What Does It Mean to Have "Burnout"?

Burnout is a term that gets thrown around a lot -- and it's something those with ADHD are more susceptible to. But what exactly IS burnout?
Research for this video provided by: Farah Mahmud

[@HowtoADHD]

Brains!! You can now download and try out the Hero's Journal FOR FREE. They're giving away the first 71 daily pages on their website, which covers the introduction content and whole first act :D

[@julietteh-videos]

@@MrTooEarnestOnline alienation from peers/power is different than burnout no?

[@Harmonic0scillator]

I've been burntout for the past year and a half because of several reasons (including 'rona). Past year and a half is also when I started grad school - I think my supervisor just thinks I'm dumb and useless now. He seems to have given up on me and I'm not entirely sure how to fix that without making my shit worse... I'm only just getting back to "normal" and its gonna take a while. What do?

[@moocowofjustice525]

I’m gonna try this on my computer when I get home, thank you.

[@todoroni4life]

Where can I download it? I can't find it on their website

[@HowtoADHD]

@@todoroni4life It's underneath the back to school bundles, you can put your email in & they'll send it

[@DaleESkywalker]

*Burnout:* Spinning your wheels, producing too much power, and getting nowhere compared to the designed implement.

[@russellzauner]

The worst part is it absolutely destroys your tires.

[@Alex-wj9ho]

You got plenty of horsepower but no or very little torque

[@ivan_d_feets4495]

The sad part is this analogy applies to my whole life not just work lol. Adhd be like that

[@gringa23]

Haha my burnout is when my brain is having seizures where my body can move, but my brain just freezes. Too much workload coming at once will really do the damage.

[@uberrapidash2556]

Can we talk about burnout *outside* of the workplace? I get burnout just from trying to keep up with the demands of life, and I'm unable to work.

[@Tobitube93]

Yes, this... Is there a term for it? Does anyone know where to find information and treatment advice for that situation?

[@uberrapidash2556]

@@Tobitube93 I'm used to seeing "burnout" used to refer to autistic burnout, and was actually kinda surprised when the video was about occupational burnout. I think it's also just "burnout."

[@Icon0clastWithaZero]

I've been dealing with burnout from normal life stressors too. I think in my case it's autistic burnout

[@PwnageFury]

Yes, I would love to see this too. As a parent with ongoing very heavy eldercare duties i think a discussion of non-work burnout would be really great.

[@demoulius1529]

When I burned out they told me Burnout generally is a combination of work stress and stress from ones personal life. So if you cant relax at home, try to fix that. I got a severe depression and couldnt relax anymore and then when a high workload spike hit my job where I was doing 60% of the work in a 8 man team; it dident take me very long to completly burn out...

[@TwitchingShark]

Been a developer for 20 years. Hit major burnout three times. It's absolutely a real thing and will build up unbreakable walls. I will stare at my computer for hours at a time without a single keystroke. Its like a mental battlefield and you will lose most battles. Each burnout period took roughly three months for me to break out of and generally cost one job in the process. I'm currently in my third burnout. And I think this might be my breaking point. I'm nearing the point of dropping my 20 year career and it breaks my heart. Burnout will not only affect what is causing the burnout, like a job, but every other aspect of your life. If anyone else is burnt out and suffering, know you are not alone.

[@smokey5lbc1]

Same here. Not sure I can keep this career. I took an unplanned break for 2 years (1 year was due to the pandemic), and still can’t get back to 100%. I may need more time, but I wore myself down for a long time. Staying employed right now is a daily struggle.

[@TheParaxore]

I tried to learn coding and experienced burnout just trying to learn basics so much I decided it really wasn't for me.

[@MaaveMaave]

Ayy I'm a dev getting over my first burnout. Reducing unnecessary meetings helped. It gives me time to think, destress, and prioritize my work. Therapy, meditation, and mindfulness all help mitigate the stress reaction.

[@JustDisc]

Just remember, you are not alone!

[@ninreznorgirl2535]

Dev here as well. Thinking I'm hitting my first burnout... and its honestly terrifying me.

[@Firegen1]

Sorry for unrelated but I just want to say a big thank you, Jessica. Without your channel, I think many of us wouldn't have the words or the confidence to say where we struggle. In 6 days I finally get seen for my ADHD after 32 years. Thank you so much for everything you taught me.

[@HowtoADHD]

😭❤️

[@Firegen1]

@@HowtoADHD Auww. Thank you for being a hero. ❤

[@juliamuller6443]

I can only agree, this channel changed so much for me! I don't know if I have ADHD, but somehow I can now name a lot of my struggles. I don't blame myself as much and get ideas on how to work with my challenges

[@CraigyDizzle]

Absolutely agree with all of this! My assessment is in 3 days at 35 years old...

[@brandonnoey3996]

I totally agree, this channel has given me the confidence, knowledge, and power to seek out the proper help. Having ADHD was never a thought in my mind until watching these videos (I always thought I was just lazy and dumb). After being diagnosed and medicated for a week now I can truly say that this channel has changed my life.

[@SpuddMacgyver]

"A mismatch between people and jobs" like being an executive assistant and hate being told what to do. Dealing with customers when I'm an introvert and cherishing peace and quiet yet our store is next to an outdoor restaurant thats always blaring music... I'd say I'm killing it at this burnout thing! 🙄

[@Mark-db1ok]

Yeah I'd say that qualifies as burnout conditions.

[@TheParaxore]

As an introverted person with social anxiety, working at a call center where I was forced to talk to angry people all day non stop over the phone led to severe burnout. Had to quit that job for a job with less pay due to deteriating mental health

[@SpuddMacgyver]

@@Mark-db1ok Last 4 years iv been like this. Now that I know what it is thanks to this video maybe its time to make a change.

[@iniehawk4472]

Inattentive ADHD and I became a chef, took 3 burnouts before I became a gardener, much happier now

[@TheParaxore]

@@SpuddMacgyver I haven't figured it out, at least not really. The best I've come up with is I want to persue a career in counseling to help other people with ADHD as it's severely affected my life and I want to help other people through it since I understand the struggles. However it's really difficult trying to get time to go back to school since I have a family and need to make money to support them. At the moment I'm doing a job I don't mind but I just don't find any passion for - Software QA. It's bearable since I can listen to music or videos/ podcasts.

