I can't help but feel a collective exhaustion going around these days.
Whether it's mental exhaustion from the last 2 years, recovering from "the thing" that's been going around the last 2 years, confusion because we are constantly told something different each time we sit down at the computer or turn the TV on.
Maybe it's just exhaustion from having to show up everyday, a smile on our faces, acting like we have our SHIZZ together.
We are pulled in so many directions. Everyone is needing something from us. Everyone is calling our name, needing our attention, often all at the same time.
Activities that once provided support from our peers, like sporting events, social gatherings, even business meetings or lunch dates, seem to be much fewer and far between. People aren't going to church and are opting to watch it on Facebook or Zoom instead of being around germs....I mean people!
I recently had a patient come in who tends to go nowhere but my office for her appointment every other week. She was in all out panic mode because she had a large funeral she had to attend. It was her best friends husband so she didn't feel she could miss it, but having not been around a group of people in almost 2 years had her extremely nervous. We talked about how it would go and how her fear is making it worse than what it will really be. I told her that more than likely once she gets there, she will realize that it's not as uncomfortable as she thinks it will be. She double masked (vaccinated and boostered too) and went. She admitted that it wasn't nearly as bad as she expected and that once she got there, it was nice to see her old friends. Since then she's gone out to dinner, something else she hasn't done in 2 years and is learning how to live her life, slowly but learning. She was so happy and much more relaxed this week when I saw her....that little bit of exposure to people and society was good for her!
This is a major contributor to our exhaustion and overall fatigue. The "circumstances" of the last 2 years have controlled just about every aspect of our lives...and we are just plain TIRED!
Validate your feelings or the feelings of those around you. Know that you aren't alone. There are millions of people feeling the same exact way you are.
Do something kind for someone you know is struggling. Send a card or some flowers. Even simply buying the coffee for the car behind you in a drivethru will make both you and the other person smile. It's safe to assume they are dealing with some tiredness too!
Don't be afraid to ask for help. (I'm not speaking to myself on this one. I don't EVER ask for help! LOL) Individuals who are burnt out are often too tired to think of ways that others can help them but it's important for them to know it's ok to ask for help. If you aren't suffering currently but know someone who is, don't ask them how you can help, because they won't know. Instead, offer to pick up dinner for them or grab a gift card to a local restaurant and throw it in the mail to them. And know your limits! You can do anything but you can't to EVERYTHING!
So, grab some coffee or tea, kick your feet up and go get lost in Gray's Anatomy for a little while! It's ok to spend a little bit of time, not being ok! You aren't alone!!! Just don't stay there. Take your time to be exhausted and burnt out, then work to bring yourself back to the superhero you are! You are amazing! You are capable and you are worthy!!!
