Emotional Exhaustion vs. Burnout vs. Numbness — What’s Actually Happening?

Sometimes, it feels like life doesn’t allot a break. You are constantly working, moving around, making time for others to the point where you feel overwhelmed and exhausted. It feels like you’re running a half marathon, but the marathon is life. As a society, we’ve been taught that working constantly is the key to a happy life, but truly it lacks the healthy balance of a true, sustainable life.  What are the words usually associated with feeling overwhelmed and overworked? There are three main words: emotional exhaustion, burnout, and numbness. Despite these words having similar trajectories when it comes to life, they have their differences. 

Emotional exhaustion is more of the mental state that comes with being emotionally worn out. Burnout, on the other hand, is a condition that is correlated to overworking one’s limit. Lastly, numbness is a psychological response to feeling overwhelmed, which leads to one disconnecting from the present moment. But what’s really happening to our body and minds? 

These three conditions are all caused by excessive stress. They have overlapping symptoms of fatigue, exhaustion, and a decline in productivity, which can make identifying the problem more difficult. But understanding their key differences can be beneficial when addressing them. They can stem from external stressors that weigh on you, such as relationship problems, family or health problems, or financial stress. All of these external factors can severely deplete energy levels, leaving no room for other parts of our lives. These external factors can look different for everyone and affect everyone differently, but ultimately, it has the same effect on all of our energies. Common causes of all these emotional states can have a root cause that hurts individuals.  It’s important to ask yourself questions and keep yourself in check and realize when your body has had enough. 

Burnouts can also show up in physical attributes as well. Headaches, insomnia, and a weakened immune system. Irritability is common, and people can find themselves being bothered by small things. 

Emotional exhaustion is that feeling of being completely drained, which can also be physical. But at its core, it’s a tiredness that doesn’t go away. People can feel trapped and helpless, making everyday tasks seem impossible. 

Numbness can be a response to protect yourself from stress, especially when everything feels overwhelming. 

With all of these, it’s important to engage in your senses. Participate in activities that stimulate them. Listen to happy music, eat something flavorful, and take a warm shower. All these senses can awaken emotions and soothe your mind, even from numbness. 

THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally will enhance your ability to cope with academic demands and personal challenges. While college has so much to offer, it can feel overwhelming and exhausting, often leading to feelings of burnout.  Setting aside time for you, including finding time to rest and rejuvenate is essential in adjusting to this transition.

At Manhattan Wellness, we understand that the transition to college is an exciting time filled with so much opportunity. But, we also know that with change comes a lot of uncertainty, which can be intimidating and stressful. We are here to support you in finding your path and feeling confident as you take on this new chapter. Follow these steps:

1. Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
2. Learn More About Our Team of Therapists for College Students and Our Therapy Specialists
3. Get Support As You Find Your Path in College!

SPECIFIC THERAPY SERVICE WE OFFER IN MANHATTAN & ONLINE THROUGHOUT NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY AND FLORIDA 

We understand that navigating college in Manhattan can come with many emotions and feelings behind it. This is why our Manhattan therapists offer a range of counseling services. The mental health services we offer are Depression Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, Individual Therapy, Therapy for Self-Esteem and more.

Are you feeling like you’re not living the life you want and need to make changes? Let’s talk about it.