[@rantingrodent416]

I've been trying to figure out a good early warning system for incoming burnout. After burning out badly twice, I think I've found a pretty good one. If you are legitimately less effective towards the end of the week and *need* rest on the weekend to get back to productivity on Monday, you are in the process of burning out. As soon as your non-work time is contextualized as something you do to restore your productivity during the week, you're on a collision course with bad times.

[@PassionDoudou]

waw yes!

[@Zahrah.M]

This is very well put thank you. But it also tells me I’ve been in this state for the almost 5 months 😶

[@colbyzurlini8740]

I’m finding it so hard to get over my burnout. My eyes have changed. They look mental.

[@Jaseyrae213]

This is a good way of describing how it feels during the process as opposed as to when it’s too late. Nice tip 🙃

[@bemusedbandersnatch2069]

Generally excluding starting a new job. You'll be exhausted your first few weeks/months as you learn and get into the swing of things. I suppose that's a little like burning the thrusters of a rocket ship to get you into space as opposed to just burning them indefinitely.

[@kuyaChrischan]

Working as a frontline healthcare professional with ADHD...in the middle of a nursing shortage and pandemic has definitely sped up this burnout. Very easy to get overwhelmed but still feel shame that "I can't handle it". I'm glad I'm not alone no matter what industry one works in. Thank you for talking about this, Jessica

[@jackmonty666]

I used to be a nurse with aspirations for paramedicine and field rescue... But burnout, inadequate pay, injuring my back and the soul crushing environment of overtime and poor treatment by patients and staff ended my love for healthcare... I feel for you comrade.

[@Plethorality]

you are both heroes. thank you for what you have done.

[@gemmaprescott4452]

Burnt out nurse right here. What I have learned is that either it will manifest in the body or the mind if you don't listen to your mind screaming stress. Being ADHD makes us more sensitive to when you feel injustices and then exhausted if we are always up against them.

[@musickf]

Right there with you. Worked up until a month ago in a hospital where we were constantly getting argued with and yelled at for simply upholding hospital policy. We worked with the lab for Covid testing and it was not only stressful from potential exposure (before the vaccine was a thing) but also from the patients. And, they wouldn't let us do anything to alleviate the stress. No ear buds, no snacks, no walking away from your post for longer than a few minutes. It was torture, and I can't imagine how bad it is for you.

[@alexispunneo2926]

Same. I’m a CNA and I feel the same way

[@TrulyMadlyShallowly]

I've had my first burnout at 25 and it was huge. What confused me, though, was that the narrative then was 'working too hard/perfectionism lead to your burnout'. And I... hadn't been effective. For ages. I didn't work hard that hard, I was actually not very productive. What I was, I now know, was depleted. I'd been trying to climb a wall of awful every day, one that was getting higher and higher because of constant anxious thoughts and guilt and shame. Yes, I had been working - just not at work. Edit: I've learned. It's happened again, a few times, but never this thoroughly and I feel it coming on, so I can interfere. I wish I'd known what I know now, though.

[@sonja5058]

I really feel this, I just haven't been able to sit down and work for the entire duration of my research and only get things done when I have to break the wall of awful in a bad way. So much guilt and shame involved. Would love to hear some of your learnings!

[@nehamaw]

Desire to curl up and never move...is...so...accurate!

[@chelsaecastanos8444]

Accccuurattee

[@adrianneavenicci]

I used to work an office job where I did the work of 2.5 people and had no limit to my workload. I did this for years and was permanently exhausted. I’d stay up too late because I needed recovery time from work, but then would be sleep deprived and existed on coffee. I even had a breakdown at work once. I then ended up with breast cancer at 39. I’m ok now but to this day I swear I pushed my body to it’s absolute limit and nearly paid for it with my health and life. I’m now on a waiting list for adhd assessment and looking back I realise I shouldn’t have been in that type of job because it required me to work so much harder than others due to possible adhd but also because of the workload.

[@halak8627]

I am sorry for your exhausting journey, how do you feel now? And did you recover from cancer? Actually I also have experienced workload which is veeyvtiring emotionally and mentally, I just would like to ask you how many years did you work like that?

[@adrianneavenicci]

@@halak8627 I’m absolutely fine now. The treatments were amazing. They say you have to fight cancer but I let the doctors take over and made sure I rested, ate well and took better care of myself. I’m now lucky to be able to work part time in a less demanding job. I was 6 years in that particular job. I didn’t understand myself or my needs enough to appreciate what it was doing to me and I was very naive in how I let my bosses treat me. As you get older the body can only take so much. I should’ve left sooner. I didn’t know there were better environments to work in. People would say “the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere“ but it can be!

[@halak8627]

@Adrianne, thanks for sharing your journey, I am really glad to hear about a very brave one like you, you are a hero. I hope you never experience this again and may the coming days bring more joy and happiness to you. I thank you for inspiring me in sharing your thoughts about the job difficulties.. I hope everyone has the opportunity to be in the place they deserve.

[@mz5863]

I recognize this so badly! I am so sleep depraved but those nights are my only way to feel at least a little alive. Giving those up would feel like Im surrendering even more to my job. Struggles. Im glad you are doing better and I hope this journey got you to find equality in life ♡

[@lfadedragel9178]

You're making WAY too many swords for the Legion. Let Eorland take some of the workload, even if he is one of those Graymanes.

[@AWSMcube]

I've been taking the advanced/"gifted" classes in school since I was in Kindergarten and as someone with ADHD, it's disastrous. The problem with a lot of these advanced classes is that it's just more work instead of more learning, which I can't handle. I experienced severe burnout in high school because of this and I ended up switching schools because the school wouldn't change the curriculum

[@Meraxes6]

That’s interesting, in my school the advanced (AP) classes were actually less work than the regular classes. There was much less busy work and homework, but more difficult essays and longer-term projects. So I felt like they were less work with more learning.

