Burnout and relationship

A burnout often represents a crucial test for many relationships. Those affected by burnout become increasingly irritable, cynical – also towards their partner. They are no longer resilient and withdraw more and more.

It is often no longer possible to think about everyday life for two. Tenderness or even leisure activities are more and more pushed into the background, so that the partners of those affected often experience the feeling of losing access to their loved one. Relatives often find it difficult to deal with the new situation and their exhausted partner.

If they offer advice, it is often ignored or dismissed. Thus, relatives also often reach their limits, which ultimately ends in separation or divorce. Even those affected themselves find it difficult to cope with the new situation.

It is increasingly difficult for them to meet the demands and wishes of their partners, to understand them and to accept their peculiarities. Burnout sufferers often react more sensitively than before to criticism and appeals. What could help couples in this situation is open communication about concerns and feelings.

Relatives of those affected should show a lot of understanding and generosity. Of course, they should not put their own needs completely in the background, but burnout victims need a lot of support and understanding, especially in this situation. Psychotherapy/couple therapy can also prove helpful.

A burnout does not always mean the end of a relationship. Many couples manage to get through this difficult time together and notice how more stable and resistant their partnership has become afterwards. A burnout can therefore always be the chance for a long future together. It is only important that those affected recognise their illness, accept it and are willing to do something about it. The support of relatives plays a decisive and important role here.

History

At the beginning of a burnout illness there is always the completely excessive sacrifice for the job. While the job becomes more and more important, other things become more secondary. This leads to the fact that affected persons define themselves more and more about their job.

However, both the private life and the health of the patient suffer as a result of all the work. Physical warning signals and lack of sleep are simply ignored. Soon more and more mistakes become noticeable.

This in turn leads to those affected putting even more energy and time into their work. At some point, the stress limit is reached: you simply can’t go on. While those affected have usually withdrawn from family and friends at a much earlier point in time, their jobs are now increasingly neglected.

An inner emptiness spreads and paves the way for further mental illness, such as depression. Ultimately, the result is a total collapse. At the latest now professional help is urgently needed!

Often an inpatient stay in hospital is unavoidable. After an appropriate therapy and with the support of friends and family, most people find their way back to a normal and healthy life. Many people have shorter careers and concentrate more on themselves and their needs.