The link between exhaustion and poor mental health

Today is known as #BlueMonday - the third Monday in January is a recognised day for increased feelings of sadness, low motivation, and lack of energy; all of which can be signs of exhaustion.

Let's take this opportunity to talk about the busy life of a groom and why it's important to make your mental health a priority. 

Life as groom can be a hugely rewarding career but getting the work/life balance right can sometimes be quite a challenge.

It’s not just enough to take time away from our responsibilities to do the things we enjoy. It is also important to take time away to prevent slipping into a state of exhaustion and its negative effects on mental wellbeing.

What is exhaustion?

Exhaustion, also known as ‘fatigue’ or ‘burnout’, is a state of extreme physical or mental tiredness.

Whilst it isn’t a diagnosable condition, a combination of physical, mental/emotional and behavioural symptoms identify that a person is suffering from exhaustion.

Different types of exhaustion

Exhaustion can be both physical and/or mental. Physical fatigue usually goes away with time and rest, whereas mental fatigue often happens when you're stressed, overworked, dealing with physical exhaustion or injuries, or mental health conditions.

Caring roles are both physically and emotionally demanding and often prompt us to put the health of more vulnerable individuals above our own. This very much applies to grooms who regularly put their own health behind the wellbeing of the horses they care for.

Both mental and physical exhaustion have clear signs that can impact our functioning and ‘cognition’ including executive function, working memory, attention and processing speed.

Signs of Exhaustion

Extreme fatigue: You may feel tired (even after a good night’s sleep) and feel unable to participate in day-to-day activities.

Feeling defeated: You may feel as if you are not making a difference at work, home or in the community.

Self-doubt: When we are having cognitive difficulties, we may question whether we are doing a good enough job.

Memory difficulties: You may find it difficult to remember certain tasks or information, aka ‘brain fog’.

Irritability: You may become irritable or impatient with those around you.

Difficulty making decisions: Stress can cloud our ability to make sound decisions.

Feeling overwhelmed: Sometimes it can feel like our work, home or other life commitments are too much for us and we are ‘drowning’.

Emotional detachment: We may try to detach ourselves from work and personal relationships completely in an attempt to protect ourselves from hurt.

Tips to help overcome exhaustion

• Eat the right foods for your body
• Go to bed earlier
• Exercise more
• Hydrate
• Practise gratitude
• Do things that you enjoy
• Set achievable goals
• Make lists
• Try meditation

Our Mental Health Checker tool will be able to point you in the direction of the relevant advice that may help with your current challenges.

Still struggling?

If you are unable to gain control, please make and appointment with your GP for professional advice.

To find out more about Grooms Minds click here.

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