Stress or Burnout
The demands of work, family, and friends can be overwhelming and stressful. When you forget to take care of yourself, your chronic stress may lead to burnout. Dr. Zeshan, MD, is an experienced child and adult psychiatrist. At his practice, Inside Out, he provides expert care for patients struggling with stress and burnout. To get the help you need, contact the office in Princeton, New Jersey, by phone or online today.
Stress or Burnout Q + A
What is stress?
Stress is a normal physiological process designed to protect you from harm. During a stressful situation, your body releases the “fight or flight” hormones and chemicals that increase energy and reactivity to take the appropriate action and escape from danger.
Though stress is a normal reaction, the demands of modern life may cause your stress response to be active all the time. Chronic stress overexposes your body to the stress hormones and chemicals, which may alter body systems and function and lead to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weight gain
In addition to the health consequences, your chronic stress may also lead to burnout.
What is burnout?
Burnout is a consequence of prolonged stress. It causes you to feel emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted, which may also affect your ability to meet demands.
Other signs and symptoms of burnout include:
- Lack of motivation
- Disinterest
- Low energy
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Burnout may affect every aspect of your life, no matter the cause, including your job and personal relationships. It may also affect your physical health and make you more vulnerable to infection, such as a cold or flu.
If you’re feeling overly stressed or are on the verge of burnout, Dr. Z can help.
What happens during a stress or burnout consultation?
Dr. Zeshan takes an individualized approach to care, and the details of your consultation depend on your unique health needs and personal situation.
To better understand your health, sources of stress, and whether you’re suffering from burnout, Dr. Z asks detailed questions about your:
- Symptoms
- Occupation
- Typical day
- Medical history
- Mental health history
- Family medical history
- Type of medications and supplements you take
- Family life
- Support systems
- Lifestyle habits
He also asks about what you do to relieve stress.
What treatments help stress or burnout?
Dr. Zeshan develops a personalized treatment plan to reduce stress and treat or prevent burnout. Your treatment plan may include:
- Mindfulness-based therapy
- Positive psychology
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Stress management techniques
He may also encourage you to engage in a regular exercise routine to decrease stress levels and eat a healthy diet, so your body gets the nutrients it needs to function at its best.
Chronic stress can lead to burnout and affect your emotional, physical, and mental health. For the management of your stress of burnout, contact Inside Out by phone or book an appointment online today.
