11 Things That Instantly Signal Someone's Completely Worn Out Emotionally & Physically
Constant exhaustion and emotional numbness reveal when someone is completely worn out.
SB Arts Media / Shutterstock Today's fast-paced world can leave anyone feeling worn out emotionally and physically, but some people out there would rather ignore the signs of their burnout. Between juggling careers, family obligations, and constant pressure to keep it all together, many resilient individuals want to be viewed as stronger than they really are. The fight to keep up appearances puts their health and mental well-being at stake.
This shows up in subtle ways, such as constant fatigue even after hours of rest and irritability when dealing with others. Recognizing the warning signs of exhaustion can be important when someone you know is struggling with it. Once you witness these things firsthand, it becomes a little easier to find a solution to their situation.
Here are 11 things that instantly signal someone's completely worn out emotionally and physically
1. Constant fatigue despite rest
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One of the clearest indicators that someone is emotionally and physically worn out is in their lingering fatigue that never goes away. Several things can lead to fatigue, from lack of sleep to stress, but constantly feeling tired despite getting rest means that you are worn out both physically and mentally.
What makes this kind of fatigue concerning is that it resists the usual remedies of hot tea or background noise. People experiencing this may appear disengaged, irritable, and unusually quiet. This is because they don't have the energy to even interact, let alone think. If left to linger, this can have negative effects on their cognitive function and ruin sleep patterns. When your body shows physical signs of distress, it's time to start worrying.
2. Lack of motivation
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Experiencing burnout can lead to a lack of motivation, but it can also lead to dire health consequences. Issues such as high cholesterol and musculoskeletal pain can turn into serious health concerns if not treated. When a person who once thrived on goals and responsibilities suddenly struggles to get out of bed, it means their energy reserves are running dangerously low.
Reclaiming motivation in these cases requires more than willpower. The best way to motivate someone is to set up a routine with them, as this tricks their brain into getting things done. This will not only bring them stability, but it might give them some other ideas on how to spread the motivation to other tasks in their lives.
3. Irritability or short temper
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When someone you know is irritable or has a short fuse, it could be a sign that they are emotionally and physically exhausted. Minor annoyances can trigger unstable reactions because they are finding it difficult to manage their stress. This irritability might not necessarily be something that you did to them personally.
Sometimes their irritability can come from something more that you have yet to be aware of. The best course of action is to get to the bottom of the situation and offer them support should they need it. Spotting this sign early and responding with compassion can make a world of difference.
4. Detachment or numbness
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When someone goes through depersonalization, they may seem like they are daydreaming, but really, they are detaching emotionally. This numbness often shows up as a lack of enthusiasm or even depressive interactions with others. The person may describe feeling disconnected from themselves as if they are watching life from the outside.
There are many reasons why this occurs. In some instances, it could be that they are facing something traumatic or difficult in their lives, while at other times it could be due to being singled out by others. For instance, in a workplace setting, being ostracized in your place of employment can lead to unsafe behaviors such as psychologically detaching and emotional exhaustion.
5. Frequent illness or body aches
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Signs of frequent illness or body aches can be your body's way of telling you that you are currently not in balance. Physical pain, such as headaches or body fatigue, is just one symptom of strain. The mind and body are intertwined, so emotional burnout manifests physically before the person even knows that something is wrong.
Chronic stress can lead to immune dysregulation and impact the life span of an individual. This makes it ten times harder for your body to fight off infections. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to a dangerous downward spiral, where mental and physical health begin to deteriorate. It's best to slow down and seek support before the exhaustion becomes too overwhelming.
6. Sleep disturbances
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Not being able to sleep through the night can be a sign that something is wrong, either emotionally or physically. When a mind is overwhelmed with unresolved emotions, it becomes difficult to relax and fall asleep. People who never stop working are often the most tired throughout the day and continue these patterns until something drastic happens in terms of their health.
A lack of restful sleep weakens the immune system and reduces energy levels. Being sleep-deprived can also cause problems like cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and high anxiety levels. If left unchecked, the person who is worn out may pass out due to exhaustion. It's best to start a bedtime routine for yourself so that your sleep is not disturbed as much through the night.
7. Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
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When someone is worn out, one of the first things that people notice is their sharp mental decline, like forgetting things or having difficulties concentrating. Tasks that once seemed simple can start to feel more complicated than usual and make focusing even more difficult, whether it's following along to a conversation or zoning out when you are speaking to them.
Emotional exhaustion is often related to self-reported cognitive difficulties, particularly when it comes to attention. They may have moments when their attention span slips, which may be a sign that they are about to crash out. Encouraging them to rest so that their mind and body can work in tandem again is the best option to stop this mental fog in its tracks.
8. Withdrawal from social interactions
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One of the most telling signs that someone is emotionally and physically worn out is their sudden withdrawal from social interactions. They may stop responding to the group chat messages or even decline invitations that come their way. The more isolated they become, the more likely they are to suffer from burnout.
Isolation shows that they are operating from a place of survival. Helping them out during these moments can actually benefit them more than simply leaving them alone, by giving them space. This allows them to open the door to socialization and believe that someone actually cares for their well-being.
9. Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
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When what they loved to do no longer interests them in the same way it once did, then it can be because of how emotionally and physically exhausted they are. Emotional exhaustion drains the mind of its ability to engage with joy. Even the simplest pleasures, like listening to music or going for a walk, can feel pointless to them.
Losing the ability to feel joy when doing things that you once loved can be a sign of depression. Depressive people can often have all of the signs of a person who is mentally and physically exhausted. In other cases, their depression is a result of their exhaustion, and if they take care of themselves, then they will feel a little bit better.
10. Increased reliance on coping mechanisms
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Relying heavily on old coping mechanisms to try to get through the day may not work when you're experiencing burnout. If drinking your usual coffee or even going for a walk outside still has you tired and groggy, then chances are your usual cures for putting a pep in your step are no longer working. You might want to consider alternative methods, but you soon realize that they are just as obsolete as the things you are used to doing.
On the heavier side, getting back into smoking or drinking after quitting or being sober for a long time are habits that people will return to if they can't stop the fatigue. These types of substances just show how the person is trying to numb or escape their exhaustion rather than recover from it. It's crucial to understand the difference between a healthy habit and what can worsen your health beyond just burnout.
11. Frequent crying or emotional outbursts
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You can tell someone is exhausted when they lash out at others. The heavy emotions come from not being able to rest for long hours and feeling overwhelmed at the littlest things. For instance, normal people keep calm while driving, but people who are worn out may snap or have uncontrollable road rage.
These outbursts can often be dismissed by others as simply letting off steam, but if they constantly happen, then something deeper is going on there. Being worn out both physically and emotionally can have you acting out of character. It takes time and support from others to help people like this calm down enough to rest for a bit.
Sylvia Ojeda is a screenplay writer and journalist who covers self-help, relationships, culture, and human interest stories.
