Burnout could never happen to me!
Well yes and no …
Burnout is where your mind and body say enough. There is a total inability to carry on – it’s shutdown.
Now, that is unlikely to happen. But like most things to do with our mental health and wellbeing, there is a progression.
You, like me, probably know Christian leaders who have suffered burnout. However, it didn’t just arrive and strike like a virus.
Many of us could probably identify with some of the warning signs in our Christian ministry.
EXHAUSTION – it’s always there. Breaks and holidays don’t make much impression.
It is not just physical exhaustion and symptoms but emotional exhaustion.
You increasingly feel drained, lacking in energy and unable to cope.
ALIENATION – the job you love has become more stressful and frustrating.
Within, there may be a growing cynicism and weariness about what you do and why you bother to do it.
As you interact with people, there is increasingly an emotional distance.
REDUCED PERFORMANCE – you’re just doing the job, the tasks, the services.
Perhaps noone notices, but you do.
You’re going through the motions. Duty drives and dictates, rather than passion and calling.
It is difficult to concentrate. New challenges are avoided. Creativity is virtually non-existent.