I’m feeling burnt out: Help!

With the dawning and dreaded midterms right around the corner, I think that everyone at St Kate’s can agree that this week has been a long one. I know I’ve had my head in my textbooks for two hours just this morning, and it’s looking like my afternoon is going to be looking about the same. Me, sat behind my desk, with a dazed look on my face. In the midst of all of this studying, there’s little time to shower and eat, let alone take time to relax. However, have you been pushing away a nagging tiredness and lack of motivation in favor of finishing up one last assignment? Then, my friend, you could be experiencing burnout: my personal least favorite feeling. 

What is burnout, you may ask? I spoke with Michael Peterson, Ed.M., LP, Director of Community Mental Health Relations and Assoc. Dir. of Counseling from the Counseling Center to get the specifics. 

“Burnout is a human reaction to prolonged periods of high stress levels which may impact them emotionally as well as physically,” explained Peterson. “People experiencing burnout describe heightened feelings of anxiety and/or sadness as well as exhaustion. For many, burnout can often involve lowered levels of motivation, difficulty with sleep, irritability and changes in appetite.”

Do these symptoms sound familiar? If they do, no need for extra stress. Burnout can affect everyone, and college students, with the added stress of midterms in a global pandemic along with responsibilities such as parenting, caretaking, or future planning, feel it exponentially higher. 

Luckily, St. Kate’s knows that burnout among college students is common, and has many resources available to aid in managing your stress. 

“The Counseling Center offers daily ‘Let’s Talk’ virtual drop in service for those who are not in crisis but could use some support in a short 15-20 minute meeting format between 1-2pm,” says Peterson. “Crisis hours are offered daily in a virtual format on a first come first served basis from 2pm-3pm.  Standard counseling sessions can also be arranged in a virtual format by simply filling out the request form on the center’s webpage.”

For those who don’t want to commit to a talk session, there is a free and anonymous screening linked on the Counseling Center’s website for anyone who is looking for a point in the right direction as to what they may be feeling. And as always, if you’re in a crisis situation, the Suicide Hotline can be reached at any time via phone at 1-800-273-8255, and the Counseling Center partners with a crisis phone service named “Protocall” who can be contacted 24/7 by calling the main office number and pressing # at the prompt. More information on any of the Counseling Center’s resources can be found on their website.

Now that all students have access to the Butler Center, why not try a workout to lessen your stress?

If you’re feeling hesitant about reaching out to the Counseling Center, fear not. Peterson included some tips that we can all do on our own time to help ease the stress of burnout, which center around getting active and staying engaged and involved. 

“Connecting with staff from the Center for Spirituality and Social Justice or with the staff from MIPS, Access and Success and Women’s Center can be a valuable way to feel supported,” says Peterson. “Participation in clubs and organizations are also ways to engage with others in a positive way which may help lighten your load.  For resident students, engaging in Residence Life activities and with Residence Life staff may also be a way to find joy while reducing stress.” 

See the last few issues for ways to get involved on campus during the pandemic. 

Burnout is a scary feeling. I know, I’ve dealt with it before, and I’m sure that many of your peers have as well. It’s a perfectly normal feeling, and while it’s uncomfortable, know that you are supported and loved by every single staff member and peer here at St Kate’s. 

Get outside and explore our lovely campus!

As a final word of advice, Peterson adds, “Life can be hard at times. Identifying resources and seeking support during times of burnout may not only help you to be a successful student, it may help you live a healthier life.” 

We’ll all get through this together! Good luck on midterms, Katies!