Neurasthenia see also Burnout Depression Psychosomatic and Holistic Meaning and Interpretation

Neurasthenia is characterized by extreme physical and psychological fatigue. Symptoms include difficulty making decisions, confusion, digestive problems, physical pain, heightened emotional sensitivity, and profound weakness. Neurasthenia shares similarities with depression, often leading to isolation and negative thoughts. This condition is fueled by a negative attitude. Instead of focusing on what isn't going well in life, it's essential to practice gratitude for one's blessings. Self-empowerment, setting goals, and acknowledging one's potential can usher in more joy and happiness.

Nervous asthenia, while similar to burnout, is a form of energy and nervous exhaustion that differs in its causes. It can result from various factors, including fear, deep sadness, heightened emotional sensitivity, past regrets, and bitterness. Unlike burnout, which often stems from work-related stress, asthenia may have different roots. To overcome it, it's essential to identify the underlying cause that led to this state and work on resolving it.

Burnout is a term commonly used in medical and therapeutic circles to describe professional fatigue. It is viewed as an adjustment issue that dampens one's enthusiasm for work and is often linked to distress and depression. Symptoms may encompass extreme fatigue, a loss of passion for life, and a lack of motivation. The individual feels like they are battling a formidable force, a system, or something larger than themselves. This condition is most prevalent among professionals such as executives, nurses, and teachers, whose work is closely tied to large systems. It is sometimes mistaken for depression, and the distinction should be examined.

Based on my observations, burnout often afflicts individuals who have unresolved issues with their same-gender parent. As children, they strove to impress that parent by attempting to please them in every way, yet their efforts often went unrecognized. They felt controlled and powerless, doubting their self-worth. They became fixated on "doing" things to prove their value, blurring the lines between "DOING" and "BEING."

These individuals earn a reputation for being hard workers but frequently feel trapped by their achievements. They accumulate countless tasks, and when their efforts go unnoticed, they experience profound loneliness and despair. They begin to question the significance of their actions, leading to a sense of helplessness and ultimately a steep decline in motivation. They feel incapable of accomplishing anything and lose their desire to do so.

If you identify with the description above, it is crucial to swiftly recognize who you truly ARE. Accept that, as a child, you mistakenly believed that doing more would earn you more love from your same-gender parent. It is imperative to understand that no one, including yourself, has the right to demand more than what you can offer. Self-love involves recognizing your own talents, limitations, and vulnerabilities, along with all the implications thereof. If you felt pressured to meet your father's expectations, understand that it was your own internal expectation. Your work became a substitute for that father figure, and you still seek approval for your actions.

Henceforth, it is essential to approach your work by applying your knowledge to the best of your ability and clarifying your superiors' expectations before assuming the need to impress them. You also have the right to say "no" when you sense that the workload exceeds your capacity. By respecting your boundaries, you will reduce your tendency to criticize others and find greater happiness. Remember that a joyful person continually renews their energy. Burnout is not a result of energy depletion but a consequence of depleted capacity for love.

In general, "burnout" manifests after a struggle to manifest a particular ideal, which ultimately fails. The considerable time and energy invested in pursuing this ideal lead to exhaustion and illness. It reflects a deep inner void stemming from a refusal to accept a situation where one hoped to witness genuine, lasting change—whether in the workplace, family, or personal relationships. These individuals often exhibit perfectionism and unwavering dedication in their quest to achieve their ideals. They may also have the feeling of battling against humanity itself, which they perceive as contradictory to their hopes and convictions. They reach a point where they question the purpose of continuing and eventually surrender, overwhelmed by the burden. They believe, "Why go on? I give up; it's too much for me." Burnout is particularly common among teachers and nurses who react to the systemic demands of their professions. It is a form of compulsion, driven by the desperate desire to effect change consistent with modern times. If you believe you are here to save the world, it is imperative to reevaluate your mindset.

Burnout can also be a form of escapism. You may need to ask yourself: What am I trying to evade by overworking? Am I afraid to confront myself? Am I using excessive work as an excuse to avoid an unbearable partner? What am I attempting to prove while fleeing from the fear of failure?

The symptoms of burnout are clear: mental and physical fatigue, diminished vitality, and disjointed thoughts. Exhaustion sets in, followed by moments of calm and rest, allowing energy to be restored. Above all, it is essential to cease the belief that you must please everyone. This is a fantasy. The true reality lies in acknowledging that you are giving your best effort according to your capabilities, finding serenity, inner peace, and authentic love in your actions.

This description primarily addresses individuals experiencing PSYCHOTHETIC DEPRESSION, not those facing occasional depressive moments or reactions to challenging events. For the latter, descriptions of agoraphobia, anxiety, or anguish may be more relevant.

