You’re emotionally exhausted. You may not even know what is causing how you are feeling. In your present, there are many neutral or positive events occurring. In addition to social unrest, you may be experiencing a high-pressure job, financial stress or poverty, being a caregiver, raising children, chronic illness or death of a family member or friend. Stress often is interpreted as a threat to survival. Emotional exhaustion includes emotional, physical and performance symptoms. Stress often is interpreted as a threat to survival. When stress begins to accumulate from negative or challenging events in life that just keep coming, you can find yourself in a state of feeling emotionally worn out and drained. Local and world events have brought out strong emotions and stressors this year, often one right after another. Talk with a mental health provider if you believe that you are suffering from emotional exhaustion. You may not even know what is causing how you are feeling. For most people, emotional exhaustion tends to slowly build up over time. We have nothing to lose but our chains.” These words, from the great Civil Rights activist Assata Shakur, are a familiar refrain for protesters today. We have not been able to find your subscription. When you focus on these types of events, it gives perspective about what is happening around you. Amid an ever-widening public conversation about race, equity and justice, we are all processing emotions. For most people, emotional exhaustion tends to slowly build up over time. You’re emotionally exhausted. They can help you sort through the causes and symptoms you are experiencing to determine a plan that will help you regain a sense of well-being. Accessing Mental Healthcare During Times of Civil Unrest July 2, 2020 Dr. Aderonke Oguntoye, Owner & Chief Medical Officer at Evolve Psychiatric Services, joins 'Cheddar Health & Wellness' to discuss how to cope with stress during times of civil unrest. But … Mental health tips to help families handle change, 'Kids need to feel heard and understood,' school wellness expert says, How to help kids get a good night's sleep, Kids are feeling the strain and stress, too, Yes, the holidays will be different this year, How Cedar Rapids area stores are handling Black Friday shopping (plus store hours), Alliant Energy works to repair 'thousands' of Cedar Rapids streetlights damaged in derecho, Prairie Lights Books to open for in-person shopping Saturday, first time since March, Save money this season with LED holiday lights, Can I get COVID from double-dipping a chip? Emotional exhaustion can be treated by recognizing the stressors you are able to minimize or eliminate. Mayo Clinic: Emotional exhaustion during times of unrest, By Jennifer Wickham You may be wondering what’s next or what else you will have to endure. As these events unfold, you may begin to feel unwell and irritable, and struggle to concentrate and motivate yourself. You can feel trapped or stuck. When stress begins to accumulate from negative or challenging events in life that just keep coming, you can find yourself in a state of feeling emotionally worn out and drained. We must love each other and support each other. Dan Balz Dan Balz. version 3.3.6.2.3.2Page loaded in 0.198 seconds, Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Time for your flu vaccine, Mayo Clinic braces for potential effects of holiday travel, gatherings on Midwest COVID-19 surge, Click here for Mayo Clinic COVID-19 (coronavirus) information, Mayo Clinic experts urge ‘household holiday’: Keep Thanksgiving gathering to a minimum, Mayo Clinic research confirms critical role of masks in preventing COVID-19 infection, Eliminate or minimize the stressor when possible, Practice mindfulness to engage in the present moment, © Copyright 2020. They include COVID-19, social distancing, quarantines, stay-at-home orders, furloughs, job loss, masking, racial injustice, protests and demonstrations. In addition to social unrest, you may be experiencing a high-pressure job, financial stress or poverty, being a caregiver, raising children, chronic illness or death of a family member or friend. There is no question 2020 has been a year full of change and trauma. Local and world events have brought out strong emotions and stressors this year, often one right after another. All Rights Reserved. Chief correspondent covering national politics, the presidency and Congress. The amount of stress hormone released is decreased so you are able are able to feel more emotionally balanced. Acts of Care in Times of Unrest. Talk with a mental health provider if you believe that you are suffering from emotional exhaustion. There's no question 2020 has been a year full of change and trauma. When this happens, it increases the release of stress hormones from your brain, further contributing to your experience of emotional exhaustion. Human Resources. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion, Jennifer Wickham is a Mayo Clinic Health System licensed professional behavioral health counselor in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This is called emotional exhaustion. Emotional exhaustion can be treated by recognizing the stressors you are able to minimize or eliminate. To continue viewing content on tucson.com, please sign in with your existing account or subscribe. There’s no question 2020 has been a year full of change and trauma. You can feel trapped or stuck. Amid widespread protests against racism, HR leaders must acknowledge the emotional toll on employees and create safe spaces for candid conversation. Mayo Clinic Health System, Watch Now: A Bird's Eye View of the Downtown Links Project, Doctor fights back tears describing single day of heartbreaking losses, Americans continue holiday travel despite Covid-19 case surge, Get unlimited access to tucson.com and apps. Cooper Browne, ALA Public Programs Office “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. Anxiety, apathy, depression, feeling hopeless, feeling powerless or trapped, irritability, lack of motivation, nervousness, tearfulness. You may not even know what is causing how you are feeling. When you focus on these types of events, it gives perspective about what is happening around you. June 5, 2020. When you are able to focus on small neutral or positive events, your brain is able to understand that the threat is not as dire as it may first seem. In your present, there are many neutral or positive events occurring. In addition to social unrest, you may be experiencing a high-pressure job, financial stress or poverty, being a caregiver, raising children, chronic illness or death of a family member or friend. Other strategies to reduce emotional exhaustion include: Eliminate or minimize the stressor when possible; eat a healthy, balanced diet; exercise; get enough sleep; practice mindfulness to engage in the present moment. Emotional exhaustion during times of unrest. When you are unable to change a stressor because it is out of your control, it is important to focus on the present moment. When you focus on these types of events, it gives perspective about what is happening around you. Fatigue, headaches, lack of appetite, sore muscles or muscle tension. It is the times of unrest when God can work best within and through our lives. Emotional exhaustion can be treated by recognizing the stressors you are able to minimize or eliminate.