5 Ways Library Staff can Experience Burnout

As a mental health therapist, I have seen the negative impact that burnout can have on individuals and their ability to perform at work. Personally, I have experienced it. If you have heard me talk at a conference, you have heard my story of experiencing burnout when I worked as a legal assistant.

I was young, didn’t know what Burnout was and all I remember was constantly waking up in the middle of the night screaming that I had “forgotten” to complete a task. I also remembered feeling exhausted all the time, even when I took time off from work. It wasn’t until later in my years that I realized that I was experiencing burnout. I wish someone had told me what to do.

In this blog, I will go over the five ways burnout can show up at your door: Emotional Exhaustion, Reduced Personal Accomplishment, Depersonalization, Cognitive Fatigue and Physical Symptoms. I will also go over ways you can assess if you are experiencing burnout and how you can make changes to reduce the chances of experiencing burnout. You can also access a free guide with journal prompts that can help you get started with identifying if you are experiencing burnout. Click here to access the guide.

1. Emotional Exhaustion

The first way burnout can show up is through emotional exhaustion. This is when you feel drained, empty, and emotionally depleted. You may feel like you are running on fumes and have nothing left to give. Emotional exhaustion can lead to feelings of hopelessness, cynicism, and a loss of empathy for others. 

To assess if you are experiencing emotional exhaustion, consider keeping a daily journal to track your emotional state and energy levels. To prevent emotional exhaustion, try practicing self-care regularly. This can include activities like taking breaks throughout the day, practicing mindfulness or meditation, engaging in enjoyable hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

2. Reduced Personal Accomplishment

The second way burnout can show up is through reduced personal accomplishment. This is when you feel like you are not making progress or achieving your goals at work. You may feel like your efforts are not making a difference, and this can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and self-doubt.

To assess if you are experiencing reduced personal accomplishment, consider setting goals and tracking your progress. Talk with a professional if you notice you are not achieving your work goals as usual. 

I recommend breaking your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Celebrate your progress and accomplishments, no matter how small, and try to find meaning and purpose in your work.

3. Depersonalization

The third way burnout can show up is through depersonalization. This is when you begin to see the people you serve, such as library patrons or colleagues, as objects rather than as individuals with their own unique experiences and perspectives. Depersonalization can lead to a lack of empathy and a decrease in the quality of your interactions with others.

To assess if you are experiencing depersonalization, try reflecting on your interactions with others at work. Do you find yourself becoming easily irritated or impatient with others? Do you find it difficult to connect with others on a personal level?  

My personal strategy for this is journaling. Having the opportunity to write my reflections down has been beneficial in understanding if I am experiencing burnout. 

4. Cognitive Fatigue

The fourth way burnout can show up is through cognitive fatigue. This is when you feel mentally exhausted and find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions. You may feel like you are constantly in a fog or like your brain is working at a slower pace than usual.

 To assess if you are experiencing cognitive fatigue, try paying attention to your ability to focus and make decisions throughout the day. Do you find yourself getting easily distracted or forgetting things? Do you find it difficult to make decisions, even about small things?

I recommend taking mental breaks throughout the day and engage in activities that you enjoy but require less mental effort. Activities such as walking or a simple hobby can be beneficial. You don’t have to initiate a large goal of walking a mile each day. Start small with a simple walk around the block and see where that takes you. 

5. Physical Symptoms

The fifth and final way burnout can show up is through physical symptoms. Burnout can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system.

Try paying attention to your body throughout the day. Are you experiencing headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues? Are you having trouble sleeping or feeling fatigued even after a full night's rest? 

Personally, my physical symptoms show up as headaches. Keep an eye out for those tricky physical symptoms that you might think are just harmless but could be the start of something bigger. 

To prevent physical symptoms of burnout, prioritize your physical health by getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. I also recommend just getting regular check ups with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. 

Burnout can show up in many different ways, and it's important to take steps to prevent it before it becomes a serious issue. By using the tools and strategies listed here, you can prioritize your mental and physical health. Remember, taking care of yourself is the first step in taking care of others. 

Click here to access the guide.