[@AC-xu7yn]

It's been a month of me burnt out over school works. My mental health is declining due to some factors specially this. I've been persuading my parents for me to switch schools (I haven't switched schools since I started attending) but they won't let me as "it's a burden". I personally think I could move on if I have different people and grounds on such things. But I guess 4 more years for that ... I might be in different dimensions if I don't manage this well👽

[@useronytb1074]

@@AC-xu7yn oh my god yes I feel you. Ever since high school, I don't know why, but my mental illness hit a toll. I want to be homeschooled but it's hard to persuade my parents. It's not completely off the table but they're not easy to convince espescially with the cost of homeschool 😔

[@azteclady]

It's a good video to learn what it is, but employers don't care whether employees burnout. They are convinced there are cheaper labor out there to replace them. Otherwise, bosses wouldn't constantly add responsibilities and projects when someone 'leaves' unto the remaining staff.

[@GoADHDGo]

If I’m feeling burnt out my boss tells me to take a few days off, which is pretty cool but I still hate my boss… which is bad because I’m self employed. HEYO! Thank you. Thank you. I’ll be here all week.

[@Bee-kv5tx]

@@GoADHDGo biggest plot twist of the century

[@jasonsteele6920]

When you list things out, you keep that list on the screen in its entirety, so I don't forget the whole list immediately. I've always appreciated it and never said thanks. So thanks!

[@TheDilemma76]

This is the earliest I’ve ever been for anything in my entire life.

[@Mark-db1ok]

Haa! Quality humor!

[@hyram3]

Me too actually haha usually see a video a few hours after but today it was a few minutes!

[@adinashaina9977]

For anyone wondering what burnout looks like: Burnout looks like an ADHD child staring off into space, a person whom you cannot get their attention - they don't have any left. Time to place them in their (previously chosen!) comfort zone with their (again - previously chosen!) comfort tools. Why? Because you want them to return to you. But why? Because they need to feel safe enough to return to themselves. But WHY? if you're still asking maybe you need to consider that you may be an oppressor. Leave their space.

[@nikkimoritz6890]

I understand the need to connect "burnout" to workplace issues for most people but anyone who is a parent/care provider to someone special needs would say it's relevant regardless of occupation. Thank you though for this video addressing this challenging issue, especially now!

[@PassionDoudou]

I totally agreed. I think people who write DSM are big have a lot of internalised capitalism and abelisme into them. (I link them coz if capitalisme is : your capacity = your value but only value certain type of capacity to remaind a live and preserv power of the rich it's also really abelist. to go further I highly recomanding to learn about the concepte of "social model of disability" sorry it was a big aside). Anyway thank for putting the spot on that!

[@AstarteElviraLyana]

... the DSM doesn't have burnout in the current edition. Everything in there is based on functionality and ability to complete things the general population can do and due to this deficits model for diagnosis is inherently ableist. However, it does not restrict the things someone with a diagnosis can do.

[@SkilledTadpole]

I watch this as I lay curled up on the couch on my lunch break, undesiring to move and unable to comprehend going back to work. Solid timing, thanks for the upload.

[@robinechols3810]

"Soul sucking despair" lolololol yep. Definite yes.

[@sarahwillick7051]

Today’s my first day of freedom from my job as a therapist for an agency that has systemic issues with burning their people out... so this was perfectly timed for me too! Thanks for talking about it in the way that you do for every topic, making it understandable and suggesting what to actually do about it! ❤️

[@bonniea8189]

"agency" ... "systemic issues burning people out". Would this be an alphabet agency?

[@carocatje92]

I am in a Burn-out right now. Everything you said is true. I pushed myself for sooooo long and was scared to talk about it with my "chef/manager". Now I'm in a burnout and had to ring the bell waaaay earlier. But my chef was very sweet to me, and I may take all the time I need and when slowly get back in with special office dokters and stuff. ( Don't know all the words in English but I hope you understand what I mean 😅)

[@HowtoADHD]

That's so great you were able to speak up & were listened to and supported!! This is the world I'm hoping for

[@loopylou6841]

I'm Still recovering 👍

[@nictesaldana5130]

@@HowtoADHD can you make a video about dealing or getting out of burnout? I just reached my limit when I ended up hospitalized with cardiac and gastrointestinal issues and stopped but I do not know how to get back on track from here.

[@lynn3310]

Ugh burnout. I experienced burnout during the pandemic as people were laid off and no one to replace them. In turn, I did double the work and almost doubled my hours to complete said work. On top of it, I was going to school part time. I attempted to address it with my boss and was told, everyone is going through it and sometimes we have to give up what we want to get by. So, I had to drop my classes to carry this workload. As time went on my workload increased. I did eventually have a mental breakdown. My point is because I never successfully addressed it, I developed gastritis and what my doctor said was gastroparesis this past January. It's now the end of September and I just recovered from the gastritis and a little bit of the gastroparesis has resolved. I'm thinking I'll be 100 percent by the end of the year. Address burnout because not only can burnout manifest itself mentally it can manifest physically. The first few months of coming down with this were scary, I had no clue what was happening to my body and lost 15 pounds.

[@clararose1922]

There is caregiver burnout as well. After 5 years of taking care of my parents, I feel 'done/tired' most days and it's really hard to power through general chores on top of everything else.

[@JayYarbroughMusic]

Bless you for taking care of your parents. I can relate and it's totally exhausting.

[@Meraxes6]

Right, and that’s really hard because you can’t just take a break unless you have the resources to get someone competent to replace you. Sometimes cleaning services can be affordable, even if it’s just once a month.. hope you can get help from somewhere. This is why we used to live in tight-knit communities so everyone could share these burdens!

[@TheInaneAsylum]

I'm a respiratory therapy supervisor in a small hospital. This is exactly what's going on. I thought I was just tired/mentally exhausted, but the other factors you mention absolutely ring true. Thank you so much for all you've done in helping me figure myself out, it is immeasurably appreciated.

