Have you ever felt so exhausted, not just in your body but deep in your soul, that it feels like your mind is full of fog, your heart feels heavy, and everything happening in your life or even small decisions, feels too much?
If that sounds familiar, you might be experiencing emotional exhaustion. It often happens when you’ve been running on autopilot for too long, pushing through, giving your all, yet leaving no room to rest, recharge, or reconnect with yourself.
Emotional exhaustion doesn’t always arrive hurriedly with a gate pass, it is slow and quiet. You start to begin to notice numbness or feel detached from things you care about. And it is at that moment you start asking yourself, “What’s wrong with me?” Why can’t I just push through like I used to? But the truth is, there is nothing wrong with you. You’re human. And like every human, we have our limits.
We live in a world that praises hustle and shames us when we rest. This causes us to take on too much at work or home because we don’t want to disappoint anyone. But when you keep giving without receiving, pouring without refilling, you eventually run dry.
When you also add big life changes, grief, financial stress, or constant caregiving responsibilities, it’s no surprise that many of us feel emotionally drained.
So, What Can We Do?
If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted, please know you’re not broken and you’re definitely not alone. Healing doesn’t always mean quitting everything. Sometimes it starts with small and gentle steps, such as:
1. Be Honest with Yourself
Acknowledge how you’re feeling. Say it out loud: “I’m not okay right now.”
That truth alone can be powerful.
2. Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down
You don’t need to be the best hard worker. Rest is not a reward, it’s a right. Cancel the non-essentials. Breathe. Take naps. Log off early. Say no without explaining.
3. Let It Out
Talk to someone you trust. Whether it’s a friend, a partner, or a family member, sharing how you feel can take a huge weight off. Don’t bottle it up.
4. Reconnect with What Feeds Your Soul
Listen to music that makes you feel something. Watch a movie. Do something, not to be productive, but simply to feel again.
5. Nourish Your Body Too
Food, water, and sleep matter more than we realise. When your body is depleted, your mind struggles too. Try to eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough rest.
6. Ask for Help
If you’re struggling, getting help from a professional can make a big difference. Therapy isn’t just for crisis, it’s for clarity, healing, and feeling whole again.
Just want you to know, you are not lazy. You’re not weak. You’re not “too sensitive.” You’re exhausted, and that’s something worth honouring, not hiding.
If you’re feeling like a candle burning at both ends, it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to dim the lights. It’s okay to let someone else hold space for you while you figure things out.
One breath at a time. One small step at a time. You deserve to feel whole again.
You can always reach out to LagosMinD for support through our contact information:
📞 Call: 090 9000 6463 | 020 1410 6463
💬 WhatsApp: 090 9000 6463
📧 Email: help@lagosmind.org
