Essential Information on Relationship Burnout

When people talk about burnout, the first images that come to mind tend to be bustling workplaces or never-ending chores, among other sources of immense stress. What doesn’t pop up in one’s thoughts right away are relationships. Yet, relationship burnout is just as real and just as troubling for those experiencing it.

What Is Relationship Burnout?

Relationship burnout is not that different from the normal kind. It is still that all-encompassing exhaustion that takes the wind out of its experiencer’s sails, physically, mentally, and emotionally. The only difference is that it comes from a place that ideally should be a source of support and relief instead.

Like any other type of burnout, this can become chronic and overwhelming if left unaddressed. Worse, the relationship it stems from will inevitably self-destruct. Those suffering from this report a lack of enthusiasm or energy regarding their relationship, along with a general negative outlook on it, increased cynicism, and detachment from their partner.

As far as the causes are concerned, those suffering from this type of burnout often report feeling unsupported or undervalued by their partners. Other potential causes include an increasing loss of independence as a result of the relationship’s progression, as well as insufficient or ineffectual communication.

What are the Signs to Watch Out For?

There are times when burnout feels as though it comes out of nowhere. Yet, that could not be any further from the truth. The signs preceding the onset of burnout are always present, although it often takes some know-how to accurately spot them. Here are what you can watch out for:

• Feelings of disengagement

• Fights happen more often

• Decreased interest in intimacy and quality time

• Feeling more stress than relief or support

Experiencing any one of these can be cause for concern already. If more and more of these signs are popping up in a relationship, then it is more than likely that the dreaded burnout has already set in.

What Can You Do to Overcome Relationship Burnout?

Spotting signs well in advance goes a long way in preventing burnout. But what about those who are already experiencing it? Those with the dilemma well underway need not fret, for there are proven ways to move past this dire situation, as listed below:

• Carefully and honestly assess your personal needs

• Devote time and effort towards your partner

• Practice effective communication

• Devote time and effort towards yourself

It takes practice and the development of certain skills, like knowing how to best patch up with a partner after a fight, to prevent burnout. As tough as it can be to apply these tips to your relationship once the bad times roll, what results from it are definitely worth the effort.

Burnout–be it due to difficulties at work or in your relationship–is never easy to deal with. But the better you become at detecting when relationship burnout creeps in, the easier it becomes to overcome. Be sure to absorb all the information mentioned above to keep this serious problem at bay.