[@QOTCPcf]

THANK YOU for this video. Now that self-care is a billion dollar industry, most attempted descriptions of burnout are a lot of vague nonsense intended to steer us towards buying a bathbomb to magically fix it, not actually giving any concrete explanations or answers. This was way more clear and concise

[@mikomikomi_dr]

“Desire to curl up and never move” - an actual footage of me literally on my carpet for two hours after I got home. Thank you for making this episode.

[@TheParaxore]

I've dealt with burnout to varying degrees throughout my entire life at every job I've had (over 11 in 11 years). I don't know if I just have niche interests or have yet to find fufilling work but I just hate feeling trapped for the majority of my life doing something for someone else. I just want to stay home or travel and persue my own interests. Currently only working so I can try to retire to get out of it

[@jhouserwrites]

I joked for years that I had 'Job ADD'. Then I was diagnosed as having legit ADHD in my mid-thirties. The soul-sucking nature of all the jobs I've held makes more sense, lol. Very grateful for the support of mental health professionals who have supported me in pursuing my dreams

[@deepzone31]

How did you get started in your path to seeing the right types of mental health pros?

[@okayfineamanda]

I'm experiencing the exact same scenario! My diagnosis is still baffling/fascinating/enlightening me every day.

[@krisses2698]

How did you figure out what kind of job would be best for you?

[@jhouserwrites]

@@krisses2698 I worked for an airline and covid meant no one was flying. Between a dr ordered mental health leave of absence and a voluntary covid leave, I was able to spend several months doing what I discovered I loved--writing. I've published 1 book and have another just about ready, with several more in various stages of writing and editing. I realized it meets my creative and productive needs, and as someone who struggles with traditional workplaces, I can happily work 16hrs straight at home bouncing between different projects as deadlines and my focus dictate.

[@bartr2888]

I am currently recovering from a burnout and this is seriously the best description that i found so far. Though I know I'm not 'weak', my workplace communicates to me that the burnout is my problem..

[@GoADHDGo]

I don’t know what “burnout” means but I really don’t feel like doing any work any more.

[@Slashoom]

Complete exhaustion which greatly diminishes your capacity for productivity, with an inability to recover from it.

[@2jzandys444]

Dopamine detox. Only cure, or find new work

[@ironyd]

@@2jzandys444 How does that work?

[@ivan_d_feets4495]

@@2jzandys444 yes pls elaborate how do u dopamine detox. 😂 I’m not desperate I promise.

[@SpringRain23]

Yes. I'm an older student going back to school after raiding my family and didn't find out I had ADD until the last couple of years. Definitely feel these things.

[@bacshafakier966]

Same dude... feeling your pain. Add in some SPD and dyslexia into the mix ...et voila! Me!

[@hobihope2981]

GOSH she was explaining the symptoms and every time she said "job" my brain would say "does grad school count?"

[@jennenny87]

@@hobihope2981 100% yes it counts! The worst burnout I ever experienced was due to a grad school program with a particularly toxic culture that, among other things, seemed to actively discourage any kind of work-life balance. After one year, I took a year off to recover because it had completely destroyed my physical and mental health. It took me the whole year just to feel like myself again ...so I never went back. Give yourself credit. What you're doing is HARD. And just fyi, taking a break, scaling back, or switching gears entirely is NOT the same as quitting. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself within the program, and if they won't work with you, don't be afraid to look elsewhere. You don't owe anyone your health or your sanity. Good luck in wherever life takes you. You've got this. ♥️

[@JustDisc]

If you are watching this now and are feeling burnt out from your job, year after year because of issues that you can’t control…It’s time to make a change! Life’s too short to be unhappy! It’s just the fear of taking the first step that’s the most difficult 👍❤️

[@NateThunder]

Love your channel, dude. Disc Golf has been a type of savior this last year

[@JustDisc]

@@NateThunder Thanks Nate, it means so much hearing that!

[@romanova-9682]

This could not be more perfectly timed for me right now. Thank you Jess for this video 🥰

[@deepzone31]

Agree. A lot of us are dealing with this!

[@20leone20]

Unrelated to the video either but I came here to say that in just one video you brought a person who was contemplating suicide onto a path of self acceptance and I can only say that I love you and I am very grateful for your existence.

[@doctorsphoenix4681]

Hope you’re doing ok bud❤️

[@hobgoblin4614]

I hope you are doing well friend! You're worth it!

[@okayfineamanda]

As someone who’s been legitimately suffering occupational burnout for at least a year but didn’t actually identify/name it until this summer (and took two weeks of emergency medical leave as a result), as well as someone recently diagnosed with ADHD (another very odd journey for me-it's been hard to believe!), I cannot express to you how helpful this video is for me. It's like you're explaining my own thoughts to my in a way I haven't been able to. Thank you!

[@kimdkus]

Yeap! That’s what I have. My boss doesn’t teach me correctly and then when it’s wrong, I’m blamed. Coworkers gossip about me snd it’s complete stress. I’m looking for a new job!

[@achilles7815]

You should absolutely get a new job! I wish you the best of luck! Hope you find a good job with a nice boss soon

[@mntccd]

That’s awful, I’m so sorry. Hope you’re doing better now.

[@jennachanthavisay6051]

Stay at home Mom here... this is what I feel like. Even with medication, this is me. Thank you for this video, without it I would have had no idea this was a thing.

[@harmonicaveronica]

I hope that you can get a break from pieces of it. Running a household and caring for kids is hard. Balancing a budget, cooking every day, maintaining basic cleanliness, being on call 24/7 to someone's emotional and physical needs, giving over every inch of your body to babies/toddlers (if that's the age you've got), not having much if any interaction with other adults, everything else involved with being a homemaker...it's a lot. Hiring someone to clean for you every so often is pricy but might be worth it if that piece overwhelms you. Taking a lot of shortcuts with pre-chopped ingredients or ready made meals costs more, but again may save a portion of your sanity. And of course, sending the kids off for a while - a weekend with grandparents or aunts/uncles, sending them to daycare once or twice a week, enrolling them in daycamp or even a sleep away camp if they're old enough for either, sending your partner out with them just so you can have time to yourself that isn't five minutes in a shower that gets interrupted by demands. I know that some people feel guilty for wanting/needing a break from their kids, but it's healthy for them to develop relationships with other adults, and taking a break helps you love and care for them better

[@MercisJourney]

@@harmonicaveronica That was really kind of you. As a mother of a toddler and a student, I get like this. Hoping I can get the rejuvenation I need so I can go ahead and bounce back.

