A bit on burnout

Looking back to my own burnout, it’s actually impossible to recall it in all it’s aspects. I know this much: on my second wedding anniversary, I was in a lovely hotel with a stunning sea view, feeling exhausted in heart, body and mind. I walked alone around Brighton town centre to find a cotton gift for my husband – having had no ounce of will nor energy to do it before then – and bought a nice but plain white vest. It was the most I could muster. I was spent. Within days, I handed in my re-drafted job description for re-grading to my new boss, spoke to the employee assistance people who suggested I get to the GP and was promptly on sick leave for a fortnight. It eventually turned out to be much, much longer. What led up to this state…how did I get there?