Trauma and burnout

For survivors of trauma, burnout can occur when we overly focus on something to distract ourselves from our trauma. This excessive focus can also give us a sense of power and control to counterbalance the feelings of powerlessness or helplessness that we might still experience since the trauma. This excessive focus could be on work issues, personal relationships, or even hobbies that have become more of an obsession than an enjoyable pastime.
 
For years, we have been working with survivors of trauma using EMDR and Polyvagal theory. On this page, you will find a great deal of information about Polyvagal theory and EMDR. In brief, EMDR helps to bring you to a point where you can sit with adverse experiences so that you are no longer overwhelming by them. By the end of the reprocessing, you will feel, think, and believe in your body, that the once-distressing experiences are in the past, and not in your present.

Burnout poses a serious threat to our mental and physical health. If you suspect that you are experiencing burnout, get in contact with an experienced professional.

Chris Warren-Dickins
Psychotherapist in Ridgewood, New Jersey