[@sea2sky]

This was very relatable. I am constantly overworked to the point where I hit full on apathy at work. My boss said I needed a vacation. I told him that I needed things to change at work because it wouldn't matter how many vacations I took if the culture of our workplace continued. That culture being majority of the workers didn't care or didn't show up. Those that did work, would always burn out and then leave. I hope he heard what I had to say. If things don't say I will either completely detach from work and end up leaving as soon as I can...burnout is real and the feeling is horrible.

[@dianthathompson7996]

I have learned more about my ADHD from Facebook groups and coming across your Ted talk, than I ever did from doctors. I was diagnosed at 5, and didn't understand that my problems were typically from issues with my ADHD.

[@Astharia]

I like what the nagoski sisters put out on the topic. They also say it can come from lots of things: work, parenting, relationship issues or whatever is stressful in the life. I was told by someone I can't have burn out because it is related to work only and I totally disagree.

[@girrrrrrr2]

Been burnt out for over a year... Got two classes left in school till I start nursing school... And I just can't get there... Burn out sucks... It doesn't just end when you remove some stress... It feels like the rest of the stress just fills up the void...

[@meh.7539]

Burn out hit me hard. I don't want to go back to the profession I enjoyed because it was so soul crushing that I've lost most of my drive to try to continue on with it.

[@celticpixie05]

I would be really interested in talking about parenting burn out since that’s something that I and I think a lot of other parents are struggling with as we come out of the pandemic.

[@lydialukes522]

Was gonna say the same thing. And it isn't just from the pandemic. This also isn't a job you can quit or take a break from either, like job burn out that could be fixed by changing jobs. The only break I really have from being a mom is going to work and the only break from that is being a mom.

[@HowtoADHD]

yeahhh I imagine there's research being done on that now...oof. If you don't know him, Brendon Mahan of ADHD Essentials is a great resource for parents: www.adhdessentials.com/podcasts/

[@SuperGoose42]

Or school/college burnout

[@Grace-ey8nr]

Oh my gosh. Yes. I am a SAHM, and while I’m blessed to be able to spend each day home with my one-year-old, it gets to be a very lonely and isolating life and I get worn out so easily.

[@jalondradavis2473]

I feel like I'm experiencing burnout in terms of parenting a child with special needs. The logistical, case management side of parenting a kid who needs a lot of therapies and appointments and services is definitely a job, with a lot of meaningless minutiae, little control over the outcomes, and often very little reward. Trying to do things like sleep train and potty train and get my kid to eat are a lot of work and often not successful. Burnout as a concept might help to explain why I struggle so much lately with my various parenting tasks.

[@ericpeterson7712]

We are so short staffed and my direct manager is being really good and not letting us burn out. I do fear tho that he will burn out in the process. Ugh, capitalism ...

[@michaelchildish]

Currently feeling this after a period of hyperactivity / hypomania / mania and honestly not sure which. I may well be Autistic, ADHD, and Bipolar all at once, with multiple PTSD events to process. I am lucky in some ways, loved, taken care of, helped, clothed, but today and past few days barely been able to get out of bed, after getting some very grand ideas indeed and having my american mates laughing at my night-time, for days at a time at the most intense periods

[@karastired]

I finished grad school (ma) in spring of 2020 and I was so burned out. It took me a year to be able to feel like I could actually do anything. I'm back to writing now, but I still have to be really careful not to push it.

[@Don.of.]

I worked as an MSP technician for 3 years for a small MSP. When I first started, I was green to the field, and had alot to prove, and learned alot quickly due to how we function and the employer took advantage of it. I was labeled as a desktop support technician, but my roles turned quickly into an MSP technician. After 2 years of powering through mini burnouts, and continuing to do more and more on top of my role, I finally realized how much bs it was. I realized I was the ONLY technician, when I was always thinking I had my boss to look toward for direction, when in fact, without any discussion, they set me by myself, including accountability. I hit my breaking point when I brought up my concerns about my work and the burnout I was feeling, and they lied to me stating they would help to make changes. It didn't happen. I just started a new job, making much more, doing much less. I felt so torn to leave as I spent so long, and felt I had so much responsibility. But in the end, it was either me, or the job. And even after two days of working where I am, I feel 1000% better.

[@supertrinigamer]

I had a colossal burnout because of school, it was a plethora of issues, and wanted to temporarily home educate (This was when the pandemic just started) so we asked the school if we could home educate, they said there was 2 options, school, or de register. i de registered and after 2 to 3 months my burnout was over and now i'm miles ahead in the school curriculum

[@shanedouglass3734]

Talk about on the nose! I am currently in the midst of a burnout crisis at work. A Management change and etc. have left me essentially back at square one with the understanding about how I work and function. After working through covid-19 and the extended subconscious stress accumulating, this has finally started to break me. I have never been good with changes (ADHD, depression, and Asperger's syndrome make it drastically worse, since my mind literally cannot proceed this very well) and working in retail drains my social stamina and ability to even try to interact with people, leaving me exhausted every day. Even if it wasn't a very physically demanding day, social anxiety, stress, and pressure leave me drained. This is the exact topic that I needed to learn more about at this exact moment! Thank you!

[@stopaskingmedumbquestions]

My heart dropped when you said it can take months to recover. I feel like I have so much to do and nothing is fun. I've been feeling burned out for almost a year and I am struggling to get enough energy to apply for new jobs. Its so frustrating.

[@ricoender8020]

I know. Resigned my soul draining job 4 months ago and been applying to places, but have heard back from only a few that I didn't really want to work at. Went Monday to an interview but blew it with the main interview and the second one. And it was a place that I feel I'd thrive in and would be much better for my mental health and overall well being.

[@ricoender8020]

And the second on could have sealed it for me getting it.

