Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion brought on by prolonged stress, and living with a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) only amplifies that burden. With the unrelenting pain, constant fatigue, frequent doctor visits, and ongoing medication regimens, it’s easy to feel completely depleted and overwhelmed.
Managing RA means navigating unpredictable symptoms that can make even the simplest daily tasks — like typing or grocery shopping — draining. The effort it takes to push through the pain and fatigue often leaves me running on empty. It’s no wonder I can feel burnt out when I am constantly stuck in survival mode.
What Burnout with RA Feels Like
There are many overlapping symptoms between burnout and RA, such as fatigue, brain fog, and pain. It’s important to recognize when you’re experiencing burnout and how it might be making your RA symptoms worse. Stress is a major trigger for RA flares, so addressing burnout might help you feel better overall.
Symptoms of burnout include:
- Fatigue: This invisible symptom feels like a relentless, overwhelming physical and emotional exhaustion that seeps into every aspect of life.
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus on tasks or maintain attention. Often, feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks and experiencing frequent forgetfulness.
- Negative attitudes: Increased cynicism and negativity toward work or daily activities. Feeling detached or isolated from colleagues, friends, and family.
- Physical symptoms: Experiencing frequent headaches, muscle pain, or other unexplained aches. Changes in appetite or sleep patterns, like insomnia or oversleeping.
Burnout vs Fatigue
Living with RA brings its own set of challenges, with constant fatigue being one of the hardest to manage. No matter how much sleep I get, I never wake up feeling truly refreshed. It’s as though my body is always running on empty, turning even simple tasks — like getting out of bed in the morning — into monumental efforts.
While fatigue contributes to burnout, they are not the same. With chronic illness, I often experience high levels of fatigue, but I can still pace myself and find ways to do the things I need or love to do. Fatigue slows me down, but burnout is different — it drains me emotionally and mentally, leaving me detached and overwhelmed.
Burnout takes away my motivation and passion. The joy I once found in both work and personal activities fades, replaced by frustration and helplessness. It’s more than just being tired — burnout makes me feel isolated, as if I’m stuck in a never-ending cycle of exhaustion and disillusionment, without a clear way out.
The Emotional Toll of Rheumatoid Arthritis
It’s not just the physical symptoms that exhaust me; the emotional toll of living with RA is equally draining. Chronic illness can feel incredibly isolating and, at times, downright lonely. It’s mentally exhausting to constantly explain why I may not be able to join in certain activities, why I have to cancel plans at the last minute, or why I need help with something I used to handle on my own.
The unpredictability of RA flares adds another layer of emotional strain. One day, I might feel good enough to tackle tasks, only to be bedridden the next due to a severe flare-up. This constant uncertainty leaves me feeling defeated and hopeless. Living in survival mode all the time is frustrating — I want more than just to cope; I want to thrive.
Consequences of Burnout
Burnout can make it hard for me to stay proactive with my health. When I’m feeling burnt out, I often put off necessary tests or appointments, simply because I don’t have the energy or mental capacity to deal with them. It’s not just about neglecting self-care — burnout affects my focus and creativity, which is especially challenging as a writer. It can even lead to financial difficulties when I’m unable to work due to feeling completely drained.
Learning Resilience: How to Push Through Burnout
Despite these challenges, I refuse to let RA completely dictate my life. I’ve learned to prioritize self-care and practice effective stress management. Taking breaks when I need to and engaging in activities that bring me joy help minimize the impact of burnout. Surrounding myself with a strong support system — friends and family who truly understand — has been vital in managing the emotional toll of living with RA.
My Strategies for Coping with RA Burnout
There’s no quick fix for burnout. Sometimes you need to let it run its course, while other times, it’s necessary to make changes in your life. Not all root causes can be easily solved, but by identifying what’s contributing to your burnout and taking steps to address or cope with it, you can start to feel some relief.
Living with RA can indeed be exhausting, and burnout is a very real concern. Here are some strategies that may help you cope:
- Regular exercise: Surprisingly, physical activity can help combat extreme tiredness. Find a routine that works for your body and your limits.
- Take breaks: Avoid overexerting yourself. Listen to your body, and rest when needed.
- Prioritize sleep: Quality rest is crucial for managing fatigue and staying mentally sharp.
- Lift your spirits: Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s a hobby, time with loved ones, or something that makes you laugh.
- Get out in nature: Nature can reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost mental clarity. Even a short walk or spending time outdoors can help manage feelings of burnout.
- Practice meditation: Mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress and anxiety, helping you manage emotional strain.
- Review medications: If your medications are contributing to fatigue, consult your doctor to see if adjustments can be made to help manage your RA symptoms better.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT offers coping strategies that address emotional highs and lows and helps you navigate the mental challenges that come with RA.
- Social support: Lean on friends, family, or a support group to share your feelings and lighten the emotional load.
- Physical therapy: Strengthening your body can improve mobility and help with pain management.
- Occupational therapy: Learn energy-saving techniques and use tools that make daily tasks easier to handle.
- Mental health support: A professional therapist can help you develop coping skills and manage emotional challenges that come with chronic illness.
Rheumatoid arthritis can leave me feeling burnt out physically and emotionally. The constant fatigue, pain, and uncertainty take a toll on my overall well-being. However, by prioritizing exercise and self-care, seeking support, and finding ways to manage stress, I’m able to navigate the challenges and find moments of peace amidst the burnout. It’s a constant battle, but one that I’m determined to face head-on.
Be a More Proactive Patient with PatientSpot
PatientSpot is a patient-led, patient-centered research registry for joint, bone, and inflammatory skin conditions. You can participate in voluntary research studies about your health conditions and use the app to track your symptoms, disease activity, and medications — and share with your doctor. Learn more and sign up here.
