• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

Emotional Exhaustion: Symptoms, Causes & How to Recharge

Published: July 13, 2022 Updated: January 6, 2023
Published: 07/13/2022 Updated: 01/06/2023
Leah Rockwell LPC Headshot
Written by:

Leah Rockwell

LPC, LCPC
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD
  • What Is Emotional Exhaustion?Definition
  • Symptoms of Emotional ExhaustionSymptoms
  • Why Am I Emotionally Exhausted?Causes
  • Risks of Unaddressed Emotional ExhaustionRisks
  • Ways to Recharge From Emotional Exhaustion8 Tips
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Emotional Exhaustion InfographicsInfographics
Leah Rockwell LPC Headshot
Written by:

Leah Rockwell

LPC, LCPC
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD

Emotional exhaustion ultimately results when the culmination of life’s stressors leaves a person feeling overwhelmed. It can affect anyone, and can make you feel physically and emotionally drained and constantly worrying about the future.1 However emotional exhaustion affects you, the symptoms can be debilitating if left unaddressed.

What Is Emotional Exhaustion?

Emotional exhaustion is a condition consisting of extreme emotional fatigue, feeling detached, and decreased ability to do normal, everyday activities. Symptoms of emotional exhaustion can cause substantial difficulties for those affected, as well as their loved ones. Periods of enduring stress stemming from personal, family, or work-oriented conflicts can take a massive toll on someone’s mind, body, and spirit.2 While addressing this condition can seem daunting, there are healthy coping mechanisms and skills you can adopt to help you better handle stress.

Emotional Exhaustion vs. Emotional Burnout

Emotional exhaustion and emotional burnout aren’t identical, but there is some overlap. Burnout typically refers to physical and mental fatigue caused by one’s work-related stressors. In contrast, emotional exhaustion occurs as a response to negative challenges in life, relationships, home environments, and more. Emotional exhaustion is sometimes referred to as a precursor to or sign of burnout in an individual, but emotional exhaustion can occur without overwork and without burnout.

Don’t ignore feelings of emotional exhaustion. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

Symptoms of Emotional Exhaustion

Emotional exhaustion may present itself in a variety of ways, affecting someone’s emotional and physical health, as well as their professional engagements. For some, emotional exhaustion results in increased irritability. For others, they may experience disrupted sleep patterns, despite extreme fatigue. Those with emotional exhaustion may find themselves feeling increasingly negative about their work, resulting in decreased performance and an overall dissatisfaction with life.3

Emotional symptoms of emotional exhaustion may include:

  • Apathy or emotional numbness toward things that previously were intriguing or exciting
  • Depression
  • Irritability or emotional lability
  • Tearfulness or crying more easily than usual
  • Feeling short-tempered or “at your wit’s end”
  • Feeling anxious or consumed by worry
  • Lack of motivation

Physical symptoms of emotional exhaustion may include:

  • The presence of chronic pain
  • Persistent headaches
  • Muscular tension or muscle soreness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Physical fatigue
  • Stomach or digestive issues

Performance problems associated with emotional exhaustion may include:

  • Decreased productivity
  • Inability to complete a task or jumping from item to item, lacking focus
  • Decreased motivation or drive to perform
  • Feeling like work tasks are pointless or that they “just don’t matter”
  • Difficulty engaging with coworkers
  • Lack of follow-through on ideas or projects

Why Am I Emotionally Exhausted?

Emotional exhaustion can be incited by an abundance of changes or difficulty managing multiple disturbances at once in one’s life.4 An abrupt traumatic event, health conditions, or death of a loved one are only a few examples of precursors to this condition. These occurrences can result in someone feeling that they cannot handle all of life’s demands.

