In today’s fast-paced society, it’s not uncommon for women today to feel like they’re constantly run down and experiencing the impacts of stress. When you’re constantly on the go and pushing yourself to the limit – whether in your career, family, or life in general – it’s easy to miss the important messages your body is trying to send you.
If you’re feeling extra tired, brain foggy, and burned out more often than not, these signs could indicate a larger problem. The following symptoms may be trying to tell you that it’s time for a change.
Fatigue
Do you feel super tired throughout the day, even after the nights you thought you got adequate sleep? This is often a sign of serious or chronic stress.
When stressed, our bodies go into “fight or flight” mode and release cortisol – also known as the stress hormone. However, the body isn’t meant to be constantly in this heightened state of stress.
If your energy levels are constantly low, no matter how much rest you’re getting, it’s time to slow down. Not to mention, chronic stress can contribute to a host of other issues like anxiety and depression.
Excessive or unexplained tiredness is one of the most common symptoms of depression, along with changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and decreased interest in activities you used to enjoy.
Brain Fog
Do you feel like your head is constantly in a fog? If you’re having trouble focusing or carrying out simple tasks, it could be a sign that your stress levels are too high.
Cortisol makes us feel physically exhausted and impairs our cognitive function. So if you feel you can’t think straight or complete basic tasks, it’s likely time to reevaluate your current situation.
While stress and anxiety often go hand in hand, it’s essential to note that so too do brain fog and anxiety. This is because our anxiety causes our minds to race and prevents us from being able to relax. When overwhelmed and stressed, it can be hard to focus on anything else.
Furthermore, emotional and psychological trauma can lead to cognitive difficulties like brain fog. While many people tend to think of trauma in terms of what’s visible, trauma can take many forms. Whether something that happened once or a series of “smaller” events that cumulatively took their tool, trauma can have a lasting impact and manifest in several ways.
Burnout
Are you feeling like everything in your life is a huge burden? If you’re constantly dreading tasks that used to bring you joy or if you’re struggling to find any motivation whatsoever, it could be a sign of burnout.
Chronic stress causes burnout – a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. If you’re continually pushing yourself to the limit, it’s only a matter of time before you feel the effects.
Some common signs of burnout include feeling isolated, hopeless, and overwhelmed. You may also find yourself using unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol or drugs to numb yourself or escape from your reality.
When You Don’t Know What to Listen For, We’re Here to Help
Sometimes we all need a reminder to tune in to what our bodies are trying to tell us. Still, that’s only the first step. The answers to where symptoms like these come from aren’t always straightforward, especially with something as complex as mental health.
When you feel caught in an interwoven web of stressors and don’t know what to look for, we’re here to help you listen. When your body is telling you something is off, but you aren’t quite sure what it is, we can help you understand.
At Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic, we provide the highest quality tools and support to get to the root of your problem and work toward solutions. Our priority is helping our clients listen to what their bodies are trying to tell them and get the individualized treatment they deserve. Contact us to learn more about our facility and how we can help you on your journey to recovery.
