Exhaustion depression
Burned out inside
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Exhaustion depression is also known under the term burnout. But why do we burn out inside – and what helps? We’ll reveal all the answers.
What is Fatigue Depression?
With exhaustion depression, affected people feel deeply exhausted and burned out, both physically and mentally. They feel like they are under extreme pressure and are no longer up to their daily tasks, which leads to symptoms such as insomnia and fatigue. The depression of exhaustion is often referred to as burnout.
Exhaustion Depression or Normal Depression?
Exhaustion depression can usually be clearly distinguished from classic depression. Depression can have various causes, while the person affected can no longer cope with a certain task in the case of exhaustion depression – for example his job or caring for relatives. In doing so, the first signs of burnout are often ignored – until you simply can’t anymore and the overwhelming strain caused by extreme exhaustion becomes clear.
What are the causes of exhaustion depression?
In principle, anyone can suffer from burnout. However, it often affects those who have high standards for themselves and who always try to do their work perfectly. But the causes of exhaustion depression can also be external factors. The following triggers can exist:
- Personally poor handling of stress
- Constantly heavy physical or psychological stress at work or at home
- mobbing
- Lack of recognition
- Bad working conditions (e.g. little money, long working hours)
These symptoms are caused by exhaustion depression
The symptoms of fatigue depression are similar to symptoms of depression and often quickly affect everyday life. Burnout can cause the following complaints:
Those who no longer feel up to the daily tasks can also develop feelings of fear. Affected people withdraw and often lose interest in social interaction or in their hobbies – like depression. If the burnout is not treated, in the worst case scenario it can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Therapy: Which treatment helps against exhaustion depression?
Psychotherapy is usually necessary to alleviate the symptoms – behavior therapy is usually used for this. In addition, drugs such as antidepressants are used. The person affected can also help alleviate their symptoms by doing some exercise in everyday life – Research shows that exercise has a mood-enhancing effect. In addition, patients should make sure that they allow themselves enough time to recover in addition to their obligations so that they do not slip back into the stress trap.
Reading tip: You can find out everything about the depressive mood and how depression can be treated here. And here you can find out how resilience can help you prevent this.