Mental Exhaustion: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Tips

How to recognize and survive burnout

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Mental exhaustion is a common occurrence and is the result of brain overactivity. Being overwhelmed by tasks at work or by family responsibilities can leave you with feelings of frustration and mental unrest. You may also find yourself becoming envious of others you perceive as being more relaxed or laid back, as your level of mental stress can make you detest those who seem to have it easier.

When you spend a lot of mental effort on a task, you become mentally exhausted. Though manageable at first, over time, your ability to maintain your focus becomes hampered. This may leave you with an inability to concentrate, leading you to make more mistakes than normal. Feelings of being stressed, irritated, and even depressed can lead you into a downward spiral, potentially affecting your health and the people around you.

Signs and Symptoms

Mental exhaustion can be easily recognized as a feeling of being “burnt out” from excessive, long-term stress. Symptoms may initially present subtly, but worsen over time. It is important to note that mental exhaustion may eventually manifest as physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, as all of these attributes are connected to the organ receiving the brunt of the mental stressors: the brain.

Physical Symptoms: These may include feelings of being tired most of the time, an increased tendency for becoming sick, frequent headaches, back pain, or muscle aches. You may also notice changes in appetite and sleep habits.