Ottawa Stress & Burnout

In today’s fast paced world, experiencing high levels of stress is a very common reality for many. Between school, jobs, family, friends, hobbies, daily responsibilities, previous lived experiences, pressure from social media and managing all the expectations we put on ourselves… ( EXHALE) … it is no surprise that the amount of stress and burnout has significantly increased in the past few years.

Although we cannot avoid feeling stress completely (nor should we, stress can be a good thing!), at The Balanced Practice, we believe in empowering you in learning to manage stress effectively without burning out. We combine a food, body, and mind approach to stress regulation so you can feel equipped to deal with life’s stressors.

Stress is a physical response that involves both physical and mental symptoms, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, pale or flushed skin, shakiness, and feelings of anxiety. Our bodies release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that are meant to help us face stressors in life. This is an adaptive response, commonly referred to as the “fight or flight” response. Our bodies are primed to activate and allow us to protect ourselves when faced with imminent danger, and this is helpful when we are faced with imminent threats to our safety.

However, when stress becomes chronic and doesn’t go away (even if there is no imminent threat) this can become “abnormal stress” and start to have a detrimental impact on our health and well-being. Our bodies are not meant to be in fight-or-flight mode 24/7. Without the release of stress, our physical and mental health become at risk.

Burnout is what happens when chronic stress goes on for too long. Eventually, after excessive and prolonged stress, the body and mind are unable to cope. When suffering from burnout, you may feel overwhelmed and drained or maybe even completely numb. You may feel that you are unable to keep up with life’s demands and start to lose motivation. Burnout typically impacts both mental and physical health. It can lead to digestive trouble, impaired immune function, and feelings of anxiety and depression.

• Stress and burnout can impact folks of all genders and backgrounds.
• It is very common to experience stress and burnout when suffering from an eating disorder or disordered eating.
• Burnout is NOT normal. Our society has normalized feeling burned out as a badge of honor, but it is not the case. You deserve help
• Burnout and ADHD have a strong (and interesting) intersection.

Disordered eating patterns are quite common for folks struggling with stress and burnout. This makes sense because when we are not well nourished or when we are engaging in disordered eating behaviors, our brains are not functioning at their full capacity, and we are less able to cope with life’s stressors. Additionally, when we are stressed, we may turn to food (and attempt to control our eating) as a way to cope.

The state of our mental health significantly impacts our relationship with food, and vice versa. The Balanced Practice team are experts in helping you heal your relationship with food along with the stress and burnout you are facing. Whether you have an eating disorder, struggle with disordered eating, have mood related appetite changes, or body image concerns, our team is here to help you address these issues concurrently while supporting you with your stress and burnout.

Coping with stress and burnout is possible with the right treatment and support. Your experience with stress and burnout is unique, and your treatment needs to reflect your uniqueness. There is no one-size-fits all.

At The Balanced Practice, we are committed to helping individuals cope with stress and burnout in order to live a happy and fulfilling life. Our approach is weight inclusive, anti-carceral, evidence-based, lived experience informed and collaborative. You are at the center of care, always. We aim to create a space where you can feel seen, heard, understood, and empowered to achieve your treatment goals.

You don’t have to walk through your mental health journey alone- we are here to help you, and be your support system along the way.