-care should become a priority for you to allow your mind, body and soul to recuperate and refresh. Mind-consider meditation and journaling; body-some form of movement like yoga, exercise, a sport; soul-a new devotional or study group to be part of. These all work together to rejuvenate you for the next battle. Prayers for peace, calm and wisdom to find balance.
 
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ArtsieSteph said:
My brain makes no sense. When I’m here at the job I am totally fine. Doing things, moving stuff, I’m good. As soon as I sit my brain goes AAAAAAAAAA!

I don’t exercise. I think that may help a great deal, and will also give my mind an activity where it doesn’t have to exert so hard.
Click to expand...
This has been happening to me last few years. By the time I get home I am shot. In bed by 8. I think it’s my age?
 
try to listen to podcast preachings, search for topics that interest you, listen so your mind won’t be in idle. I also do it while I workout. Or take a good verse and meditate it all day. 🙏🏼 Praying for you.
 
morefaithrequired said:
Your reaction would be fairly typical for anyone starting such a job in the human services industry.
Id say ride through this difficult
starting phase. Things gradually get easier. You are getting toughened up. You will get into a rhythm. stay fit and avoid junk food.
Try to help people without getting worn out. avoid compassion fatigue. avoid people pleasing. we sometines confuse people pleasing with compassion.
get advice on how to cope from bosses or mentors. you need support.
Click to expand...
 
What an important role you have but my question to you is does your job bring you satisfaction or is it just a paycheck? If you do something you feel passionate about or love, it changes how you feel. I pray that you would get clarity on this and find ways to nurture and care for yourself when you are at home.
 
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