As the end of the year approaches, many of us find ourselves feeling a little worn out. Known for our comprehensive approach to care, Larson Mental Health is a Boulder psychiatry clinic, and we’re here to provide invaluable insights into how we can all better manage stress and maintain our mental health during the busier times of the year. Whether you're feeling a bit overwhelmed or just curious about how to keep your mind in good shape, we are here to guide you through it.
What Is Burnout?
Have you ever found yourself completely drained as the year draws to a close? You're certainly not alone. Mental burnout, particularly at the year-end, is a real and common experience. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It happens when you're overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.
Why the End of the Year Is a Perfect Storm
So, why does burnout seem to tighten its grip towards the end of the year? It's not hard to understand. The year-end is often a whirlwind of commitments—holiday gatherings, year-end projects at work, and sometimes complicated family dynamics. Pair that with the pressure of reflecting on the past year and preparing for the new one, and it's no wonder our mental reserves can run dry. Around 41% of U.S. adults report a higher level of stress during the holiday season.
The Connection with Seasonal Affective Disorder
The team at our Boulder psychiatry office has spent many winters in Colorado, so we know all too well the struggle that comes with the shorter days and the chilly weather. This feeling has a name: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, and it's more common than you might think. SAD is often linked to the reduced amount of sunlight during winter. This lack of sunlight may interfere with our biological clock and lower serotonin levels, which impacts mood. This is often another major factor behind a lower mood at the end of the year, on top of other stressors.
Work Stress
Think about your typical workday. As the year winds down, deadlines seem to multiply, project completions loom large, and the pressure to wrap everything up before the holidays intensifies. It's as if the universe decided to schedule everything simultaneously, testing our limits. For some, this can feel like running a marathon where the finish line keeps moving. The overwhelming to-do list, lengthy meetings, and the constant ping of emails don't help either. It's no surprise that these stressors can build up, making us feel like we're running on fumes.
School Stress
Whether you're a student balancing final exams or a new student feeling homesick and out of place, the end-of-year period can bring a tidal wave of stress. Major exams are just around the corner, and adapting to a new environment can be challenging, leaving many students feeling unsettled as they adjust to this significant life change. It's no surprise that students may experience heightened anxiety during this season, as the pressure to excel academically collides with the emotional challenges of being away from home for perhaps the first time.
When to Consider Professional Help
It's not always easy to know when to reach out for professional help. We sometimes carry the belief that we should handle things on our own, or that our struggles aren't significant enough to warrant intervention. During periods of stress, it's easy to put our mental health on the back burner. However, prioritizing ourselves, even during a season where other people can take precedence, is vital.
Schedule with Larson Mental Health Today
If the end of the year is not the only time you feel overwhelmed or melancholy, you could be dealing with an undiagnosed anxiety or depression disorder. Visit our Boulder psychiatry office to receive an in-depth consultation, a professional diagnosis, and a path forward through mental health medication management.