[@valemiria8732]

I was diagnosed with combination ADHD when I was eight years old and I was told that ADHD wasn't as big of a deal as other mental illnesses so I grew up thinking that it wasn't a big deal. I'm now 26 and learning that a lot of the things that I do is linked or due to my untreated ADHD. These videos have really been helping me learn more about it and what I can do to help it however I can. I cannot express enough how thankful I am for these videos as I'm sure I'm not the only one. Thank you so much and keep up the great work! :)

[@catmanslim7215]

Thank you. I have stumbled across your channel whilst ironically procrastinating and I have never found material such as yours, which addresses daily struggles and provides supportive recommendations in such a way not to make the viewer feel stupid, lazy or useless. I have made an appointment to see my doctor to be screened for ADHD. I have always knows there is something different about the way I function but I could never put my finger on it. On one of your videos, you mentioned ADHD has been occasionally misdiagnosed as depression or other mental health conditions. I have been taking anti-depressants for 5 years as per the doctors advice. I felt run down (burnout), unfulfilled and directionless as my goals or aspirations changed on a weekly basis. This, coupled with the inability to concentrate on monotonous or arduous tasks led to said diagnosis of depression. I've lost 3 jobs in the past due to productivity and inability to manage my tasks so this all hits home so hard. I am excited to have started "the ball rolling" on my journey to a more accurate diagnosis even though it took me 4 days to pick up the phone and make the initial call. Thank you for being so personable and fantastic with your explanations and to-the-point videos for helping me understand where I may be on terms of brain function. You genuinely may have just changed my life and for that I will be forever grateful! x

[@VinWeasel113]

I've been experiencing burnout for as long as I can remember. There are so many skills I want to learn; I want to learn to draw, to speak multiple languages, and to build things. Every time I try to learn a new skill, I can practice it for 40 days in a row, well passed the point that it should become a habit, but on the 41st day I crash and burn so hard that I can't even pick it back up again for months or years. My family think I'm lazy, or that I don't actually like the thing I'm so desperately trying to learn; it's demoralizing that no one understands what I go through or won't help me. Last week my psychologist told me , based on some test results and a questionnaire, that I have ADHD, and he referred me to a psychiatrist that I will be meeting this Thursday. I don't know what will happen but maybe things will finally start getting better after this week.

[@alexmakesgames12]

Probably the best breakdown of what burnout is and how it affects us. I always thought it was solely due to workload, and was confused as to why I was burned out with so few tasks to do, but this explained it. Thank you!

[@jackcarr6382]

Never knew I was adhd till I started watching your channel. I took one of the free adhd quizzes and got 48/50 I asked my parents and apparently I was diagnosed as a kid they refused medication and I refused therapy. So now as an adult I’m left trying to understand why I feel this way. You’ve made me feel normal again and showed that I’m not experiencing something unheard of. Thank you so much

[@jamesmasters8924]

I'm a 44 year old father of five and I was diagnosed yesterday. You have become a huge part of my journey. Thank you so much for everything you do.

[@0Gumpy0]

Thanks for this great video! I was struggling at a previous role at work recently but dismissed burnout because "it's not like I have THAT much on my plate". looking back with the insight here, it's clear I was burntout because it's not just about workload

[@Etianen7]

Awesome video, thanks! I'll send it to everyone who struggles to understand what burnout is. 95% of people I've talked to about my burnout, think the (only) reason for burnout is working long hours, and don't "believe" I have burnout while working only 9 to 5 without overtime. Truth is burnout is a lot more nuanced than that indeed.

[@WetRatGaming]

This video is exactly what I needed to validate my struggles right now. I've been fighting with burnout since high school, I'm almost 22 now, and I didn't get an ADHD diagnosis until this month. I lost my full-ride scholarship in 2018 because I couldn't keep going to college. Since then I've been working a job that doesn't fit me and it's really getting to me. This video came into my inbox at the perfect time... a muscle in my back has seized up really harshly, so I'm taking some time off to rest, but I know as soon as I get back in the field it'll flare up again. I know that pushing through it (both my back injury and my ADHD burnout) to do my exhausting job does exactly what you said, it just makes it worse... my physical health is a clear reflection of my mental health... but I don't know where to even begin to mend myself. I just want to give up on working and pursue things that I enjoy without feeling useless, unproductive, or guilty... I feel like I can't even think about other options unless I first quit, bc my job takes up so much of my mental and physical energy that I feel totally braindead by the time I get home. I look forward to your future videos on this subject.

[@carolinapeters8434]

Thank you so much for kicking off this discussion. The 12 months to June 2021 took me on the path to burnout. I didn't see the signs and consequently wound up in hospital. The positive is I was diagnosed with ADHD at the ripe old age of 53. This video gave me hope and reassurance that it's ok to still not be 100% at work and I'm also consistently looking at ways to adjust my work to avoid going down the same rathole. Thank you!!

[@MintyVoid]

I think I have always ended up feeling burnt out in all of my jobs, I've been able to fight through a lot of my mental health stuff(not effectively mind you) but my last job was the one that truly kicked my ass. went from being able to work 40 hours a week to calling in sick at least one a week and only working 3 days, management wasn't that much help and I'm thinking it just wasn't a good fit for me. Didn't stop me from just tearing myself to shreds over it though, I've never had to leave a job (always either the contract ended or the place got shut down). It's almost been a year since i left and I still don't know if it was the right decision or not, since nothing in my life has gotten better. Gotta love adulting~

[@BrandonCharlesHouser]

This aligns so much with my experience. I have PTSD, Treatment resistant depression, ADHD, OCD, and Generalized anxiety disorder. I work in IT because it was the only career I knew I could do without a degree, since my mother stole my student loans and I never got to finish college. I'm proud of myself for the career I built on my own, but I hate it so much at the same time. I never wanted this life, but it was the only way to make enough money to survive. I feel trapped, I don't know how to get out of this. I feel so burned out that I struggle to even know what it is I enjoy. I just feel stuck in place, burning myself like a candle just to pay the bills for my family. I need a change but everywhere I look appears the same.

