Emotional Exhaustion is a state of feeling overwhelmed and drained by prolonged stress—often stemming from work (burnout), caregiving roles, or chronic interpersonal conflict. It is one of the key components of occupational burnout.
Key Points:
- Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and decreased motivation or empathy.
- Overlap: Closely linked with compassion fatigue in helping professions and with generalized burnout.
- Consequences: Increased risk for depression, anxiety, and interpersonal problems if unaddressed.
- Management: Stress reduction techniques (mindfulness, exercise), seeking supportive counseling or supervision, and adjusting workload or responsibilities when possible.
