"Insomnia and pain": see silent signs of mental exhaustion at work
Many people associate mental exhaustion with more obvious conditions, such as anxiety attacks, insomnia or the feeling that the body and mind simply can no longer function. However, the burnout process usually begins silently, with subtle signs that are often confused with temporary tiredness or lack of motivation.
One of the first signs is difficulty concentrating. Simple tasks begin to require more effort than usual, while frequent forgetfulness and memory lapses become more common. Although these symptoms may seem like everyday things, they can indicate that the brain is operating under a high level of stress for an extended period of time.
Changes in behavior also often arise. Professionals who previously demonstrated enthusiasm and participation may begin to feel emotionally distant from activities. Meetings, projects and even conversations with colleagues start to generate irritation or apathy. In many cases, the person continues to fulfill their responsibilities, but without the same involvement as before.
Another often ignored sign is the constant feeling of fatigue, even after periods of rest. Sleeping a whole night and still waking up tired may indicate that the mind is not able to adequately recover from the accumulated pressure. Experts explain that prolonged emotional exhaustion directly affects physical and cognitive recovery mechanisms.
"There is also the irritability that increases in tone in meetings that were previously trivial, the impatience with small team mistakes, the feeling that the day yields less despite working more and the tiredness that the weekend does not resolve", says Daniel Sócrates, corporate psychiatrist and doctor from Unifesp.
A drop in productivity is also usually an important indicator. Unlike laziness or lack of commitment, mental exhaustion reduces the ability to organize, make decisions and solve problems. As a result, routine activities start to demand more time and energy.
"Normal tiredness tends to be temporary and usually improves after periods of rest. Mental exhaustion persists even after the weekend, vacation or moments of leisure. Furthermore, it is usually accompanied by a feeling of incapacity, lack of motivation, a drop in productivity, difficulty concentrating and a constant perception that any task requires excessive effort. It's not just being tired; it's feeling that emotional energy is running out", adds Êdela Nicoletti, psychologist and specialist in Behavioral Therapy Dialectics (DBT).
Body also gives signals
Reflexes are not restricted to the emotional field. The body can also manifest warning signs, and some of them are: headaches, especially at the end of the day, muscle tension, changes in appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort. In many cases, these physical symptoms appear before a person even realizes that they are emotionally overwhelmed.
The constant search for stimulants, such as coffee and energy drinks, or for immediate escape valves after business hours, tends to camouflage the real need for rest and disconnection.
For this reason, mental health experts warn that recognizing these signs early is essential to prevent the condition from worsening. When ignored, mental exhaustion can evolve into more serious conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression and burnout syndrome, recognized by the World Health Organization as a phenomenon associated with chronic stress in the workplace.
"The most common symptoms are sleep changes, both difficulty falling asleep and sleep that cannot be restored, tension headaches, muscle pain especially in the neck and shoulders, changes in appetite and persistent fatigue that no routine examination can explain. There are also cardiovascular manifestations, such as palpitations and increased blood pressure, linked to the continuous activation of the stress system", adds Sócrates.
The recommendation is to observe persistent changes in behavior, energy levels and ability to deal with daily demands. Seeking moments of rest, establishing boundaries between work and personal life and seeking professional support when necessary are measures that can help stop the cycle of exhaustion before it further compromises mental health and quality of life.
"Brazilians have a lot of difficulty positioning themselves, saying no and setting limits and this is because of our culture. So, instead of resting, people feel extremely guilty for not performing. And then they force the functioning even more, trying to perform without having the psychic energy to do so. So we need to learn to manage this guilt, learn to rest and understand that we need this time to recharge", says Ana Lisboa, psychoanalyst, lawyer and founder of Altis Lisboa, an ecosystem focused on emotional education and mental health.
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Source: CNN