2023-11-21 15:29:15
Social burnout: When relationships become a burden
After the Corona measures ended, many people tried to make up for the time they missed during the pandemic. They met up with their friends and family again, went to parties and made new contacts. This need for social closeness is understandable. However, it can also lead to overwhelm. If you suddenly have too many appointments and obligations, you can feel burned out and overwhelmed. You no longer have time for yourself and for the things you like to do.
Psychologist Amelia Aldao pointed out in an article for “Psychology Today” that many people have taken the easing of measures to task. She warns of a kind of burnout spiral. If you feel overwhelmed by many interpersonal contacts, you are in danger of falling into a spiral. The more burnout you feel, the less flexible you are cognitively. This means that you have a harder time dealing with new situations. You are then tempted to throw yourself into even more social contacts in order to keep up. But this in turn increases the exhaustion.
Aldao recommends adapting to the new situation slowly and not burdening yourself too much. It’s important to take time for yourself and say no sometimes.
Burnout from dysfunctional relationships
Burnout can also arise from dysfunctional relationships, says burnout consultant Mirriam Prieß in an interview with ZEIT. Dysfunctional relationships are those that are not good for those affected. This can be the case in private life or at work. When people spend too much time with other people or activities that are not good for them, they run the risk of becoming socially exhausted. This can manifest itself in symptoms such as exhaustion, listlessness, difficulty concentrating and irritability.
According to Prieß, it is particularly problematic when people make their self-worth dependent on other people or their own job. When something breaks down, those affected often feel lost and exhausted. To prevent burnout, it is important to take time for yourself and nurture your own needs. You should also break away from dysfunctional relationships.
Care work can also lead to excessive demands
Care work includes all activities that are necessary to care for and look after other people. These include, for example, caring for relatives, looking after children or supporting people with disabilities. Those affected often work around the clock and hardly have any time for themselves. This can lead to exhaustion, lack of motivation and other burnout symptoms.
According to the chairwoman of the Professional Association of German Psychiatrists, Christa Roth-Sackenheim, single parents and caring relatives are somewhat more likely to suffer from burnout in their private lives (source: STERN). Unemployment and financial problems can also be risk factors. To prevent burnout, it is important that people who do care work seek support. For example, friends and family, self-help groups or professional advice centers can contribute to this.]
#relationships #burden