Suffering from Burnout? By Shirley Raye Redmond

I have suffered burnout more times than I care to admit. It’s real and is serious and more common among women than you may think. Ignored, burnout can have significant consequences, including: excessive stress, fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety and alcohol or substance abuse. These consequences will affect your personal relationships at home, at church and on the job. Answering yes to two or more of these maybe an indicator:


 (1) Drag yourself to work or church.
(2) Lack energy to be productive.
(3) Becoming more and more cynical and critical.
(4) Becoming more irritable and impatient.
(5) Lack satisfaction in your achievements.
(6) Using food, drugs or alcohol or sleep to feel better.
(7) Feel disillusioned about life, marriage, job, ministry etc.
(8) Unexplained headaches, backache, or other physical complaints.

The Mayo Clinic recommends the following ways to cope:

(1) Identify what’s fueling these feelings and make plans to address the issues.
(2) Evaluate the options—do you need a break? Do you need assistance? Do you need to shift priorities?
(3) Adjust your attitude to rediscover joy and purpose.
(4) Seek support and learn to delegate.

Christview Ministries recommends that you pour out your heart to God, expressing everything you truly think and feel and listening for God’s response. Make your relationship with God a priority and do the things that help you grow closer. Build spiritual growth and renewal time into your daily life. Learn to say, “no” or “I’ll pray about it.” I have found the following Bible verses a calming reminder of God’s power and love:

Psalm 46:10— “Be still and know that I am God.”

Matthew 11: 28-30— “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I
will give you rest.”