Triggers of emotional exhaustion include:

  • Moving or being between homes
  • Poor work life balance
  • Demanding job expectations
  • Being promoted
  • Giving birth or changes in family situations resulting in parental burnout
  • Caring for a loved one resulting in caregiver burnout
  • Being diagnosed with a chronic illness or having a loved one diagnosed
  • Grieving the loss of a loved one or a pet
  • Frequent disruptions in the workplace
  • Shifts in one’s support system
  • Changing family dynamics
  • Aging or ailing parents
  • Financial stressors

Careers That May Be More Emotionally Exhausting

By nature, the American work culture can easily lead to emotional exhaustion. However, certain careers are shown to have a higher likelihood of causing extreme stress for employees. Those who work in the healthcare, mental health fields, and other caring professions are particularly susceptible to developing emotional exhaustion.6 This is due to the fact that these positions demand an abundance of both physical and emotional investments.

Risks of Unaddressed Emotional Exhaustion

If emotional exhaustion is prolonged or goes untreated, more severe and profound mental health and relational issues can arise. Holding off on treatment can lead you down a path of further emotional turmoil and physical ailments.

These are a few complications that can develop because of emotional exhaustion:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Susceptibility to infections
  • Heart problems
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Weight gain/loss

Popular Choices For Online Therapy 

BetterHelp  – Best For Those “On A Budget”


Online-Therapy.com – Best For Multiple Sessions Per Week

According to 14 Best Therapy Services (updated on 1/16/2023), Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp and Online-Therapy.

8 Ways to Recharge From Emotional Exhaustion

Even when you don’t feel motivated to do so, recharging from emotional exhaustion comes from slowing down and connecting with yourself and others. Taking time for self-care, learning healthy stress management methods, and engaging with loved ones can all work together to combat the symptoms of emotional exhaustion.

If you’re struggling with emotional exhaustion, here are eight coping methods you may benefit from:

1. Do a Stress Inventory

Sometimes when we feel stressed, we cannot articulate or figure out why. Take the time to make a bulleted list of the causes of stress in your life. Categorize them into personal, relational, professional, medical, and miscellaneous groups. Rather than allowing what’s bothering you to occupy space in your brain, externalizing your thoughts can help you formulate a helpful plan to combat the negativity.

2. Connect With Friends and Family

Feeling emotionally exhausted can make us self-isolate, leaving us feeling even more depressed and miserable. Make an effort to spend time with family and friends, even if only for a short period of time. Allow yourself to share what’s bothering you; be vulnerable with trusted loved ones and permit them to offer advice and solace in your time of need.

3. Focus on Better Sleeping Habits

Though counterintuitive, emotional exhaustion can greatly impact your sleep routines. Focus on improving your schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Remove technology from your sleeping space, so you’re not tempted to mindlessly scroll late into the evening. Keeping a pen and paper on your nightstand is a great alternative to a cellphone or other device.

4. Speak With a Therapist

Knowing that you have access to someone with whom you can speak openly, without risk of judgment, can be incredibly useful when mitigating emotional exhaustion. The act of sharing your inner thoughts can help you identify what’s really bothering you and address stressors accordingly. Additionally, a therapist will be able to offer unbiased advice and guidance as you work through difficulties. If you’re ready to get professional help, an online therapist directory can be a simple way to find the best fit for you.

5. Move Your Body

Stress and emotional exhaustion thrive in a sedentary body. Finding ways to move your body everyday can help you expedite the natural cycle of stress. Try taking walks, signing up for a yoga class, going for a jog, or even running a series of errands. Studies show that being outside and active naturally calms our nervous systems; bonus points for nature-related activities!

6. Consider Joining a Group

Chances are that others are experiencing the same feelings of emotional exhaustion as you are. Join a professional or support group with individuals who you share experiences with. In these settings, you can talk about your own personal struggles and learn from your peers.

7. Learn How to Rest

Rest can be active and passive; we need both in order to feel fully integrated. In modern society, many become accustomed to overscheduling and intense stress. Because of this, taking the time to sit down and relax can be difficult. If this sounds like you, begin incorporating restful activities into your day little by little. These can include five minutes of meditation before starting your day, a 20-minute pause after lunch, or finishing a crossword puzzle before bed. Resting can and should become a frequent practice, even if you feel “too busy” to do it.

