Therapy for Stress and Burnout in Nashville
Hi, I’m Morgan, a therapist for burnout and work stress in Nashville. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and at your breaking point, I want you to know that I understand, and I’m here to support you.
My focus is on helping you identify your true needs and desires, so we can create a path that suits you and build the fulfilling life you deserve, one step at a time.
If you’re ready to make a change and start feeling better, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with me today.
My Approach to Therapy for Burnout and Stress
You’ve reached your breaking point, feeling overwhelmed wishing you could just give up. Everything seems too much to handle. You can’t recall the last time you did something nice for yourself, lost in a cycle of endless obligations. You find yourself drinking wine every night and mindlessly scrolling through your phone, too drained to take on anything new—even starting a new show feels like too much effort. Before you know it, hours have passed.
You need to pay your bills, so quitting your job isn’t an option, but you’re too exhausted to even think about looking for something new.
Now, imagine having strategies at your disposal to help you when burnout and stress start to take over. Picture feeling empowered to choose what you will and won’t tolerate in your life.
That’s where I come in. Together, we can uncover the root causes of your burnout and stress. I’m here to help you identify what you can let go of and create meaningful space for yourself when you need it most. Let’s work together to help you reset, regain control, and find peace. It’s time to discover balance in your life.
What is burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often related to work or personal responsibilities. It can lead to feelings of overwhelming fatigue, cynicism, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. People experiencing burnout may feel detached from their work or relationships and might struggle to find motivation or joy in activities they once enjoyed. Common symptoms include irritability, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and physical issues like headaches or stomach problems. Burnout often results from chronic stress, long hours, and high expectations, making it important to recognize and address it to regain balance and well-being.
How do I know if I need therapy for burnout and stress?
Determining if you need therapy for burnout and stress can involve several signs and feelings:
Persistent Fatigue: If you feel constantly exhausted, even after resting or taking breaks, this can be a key indicator.
Decreased Motivation: A significant drop in enthusiasm for work or activities you used to enjoy can suggest burnout.
Irritability or Mood Changes: If you find yourself feeling more irritable, anxious, or easily frustrated, it may be time to seek help.
Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus or feeling mentally foggy can be signs that stress is overwhelming you.
Physical Symptoms: Experiencing headaches, stomach issues, or other physical ailments without a clear medical cause can indicate stress or burnout.
Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities you once enjoyed can be a sign that you need support.
Feeling Overwhelmed: If daily tasks feel insurmountable or if you’re struggling to cope with responsibilities, therapy can provide guidance.
Coping Mechanisms: Relying on unhealthy coping strategies, like excessive drinking or other harmful behaviors, is a red flag.
If you identify with any of these signs, it may be beneficial to reach out to a therapist. They can help you explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards recovery. Remember, seeking help is a positive step toward taking care of your mental health.
How can therapy help with burnout and stress?
Therapy can be very effective in addressing burnout and stress in several ways:
Understanding Triggers: A therapist can help you identify the specific causes of your burnout and stress, whether they stem from work, relationships, or personal expectations. Understanding these triggers is the first step toward managing them.
Coping Strategies: Therapists provide tools and techniques to help you cope with stress more effectively. This might include relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, and time management skills.
Changing Thought Patterns: Therapy can assist in reshaping negative thought patterns that contribute to feelings of overwhelm. By challenging these thoughts, you can develop a more balanced perspective.
Setting Boundaries: A therapist can guide you in establishing healthy boundaries, helping you learn to say no and prioritize self-care, which is crucial for preventing burnout.
Improving Communication: Therapy can enhance your communication skills, making it easier to express your needs and concerns to others, whether at work or in personal relationships.
Building Resilience: Through therapy, you can learn to build resilience and adaptability, making it easier to handle future stressors without becoming overwhelmed.
Creating Action Plans: A therapist can work with you to create actionable plans for managing your responsibilities and finding balance in your life, which can reduce feelings of stress.
Emotional Support: Therapy offers a safe space to express your feelings and concerns, providing emotional support and validation during difficult times.
Overall, therapy helps you gain insight, develop coping skills, and create a more balanced approach to life, making it easier to manage burnout and stress effectively.
Are stress and burnout different?
Stress and burnout are related but distinct experiences, each with its own causes, symptoms, and impact on well-being.
Stress
Stress is a natural response to external pressures or challenges. It can be triggered by a specific event (like a deadline or a conflict) or ongoing pressures (like managing multiple responsibilities). Stress can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
Symptoms: Physical symptoms include headaches, fatigue, and muscle tension, while emotional symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. Cognitive symptoms can include difficulty concentrating and racing thoughts.
Response: Stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, which can be motivating and energizing in the short term. However, long-term stress without relief can impact mental and physical health, leading to exhaustion.
Burnout
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that results from prolonged, unmanaged stress. It often occurs in work or caregiving contexts when someone feels overwhelmed, underappreciated, or disconnected from their role. Unlike stress, burnout develops gradually over time and has a more chronic nature.
Symptoms: Emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of detachment from work or relationships are common. Physical symptoms include chronic fatigue, insomnia, and frequent illness. Behavioral signs may include social withdrawal and decreased productivity.
Response: Burnout leads to a sense of helplessness and lack of motivation, making it harder to engage with work or daily tasks. It often results in a feeling of being “empty” or “numb.”
Key Difference
Stress can be motivating and temporary, whereas burnout is a prolonged state of exhaustion and disengagement that can have serious consequences for your mental and physical health. If not addressed, burnout can lead to severe consequences, including depression, anxiety, and chronic health issues.
Get Help From a Burnout and Stress Therapist in Nashville
Are you ready to take control of your feelings burnout and stress once and for all? Let’s tackle them together. Contact me, your burnout therapist in Nashville, for a free 15-minute consultation to explore how I can help you break free from the burdens that are weighing you down.