Burnout & Chronic Stress
When you’ve spent years looking after everyone else, it’s easy to forget what feeling well is supposed to feel like
If you’re constantly exhausted, struggling to switch off and no longer feel like yourself, you are not alone. Many current and former first responders and other caring professionals I work with have spent years pushing through stress before recognising that their health has gradually declined.
Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness - it is often the result of prolonged exposure to stress without enough opportunity for recovery.
Does this sound familiar?
You may recognise yourself if you:
Wake feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep
Feel emotionally flat, irritable or disconnected
Struggle to switch off, even you are at home
Find everyday tasks more overwhelming than they used to be
Have difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Rely on caffeine or sugar just to get through the day
Feel like you’re just surviving rather than enjoying life
No longer recognise the person you used to be
If this sounds familiar - there may be more contributing to your symptoms than simply “working too hard”
What is Burnout?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines burnout as “an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”.
It is characterised by three dimensions:
• feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion
• increased mental distance from, or negativity towards, one’s job
• reduced professional efficacy
The WHO does not classify burnout as a medical condition but rather it is recognised as an occupational phenomenon that specifically relates to one’s workplace.
However for many police officers, first responders and other caring professionals the effects of prolonged stress often extend well beyond work, affecting sleep, energy, relationships, physical health and overall quality of life.
Note: If you've been diagnosed with burnout, depression, anxiety or PTSD, nutrition and lifestyle support should complement, not replace, the care provided by your GP, psychologist or other healthcare professionals.
Looking Beyond the Symptoms
Lauren find’s that one of the biggest misconceptions about burnout is that it simply about doing too much and having a short rest or break from work resolve the issues.
In her experience, it is rarely that straightforward.
Long-term stress can influence many areas of health, including:
• Nutrient status
• Blood sugar regulation
• Energy production
• Sleep Quality
• Gut Health
• Inflammation
• Recovery capacity
These changes can overlap making it difficult to know where to start.
Rather than guessing, Lauren believes it is important to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms before developing a personalised nutrition, lifestyle and supplemental plan.
Lauren’s Approach
Through the Operation Recovery Program, Lauren works with current and former police officers, other emergency personnel, defence members and other people serving in helping professions to investigate the factors that may be contributing to fatigue, stress and burnout.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
A comprehensive health and lifestyle assessment
Review of pathology through a nutritional medicine lens
Functional testing such as Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and Nutrigenomic testing.
Nutritional assessment
Identification of potential nutritional and lifestyle factors contributing to your symptoms
Personalised nutrition, lifestyle and supplement recommendations within her scope of practice
Ongoing support and review as your health changes
Every recommendation is tailored to the individual because no two people experience burnout in the same way.
Lauren’s Perspective
“As a former police officer, I understand how easy it is to normalise exhaustion and keep pushing through because that is what the job expects us to do. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping people to realise that the symptoms aren’t something they simply have to expect. They are messages they deserve to be understood.
Read more about the Operation Recovery Program here ➡
You Don’t Have to Keep Guessing
If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or simply not like yourself, the first step isn’t finding another quick fix.
It’s understanding why your body is responding the way it is.
Together, we’ll investigate the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalised plan to support your health wellbeing.
Book in for a free, no-obligation strategy call to see if this is right for you.