Huhhh this morning I was up at 4am again. With every second, minute, and hour ticking closer to work. As I lay in the bed in the dark staring into the dark abyss Im deep in my thoughts. Its 5:30am, it’s time to get my son up and get up for work but why can’t I move, why can’t I think? Oh no oh no why am I getting so emotional putting on my clothes? Why am I getting so emotional stirring back at myself in the mirror? With every breath I take I feel the anxiety deepening. How many people can relate to these symptoms, these feelings? If you can relate you are having an episode of MENTAL EXHAUSTION.
What is mental exhaustion?
You probably feel tired and drained after intense physical activity, right? Well, long periods of intense mental activity can wear you out, too.
To put it simply, mental exhaustion can happen when your brain receives too much stimulation or has to maintain an intense level of activity without rest.
Mental and emotional signs
One major sign of mental exhaustion? You feel far less alert than usual and find it challenging to focus, even when it comes to everyday or routine tasks.
Other common signs include:
- feelings of depression, including a persistent sad, low, or hopeless mood
lingering feelings of anxiety - difficulty caring about anything
- a sense of detachment, cynicism, or pessimism
anger or irritability - difficulty processing and managing emotions
a sense of dread - a decline in motivation or productivity
- feeling lethargic or slowed down in movements or responses
- difficulty concentrating, remembering information, putting thoughts together, or completing work correctly
Mental exhaustion can extend to your physical health, contributing to symptoms that don’t have a clear cause. You might notice:
- head and body aches
- upset stomach
- sleep issues, including chronic fatigue, drowsiness, and insomnia
- changes in appetite and weight
- frequent illnesses, such as colds and flu
- a general sense of unwellness
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-exhaustion#symptoms
