An Empathic Guide to Healing From Emotional Exhaustion
What to do when overwhelming emotions become “too much.”
It’s Monday morning, and my eyelids gently crack open. My body feels heavy and drained, and I resist the urge to stay in bed. As I wrap myself in a dressing gown, I can’t shake the sensation of melancholiness — like the world has lost its shine, and I’ve lost my purpose.
I almost don’t want to admit it, but I know it’s true; I’m emotionally exhausted.
48 hours earlier
I pull on my heeled boots and hop in the car. It’s my second shift at my new job at a local clothing boutique. I’m quietly excited. The first shift was great — I learned new things quickly, the atmosphere was fun, and my boss is kind.
As the day wore on, I became more and more confident. Customers were friendly, I was getting faster at processing sales, and the hours were flying by.
We closed on time. I bought the groceries for the week, and then went home feeling “good tired.” After a stressful few weeks, it was just the boost I needed!
As soon as I arrived home, the tension was palpable. My partner and I are currently living on my mum’s property in a self-contained unit, and my sister also moved back a few months before (after losing her job…
