We all feel tired and in a bad mood from time to time. However, sometimes it's more than just short-term frustration. We don't stop feeling unwell. How to recognize, prevent, or survive burnout was discussed at another Nevyhasni event. During an inspiring evening at Rock Café, we also heard powerful personal stories.
It's just autumn fatigue. There's more of it now, but you'll just have to grit your teeth, push through, and things will calm down. Or maybe not. Sometimes you grit your teeth until you realize that you've already You have nowhere to get energyPeace will not come. You will stop coping. You have been there for others so much that you have put yourself and your needs on the back burner. You stop feeling joy. You will start to hate the job you loved. You will start to distance yourself. Your body and mind will let you down. You feel like you’ve failed. That, too, can be a sign of burnout. Guests at the event, which took place on October 27 at Rock Café, shared their personal experiences and recommendations on how to overcome burnout—or, ideally, avoid it altogether. The event, which was moderated by Ales Cibulka, spoke psychotherapist Daniel Štrobl, singer and actress Sharlota Blakk, host and author Aneta Kostka and actresses Bára Jánová and Bára Bočková.
Under the Pressure of Expectations
"Today's times create conditions where we usually put much more pressure on ourselves. This can stem from family. But we often do it to ourselves. We expect much more from ourselves and from the world than it is able to give us," he said by way of introduction. Daniel Štrobl. Identified as vulnerable persons straight-A studentThose who consider being the best as the norm. "If they approach it like that, the world must inevitably disappoint them."
Therefore, it is recommended to do a sincere and truthful inventory of expectationsTo realize what we do because we truly want to, and what we do just to fulfill others' wishes. To ask ourselves if certain expectations are achievable, or if it's necessary to compromise on them for our own well-being. The pressure from society to think positively also contributes to burnout and depression, according to him. However, we can allow ourselves to be in a bad mood once in a while. But if frustration doesn't leave us, we should pay attention – when it lasts longer than 5–6 monthsit is good to seek professional help. If stress and mental state negatively affect sleep long-term, it is recommended to visit a psychiatrist.
It is no disgrace to fall, but to lie where you fall.
"A person who just sits in a corner never burns out. The more talented, successful, and busy a person is, the deeper they will fall.commented Ales Cibulka"Today, after nine or ten years, I can say that it was ugly and terrible, but it had to happen. I caused it myself..." The body warns. Looking back, one realizes that they kept getting the flu or had other problems. The body tries, and when it doesn't work out, then trips the circuit breaker.
The art of doing nothing
After the quiz, which got our brains working and taught us interesting facts, like the fact that the least burned out are clergy and Canadians or that a test Don't put out has already filled out over 19,000 people, followed by a debate in which the following participated: Sharlota Blakk and Aneta Kostka.
Sharlota She talked about how circumstances forced her to grow up quickly. “We were a punk/circus family. In all that chaos, I was the only stable anchor. And when the others failed, they knew I’d save them. Even though my dad and mom are amazing people when it comes to responsibility and maturity, I took the reins very quickly. At eleven, I was dealing with their divorce. At thirteen, I started performing. I haven’t stepped off that work merry-go-round since. I was used to going at full throttle and living on the edge.”
She didn’t experience burnout as such, but she had to slow down due to other health issues. “The biggest decline in my functioning came with COVID. We all came to a halt, and I asked myself what my purpose was. I started thinking more about my work and my mental state. On top of that, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Until then, I wasn't willing to stop. Doing nothing drives me crazy."
Aneta She and her husband had always been active extroverts. They weren’t really used to doing nothing either. But Aneta had grown dissatisfied with her job at the radio station, and on top of that, she hadn’t slept much for two years. She decided to quit and take a break. She didn’t even have time to put her “feet up.” Around the same time last year her partner burned outIt started with insomnia, a sweaty bed. When I saw him crying as he left for work, I knew it was really bad, as I had only seen him cry once before then," she explained how he changed before her eyes from an active and cheerful person to an apathetic one, who had lost his joy and desire to spend time with friends, for example. "After he quit his job, he slept most of the day and night. My role started to be the one who is supportive, stable, cheerful, the one who takes care of the household. Later, I started to lose patience a bit, even though I blamed myself. It was difficult because, after all, one has their own needs."
This experience changed both of their lives. Now they realize that Work isn't a priorityThey value free time more. They know they are not indispensable. Her husband is better and is gradually returning to work – less demanding work for now. On the other hand Aneta shared that when "things settled a bit," she experienced for the first time panic attack.
Be there for each other too
"I was a supporter my whole life. I only broke free from that role at 33 when I had a breakdown," she recounted. Bára BočkováIn her childhood, she was involved in rhythmic gymnastics and then physiotherapy. Although it was beautiful work for her on one hand, gradually caring for people who came to her with their pain cost her her gallbladder and energy. She started acting. She admitted that initially with a somewhat naive idea that she would focus more on herself that way.
After six seasons in theater, a breakdown came. She spent two weeks in the RIAPS crisis center, followed by three months of group therapy at a rehabilitation center. "Every morning they asked how I was. For the first month, I didn't answer because I just wanted to die. Those questions bothered me. Now, on the other hand, I ask myself how I am. I didn't do that before," she shared.
Think about what you do because you have to. Because you don't have to. – Daniel Štrobl
From childhood, she set high standards for herself. She longed to be an artist, an actress. "I feel good about myself that I fulfilled that dream. Even though it hurt and I went at a thousand percent for twenty years," she said. Bára Jánová, who experienced burnout after participating in a TV show. Before that, while filming a series during the COVID period, she started having panic attacks. "It still wasn't enough for me, so I went on Survivor. And that completely broke me. I collapsed."
Barbara She also mentioned her experience with body shaming. At that time and later during burnout, when her partner left her, she considered taking her own life. "The first time I called an ambulance saying I was afraid I would do it. The second time I called friends. They took me to a crisis center."
Thoughts of death still emerge occasionally. "It's bizarre, but I feel freedom in it. Before, decisions weren't coming from me. With this, I feel that I can decide for myself whether to live this life or not," she commented. Bára Bočková"But I'm finding more and more that I'm interested in who I am, why I'm here," she added.
Self-love and the possibility of choice
"Don't let it fester.advised Bára Jánová"Don't be afraid to open up, ask for help (from family, friends, or call a helpline). It's better to do something, even if it turns out to be a false alarm." Second Barbara She supplemented self-care, approached herself as a child, asked herself about basic needs, and gave herself contact, a caress, and was kind to herself.
"It is no shame to fall, but to remain lying down.added Ales Cibulkawho was able to lighten the situation during the evening when the opportunity arose.
"It's not fun. You can die of burnout. But it's not a death sentence. That's why it's even more important to have someone beside you who understands that it's not a joke or a whim," he said in conclusion. Daniel Štrobl. "We can often blame ourselves for burnout. A common thread among people who have burned out is that they they don't like."
We realize that working on with love and sebepéči it is sometimes difficult. Sometimes, it's only when you're burned out that you realize you should put yourself and your health higher on the priority list. Set boundaries.Think about what you do because you have to. Because you don't have to,The psychotherapist finished.
Thank you again to everyone who participated! A big thank you also goes to the event's partners. Rock Café, Sun Gate and LiveWe look forward to seeing you next time. Feel free to dive into other blog articles, and to not miss out on other events, news, and inspiring content, follow us. Don't put out on social media.