[@tcgrady2000]

I was let go from my job of 7 years last March. It was the worst match for me (boredom, isolation, environmental noise,etc.) so it was a good thing actually. Then I learned about ADD. I've been recovering from the burnout and trying to figure out a better career choice. This video explained everything I had been going through at my last job, and many before that. Thank you, Jessica.

[@Yummy_N_Blu]

This is so spot on! I experienced severe burn out to the point where I’m finally coming out of it two years later. Thank you so much for putting words to feelings that I didn’t know how to explain to others!!

[@liadutson]

Jessica ! I know you have a huge amount of comments to process. But I just really want to thank you personally. You are so amazing for giving us your time and effort to create content that acts like such an amazing support system. I devoured each one of your videos, cried through many of them, finally having found my tribe. It's still in motion, but I have since been diagnosed, found the right medication, and invested time in CBT/DBT training to help organize my life, and you're a HUGE part of this progress. I hate being the "long comment" of the bunch, but I can't thank you enough for your work, and will always be a supporter of yours, now that I have found your Holy Grail of a channel. Patreon ftw !! If you see this, know that we Brains are watching (and rewatching !) you every day - it helps our mental health so much! You are really making a change. So much love xxx

[@Yabba0408]

Watching this while taking leave from work for being burnt out. It's unreal how quickly you summed up my experience. Thanks for the great vid.

[@bt8594]

A mismatch in the workplace: caused by management intentionally short staffing to increase profits. If you bring up burnout and mismatch to your employer it is likely they will simply fire you instead of addressing new upper management tactics because this is what they teach people who go to business school. No matter who they hire in management they will continue to pile on more work to fewer and fewer employees.

[@jasonoconnor7953]

Or tell you that everyone else feels the stress also and we need to just deal with it and push through...

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Truer words were never written my friend!!! Totally agree!!

[@jasonoconnor7953]

I just discovered your channel this week and you are already helping me immensely! I am currently experiencing burnout and my coworkers' answer is just to "take a day or two off." This is such incredible validation.

[@leilatimeful]

Thank you so much for the video! This is so perfectly timed for me! I’ve been getting burned out in my new job recently because it’s high stress and intense (with no time to recuperate). I was super burned out in my old job because it was too routine and I had little opportunity to challenge myself or stay mentally stimulated - it was torture. This reminded me that it’s not my fault and that I just need to find mitigation strategies for it. Your videos are so wonderful because they always remind me that I’m not a failure when I’m struggling.

[@Brutal3nforcer]

I got diagnosed today. I cant believe I pushed myself for 28 years. I can hold a conversation without having to force myself to listen. .... and I burned myself 5 years ago. it took years to recover from. Thank you! your advice gave me the language to describe my symptoms to the psychiatrist.

[@AmiMelaine]

Thank you so much, Jess! I have a full-time job, some classes, and I’m trying to run a KZbin channel and side business. Needless to say, I’m doing none of it well. I’m so impressed with your success! And I mean that earnestly.

[@stevenlowrance05]

I just found this channel. It sure does help hearing people talk about this. Thank you.

[@USER-cn6uo]

Possibly the most helpful thing I have ever seen on this issue and trust me, I’ve searched hundreds of hours of content on this subject. Thank you!

[@jdo6309]

Wanted to add that Employers aren’t immune to burning out either. Especially post 2020. Great vid, keep up the great work and thank you!

[@skullspoon3408]

Wish i could like this twice. If workplaces would be a bit more open maybe give companies training about mental health, showing them videos like these would help them understand.

[@DraconianEmpath]

I don't know if you'll ever see this, but I really appreciate how your "ad / sponsor" section is always something incredibly relevant and also something I've never heard of before. Thank you.

[@ninawth]

I have burnt out seven times, between mid-2012 and late 2017 (age 18-23). The first time I realised I might have AD(H)D was actually in November of 2020, when I read an article in the Guardian about a woman who started burning out repeatedly in her thirties, leading to the realisation that she had been coping with undiagnosed ADHD, and that this is common among women with ADHD. I got my own diagnosis in August, after watching some videos on this channel and mustering the courage to ask my therapist for a test. But anyway, I really felt like ooooooooh is that why I keep burning out??? I'm still in university, but after the last burnout, I started taking fewer classes at the time; I still feel like I'm dying of exhaustion during the semester, but at least I'm not burning out anymore.

[@empod]

Burnout was what lead me to ADHD treatment... except it took almost 4 years because no one once mentioned ADHD as a possibility to me. I was "depressed and anxious". Channels like yours made me realise what the problem was and after starting treatment less than 2 months ago I'm finally returning to work successfully. They made me realise that I wasn't lazy or incapable when I shut down after taking on too much. I'm almost 34. It's hard not to lament the potential that I've already lost but instead, I'm trying to look to the future. To get my finances and physical health back on track (hi ADHD) to repair relationships I let fall to the wayside (hi ADHD) to be less scared of not fitting in with my peers (hi ADHD) to stop making big plans that I can't follow through with and focus on the manageable and desirable (hi ADHD). So thank you Jess.

[@mojojojo5372]

Literally just quit my job last month bc I was so burnt out. Past the point that I was not managing my ADHD symptoms well anymore & my loved ones were noticing. Telling employees you appreciate them for sticking it out through the chaos but not changing things in the company to reduce the chaos means absolutely nothing. You'd think working in a mental health treatment facility, they'd care about the mental health of their employees 🙃

[@MASHkicksass]

Just had this video show up in my feed. My husband has this condition, and I do not. Everyday is a learning experience for me, and we've had a difficult road, myself with having OCD and him having his own struggles. I recently started looking up articles to help, and support that we can do to help ourselves and eachother. Your video and the others I will now be watching ( as you have gotten a sub from both me and my husband) I know will help give me insight into things I never understood, but am so thankful to know now after 10 years together. Thank you for your contribution. You may never see this comment, but if you do, thank you for what you do. It helps so many of us. And it changes our lives.

[@theboogie_monsta]

The Power of Full Engagement is a really helpful book for dealing with this. Especially for ADHD people. It's about managing energy rather than time.