8. Use Data To Solidify Next Steps

Normalize the fact that you are human and can experience stress as much as anyone else. Many people are quick to dismiss their own stress as unfounded or invalid, because they feel their lives are too “good” or “blessed” to complain. No matter what a person’s background is, emotional exhaustion can affect anyone. Start addressing your symptoms by consulting the Life Change Index Scale. Using this assessment can help you gain a better understanding of what is causing your burnout, so you can move forward.

Final Thoughts

At times, emotional exhaustion can seem impossible to overcome. But, there are many ways to cope and start feeling like yourself again. By taking small steps to recognize and remove stressors in your life, you can start on your healing journey. There is always hope for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Talk Therapy 

Online-Therapy.com – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. Online-Therapy.com provides 45 minute weekly video sessions, and unlimited text messaging with your therapist for only $64/week. Get started 

Virtual Psychiatry
Hims / Hers – If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Get FDA approved medication prescribed by your dedicated Hims / Hers Healthcare Provider and delivered right to your door. Plans start at $25 per month (first month). Get Started

Learn Mindfulness, Meditation, & Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness.com – Change your life by practicing mindfulness. In a few minutes a day, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial

Choosing Therapy Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Online-Therapy.com, Hims / Hers, and Mindfulness.com

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

Emotional Exhaustion Infographics

What Is Emotional Exhaustion Symptoms of Emotional Exhaustion Ways to Recharge From Emotional Exhaustion

6 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Mayo Clinic (2020, July). Emotional exhaustion. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/emotional-exhaustion-during-times-of-unrest.

  • Journal of Psychosomatic Research (2006, February). Prolonged stress. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022399905002151

  • Journal of Business Research (2006, September). Impact of emotional exhaustion. Retrieved from https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/46080448/.

  • European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology (2016, March). Resistance to change and emotional exhaustion. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1359432X.2016.1157583

  • American Psychological Association (2022, January). Most stressful jobs and emotional exhaustion. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-burnout-stress

  • Frontiers in Psychology (2015, January). Emotional exhaustion and burnout. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01573/full

Recent Articles

Work Burnout: Signs, Treatments, & How to Cope
Work Burnout: Signs, Treatments, & How to Cope
As designated by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of “burnout syndrome,” burnout at work has three main characteristics:...
';
Burnout: Signs, Causes, & Ways to Overcome
Burnout: Signs, Causes, & Ways to Overcome
Burnout most commonly comes as a result of feeling emotionally and physically exhausted from a chronic stressor, typically from...
';
Revenge Bedtime Procrastination: Definition, Causes, & How to Stop
Revenge Bedtime Procrastination: Definition, Causes, & How to Stop
Revenge bedtime procrastination is when someone chooses to stay up late and engage in activities that they didn't have...
';
Stay at Home Mom (SAHM) Burnout
Stay-at-Home Mom (SAHM) Burnout: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Cope
For those who are full-time caretakers of the household and family, stay-at-home-mom (SAHM) burnout refers to a state of...
';
Decision Fatigue
Decision Fatigue: Definition, Causes, & How to Avoid It
Decision fatigue is a phenomenon that occurs when a person has made a lot of decisions (big and/or small)...
';
Uncontrollable Crying Potential Causes & How to Stop
Uncontrollable Crying: Potential Causes & How to Stop
Experiencing uncontrollable crying spells can be a frustrating and embarrassing experience, especially if there is no apparent influence and...
';
Leah Rockwell LPC Headshot
Written by:

Leah Rockwell

LPC, LCPC
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD
  • What Is Emotional Exhaustion?Definition
  • Symptoms of Emotional ExhaustionSymptoms
  • Why Am I Emotionally Exhausted?Causes
  • Risks of Unaddressed Emotional ExhaustionRisks
  • Ways to Recharge From Emotional Exhaustion8 Tips
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Emotional Exhaustion InfographicsInfographics
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept