[pindab0ter]

You mention lack of meaningful work to be a cause of burnout.

Now this may be a difference between US and European definitions of ‘burnout’, but this doesn’t hold true for me.

I’m dealing with (the aftermath of) a burnout since 2016 after what at the time felt like the best half year of my life.

I did everything. A 40hr/week internship that was very fulfilling to me, social engagements on almost every week night, activities every weekend, and a romantic relationship I was trying—but failed—to make work.

It all felt great until I just couldn’t even pay attention to mental junk food anymore.

Now of course this is an anecdote. But I have been told burnout is first and foremost a deregulation of the stress (i.e. adrenaline/cortisol) system). This suits much better with my experience, since I love my work, but can’t do it 40hr/w anymore.

[h4waii]

This definitely reads similar to how my body reacted, as if it was under some sort of constant invisible stress.

Constantly hot and sweating, stomach muscles tight, and the feeling of an ever-present fear of something / anything happening.

Once I was able to attribute it to work, and address some of it, things started regulating themselves, but it took a long time; and still isn't complete.