[@joebarber2600]

I recently found your channel!!! Please don't burn out 😉Your content is not just a breath of fresh air but a whole century of fresh air! Thank you for being brave, courageous and vulnerable! Helping me understand my ADAD as a 40 something has been mind blowing..... I am currently "Burnt Out" from work. I often wonder why the same situations happen over and over again between me and coworkers in every job I've held since HS? I work hard in everything I do and somehow end up with the same results.... Burnt out, frustrated, lonely and misunderstood. Your videos I believe will help me control these thoughts and learn to recognize sooner when they are happening and why they are happening. Please write a book...... Oh, and produce an audio version, because my ADHD brain can't complete non-audio version books!!!

[@foxwaffles]

I foster neonatal kittens and I frequently run into a situation where a critical condition kitten will seen to be hanging on, maybe even improving, when suddenly they enter a period of extreme and rapid decline and pass away, seemingly out of nowhere. I can be working with them for 8 - 10 hours and they'll die in the time it took me to pee. What happened is they essentially were compensating and compensating and compensating...and finally their bodies could no longer compensate and they just hit the floor. The same thing can happen to us and our brains and bodies with burnout

[@kaseywahl]

I'm experiencing this so hard right now. I'm at the point where I'd almost rather just take the risk and work for myself so I can do something I find fascinating, rewarding and interesting.

[@orianaterravecchia3333]

Currently burning out, ur videos save my life thank u 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@CamillaKutzner]

Thank you for focusing on the "mismatch" part! I was burned about 9 years ago and it damaged my professional self-esteem (which wasn't great to begin with) so badly I couldn't apply for other jobs. In fact, I acquired an anxiety condition on top. It wasn't being overworked that led to burnout... it was soul-killing boredom and feeling like my skills and knowledge were worthless, in addition to a workplace that was the opposite of ADHD friendly. I am self-employed now. Your video (and the resources you linked) alerted me that I might be at risk again, but the nice thing about self-employment is that I have greater power to address it.

[@Ahrpigi]

Taking work away from someone that they are effective at and find rewarding, I think that's something that gets overlooked. Let people do the parts of their job they specifically enjoy, and they'll be much more able to do the parts they don't.

[@VideoCesar07]

Glad you put this out at the right time. Acknowledging this is most likely where I am at at my job right now. Good pay, great coworkers, great boss, I get to work from home so as an ADHD introvert sounds like a dream job but....there is no where to go from here since it's just a small regional office. Our mgr is aware of this and he likes to change up responsibilities and processes in a productive way for everyone but right now I have reached the end of my rope knowing that no matter what happens my job position won't change unless I apply for something else. As a ADHD introvert that is something that saps the life outta me even though I know that is what I have to do.

[@jayjays8231]

Thanks for this! People sometimes worry about me burning out when I hyperfocus on work. But hyperfocus is actually one of my favorite states. And the stuff I get done actually gives me time to 'take it easy' later on without feeling guilty. Now I have this to show them. Hyperfocus = matching (as opposed to mismatching).

[@aaronedvalson104]

This video is super important and there needs to be bigger discussion around the topic. Every person has limits to what they can handle. The real problem is lack of discussion and understanding. Lack of appreciation and help. So thanks for this video because it's so underappreciated the detriment this has on society.

[@ChefBarry]

Appreciate all your videos, having been diagnosed at 7 years old and been seen as different or bad ever since, I feel this channel shows people why I am the way I am

[@felienmusic]

In the Netherlands we use the term 'burn-out' also outside of work. You can also burn out from a break-up, moving houses, a loss, etc!

[@windycitydreaming]

This is so timely. I've been trying to figure out why I've been feeling so 'meh' about work and this is the second video I've watched on the topic of burnout (first in relation to ADHD) that's made me pretty sure this is the culprit. I mean, I've never loved my current career, but the level of apathy and mental resistance to it is higher than ever. Now just to figure out what to *do* about it.

[@nanusha91]

I feel like during quarantine I hit a major breaking point in my life and completely burned out. I had been struggling with undiagnosed ADHD my whole life, already trying to push through that and developing anxiety as a result, probably already burned out even, and then quarantine made my symptoms so much worse to the point that I felt like I was truly losing touch with reality. I kept showing up for work, but at one point I stopped doing any of the tasks I had to do and could not for the life of me even picture myself working. During this breaking point I started reading up on anxiety and found out about adhd by chance. I watched every one of your videos and my life made sense, and the new videos keep hitting home. Thanks for making this content, I hope you're taking care of yourself and feeling better from your burnout.

[@aycaozdemir1810]

This morning I tried to explain what is burnout to my mom, now I try to translate your video into Turkish for my mom😅

[@TheVoidSinger]

I don't know if anyone has ever said this, but I really appreciate how well suited you channel's theme music is to the topic... it feels like a (mathematical) random walk layered on top of a regular beat that regularly wanders of the direct path but eventually loops back to the main line. It's a small thing, but I really enjoy it. Thank you.

[@FutureNow]

I'm so interested in your retention graphs for this channel. my ADHD brain over here is always going back 15 seconds or so because i realize i haven't been listening for a bit. that being said, great video! extremely freaking validating to hear burnout explained in such an unfortunately relateable way.

[@wemusthavechannelstocommen619]

daily reminder that enforcing your boundaries and standing up for yourself are extremely important

[@creativefunwithLiAnne5]

I think another stresser is a lack of training/support when you're shifted to a new task/job

[@moder_nord2475]

YES!! (Can totally relate...)

[@emmaisola5822]

I'm in this same position too. Whenever I ask for help Im met with silence. It takes a long time to get any assistance or even ask for advice

[@fayerawcliffe7794]

Needed this video! I just quit my job cause it got too much! I was so resentful and fearful of work that my performance decreased and I was miserable I’m also autistic so masking was becoming exhausting and my sensory issues got really bad. Everyone around me thinks I just up and quit a stable job for no reason but this is exactly it! I was burnt out! Thank you! It’s good to know I’m not alone in this and other neurodivergent people feel it too!!