Burnout – anonymous

Burnout – anonymous

“A little more than a year ago, I collapsed. I came home after a long day at work and couldn’t anymore. I was finished, totally exhausted. All I managed to do was cry and sleep and cry and sleep all over again.

I went to my general practitioner, who prescribed rest. I had to sleep and do things I like. Easier said than done, because life went on and what was left for me to like?

I informed my employer, and a talk with the prevention advisor led to the decision that I could consult a burnout coach. Now, I am so glad that I was able to benefit from this experience! Although I was anxious before the intake interview, I soon noticed that I felt totally at ease with Lieve. I was able to talk freely and openly. Her outstanding questioning technique helped me to gain better insight in myself and to advance, one baby step at a time. It took a while before I understood why I had collapsed and why I had simply ignored the rather obvious warning signs. We talked a lot and I got to know myself better. Now, I know what I want and, even more important, what I don’t want anymore. Some conversations were quite heavy, but even on those harder days, Lieve managed to make me laugh, albeit at myself.

In the end, I stayed home for six months and then returned to work on a part-time basis. My reintegration on the work floor went quite smoothly, also because I was assigned to another supervisor and because I had learned to talk honestly and openly about myself.

Now, more than a year later, I chose to leave my employer to become independent. A big step that I wouldn’t have taken like that before. I feel stronger and know my limits now. I will always have to be careful not to cross my boundaries, but I’m able to recognize the alarm signals and right now, that is what counts most for me.”
– Anonymous