Polished Pain: The Cost of Burnout & Unresolved Trauma

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Have you ever encountered a colleague who always seems "fine," even when faced with immense pressure or challenging situations? They may project an image of composure and efficiency, but beneath the surface, they may be struggling with the hidden costs of burnout and unresolved trauma. Or maybe that colleague who always seems to be "fine".... is YOU?

Watch the full episode below where we sit down with Lynda Carmouche, LCSW-S, ACSW , a Psychotherapist of 27 years who helps us to unpack these traumatic wounds people tend to carry while at work.

We all know the "fake it, til you make it culture" it's the lack of vulnerability and lack of psychological safety to think this is what we should be living by as the standard for me ??.

What happened to the days of I have never done this before, or let me try to figure this problem out? You know...just being a human and being ok to fail and fail forward into growth?

The Mask We Wear

Many of us have learned to mask our emotions, particularly in professional settings. We put on a facade of strength and resilience, hiding our vulnerabilities and anxieties. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of suppression, where our true feelings are buried deep within.

The Physical and Emotional Toll

The long-term consequences of unchecked burnout and unresolved trauma can be significant, manifesting in both physical and emotional symptoms. Some common signs include:

Physical Symptoms:

• Chronic fatigue
• Frequent illness
• Digestive issues
• Headaches
• Insomnia

Emotional Symptoms:

• Anxiety and depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Social withdrawal
• Loss of motivation

How can I tell if I am polishing my own pain? What could that look like for me?

Overworking and Overcommitting:

• Constantly taking on additional tasks: Even when already overwhelmed, they agree to more work to avoid appearing incapable or uncooperative.
• Working long hours: Consistently staying late or working on weekends to meet deadlines, neglecting personal needs and rest.
• Skipping breaks: Sacrificing lunch breaks or short rest periods to maintain productivity, leading to burnout and reduced focus.

Suppressing Emotions and Masking Feelings:

• Putting on a "brave face": Hiding their struggles and anxieties to maintain a positive appearance.
• Avoiding conflict: Avoiding expressing concerns or disagreements to maintain harmony, leading to resentment and internal stress.
• People-pleasing: Prioritizing the needs and desires of others over their own, leading to exhaustion and burnout.

Ignoring Self-Care Needs:

• Neglecting physical health: Skipping meals, not getting enough sleep, or ignoring physical discomfort.
• Ignoring mental health: Suppressing stress, anxiety, or depression, leading to worsening mental health conditions.
• Forgoing social connections: Isolating themselves from friends and family to focus on work, leading to loneliness and reduced emotional support.

Perfectionism and High Standards:

• Setting unrealistic goals: Striving for perfection and setting unattainable standards, leading to constant stress and disappointment.
• Fear of failure: Avoiding taking risks or trying new things due to a fear of failure, limiting growth and innovation.
• Overanalyzing and second-guessing: Constantly questioning their decisions and seeking approval, leading to indecision and procrastination.

By acknowledging the hidden costs of burnout and unresolved trauma, we can take proactive steps to protect our mental and physical well-being. Remember, it's okay to not be okay, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Remember we all have the opportunity to get help and create a level of awareness within ourselves and the first start in that journey is being able to find ways to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to be uncomfortable in owning your emotions, even if you are at work.

Until next time...Let's continue to be brave and stay courageous y'all ???