Depression is characterized by a loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities, accompanied by feelings of despair or despondency, fatigue, reduced energy, decreased concentration, indifference, disinterest, discouragement, withdrawal, and mental rumination. Typically, individuals experiencing depression may resist seeking help and prefer others to initiate change. Sleep disturbances are common, even with the aid of sleeping pills. They often speak sparingly and exhibit a tendency to retreat from the world, and in severe cases, may contemplate suicide. Depression is sometimes confused with burnout; distinctions are detailed in the description of burnout.

Depression serves as a way to evade emotional pressure, especially intense emotional pressure. The individual reaches a point where they can no longer cope. Based on my observations, those with depressive tendencies often harbor unresolved conflicts with a parent of the opposite gender. Consequently, they may unconsciously project these unresolved feelings onto their spouse, creating a transference. What the depressed person makes their partner feel mirrors what they may have wanted to do to their parent but refrained from. By rejecting help, the depressed individual continues to nourish resentment or anger towards that parent, sinking deeper into their emotional pain.

The severity of the depressive state reflects the intensity of the childhood wound. Common wounds include rejection, abandonment, humiliation, betrayal, or injustice. To induce such profound mental imbalance as depression or manic-depressive psychosis, these wounds had to be experienced in isolation. The person had no one to confide in during childhood, no one to address their questions and anxieties. Consequently, they did not learn to trust others, stifled their desires, and withdrew inward, while their feelings of resentment or anger grew.

Typically, individuals suffering from depression are reluctant to seek help or help themselves, prompting those around them to intervene. If you are among those trying to assist, it's vital to be firm and convey that no one else can provide lasting help except the individual themselves.

The key is for the depressed person to acknowledge that their depressive state is a response to the profound pain endured by their BEING during childhood. They must release resistance to what IS. Rejection or fear of rejection is the most common wound. The individual must recognize that even if they experienced rejection in childhood, it does not necessarily imply their parent did not love them. The parent who rejected their child may have themselves been rejected as children and still struggle with self-rejection. Developing compassion and forgiveness towards that parent marks the beginning of the healing process.

The most critical step is self-forgiveness for having loved that parent so deeply. The only remaining task is to communicate their feelings to that parent without accusations (see the stages of forgiveness at the end of this book). It's natural for children to harbor resentment or anger and suffer intensely in isolation. Additionally, the individual should resolve to recognize their own worth. If self-recognition is challenging, they can seek insights from those who know them well.

If the depressed person experiences suicidal thoughts, it may indicate a desire to let go of the old and make space for the new. However, they may mistake this inner urge for a desire to end their own existence.

Depression reflects deep inner sadness and the accumulation of suppressed emotions, creating a conflict between the body and mind. It is often linked to significant life events. Depression manifests as devaluation and guilt that erode self-esteem. In a state of depression, I feel miserable, worthless, and live predominantly in the past, struggling to engage with the present or envision a future. It signifies an inner imbalance, perhaps with a chemical or hormonal component, where my individuality is obscured. I feel confined within my space and slowly lose the zest for life, the essence of my existence. I perceive myself as useless. In other words, depression is rooted in a situation concerning my territory—what belongs to my vital space. This territory includes people (parents, children, friends), animals (pets), and objects (work, home, belongings). The conflict I experience may relate to an element within my territory that I fear losing or to conflicts occurring within my territory, such as sibling rivalries.

Expressions that reveal my emotional state may include: "You're suffocating me!" or "You're draining my energy!" Sometimes, I may struggle to establish boundaries within my space and feel permeable to my surroundings, resulting in a sensation of limitation and invasion. Consequently, I surrender because I find the burden overwhelming, lose the joy of living, and feel guilty for who I am. I may even incline towards self-destructive tendencies or seek attention from others as an unconscious means of manipulating my environment. Laughter becomes scarce.

Regardless of the reason, I must now delve into the underlying causes of my depression. Did I experience intense pressure during childhood? What significant events from my early years make my life seem insignificant? Is it the loss of a loved one, the purpose of my life, or the direction I can no longer discern? Escaping reality and evading responsibilities, even in the form of suicide, is futile. Instead, I must confront the responsibilities in my life because overcoming depression necessitates addressing its root causes. I recognize that I am a unique being with exceptional inner values. I possess the capability to regain control over my life, and the choice to either surrender or fight lies within me. I have the tools needed to shape my destiny. Embracing responsibility grants me greater freedom and the rewards of my efforts.

Melancholia is a profound state of sadness, often accompanied by guilt and severe depression, which can impact physical movements. This condition leads to dissatisfaction, contrariness, and a lack of joy, making one feel trapped in a never-ending cycle. Affirm: "I affirm that joy resides within me." Set achievable goals to rediscover this inner energy, dispel sadness, and invite more joy and satisfaction into your life.

Neurasthenia see also Burnout Depression