My Story: Overcoming Burnout
Greetings, I'm Olga Maksymova, and I've been right where you are. I've experienced burnout, and it took me almost nine months to reclaim what I consider a "normal" life.
But here's the thing: I don't want you to have to go through the same struggles and hardships that I did. Burnout is an all-too-common issue, and it often goes unnoticed until it's too late. I decided it was time to put an end to this cycle.
That's why I've embarked on a mission to gather all the essential information about burnout in one place. I'm here to share my personal experience, valuable resources, and my journey to recovery with you.
I hope that this platform will be a source of help and support, not just for you but for your loved ones as well.
Let Me Share My Journey
It all began in mid-March 2017 when I started experiencing debilitating headaches. Strangely, these headaches typically hit after lunchtime, and I couldn't pinpoint a specific cause. I contacted my general practitioner (GP), who referred me to a neurology specialist. After six months of examinations, I finally received a diagnosis: migraines. I was prescribed two types of medication – one for daily use and another for migraine attacks. However, after three months, I noticed my blood pressure was fluctuating dramatically. Concerned about the side effects, I decided to discontinue the daily medication. But my health issues persisted.
I found myself in a constant state of exhaustion, with low moods, difficulty concentrating, and a host of other distressing symptoms. I was just 32 years old, yet I felt 70. Growing up in the Soviet Union, burnout wasn't recognized as a legitimate condition, and I did not know of it.
By the end of November 2017, I had reached my breaking point. I approached my Engineering Manager, confessing, "I need help. I can't seem to handle the most basic tasks." Another visit to my GP revealed a vitamin D deficiency. I embarked on a six-week regimen of high-dose supplements to replenish my levels. While there was some improvement, my vitamin D levels remained below the norm. That's when my GP shared the truth – I was dealing with burnout.
I returned to the office and met with one of my superiors on January 30, 2018. An appointment with the company doctor was scheduled for February 26, during which time I continued working despite the daily toll it took on my well-being. However, after February 17, 2018, I hit a breaking point. Just ten minutes after waking up, I felt utterly drained. I was completely shattered...
To discover how my journey unfolded, read the rest of the story in the blog section.
Let's learn more about burnout and ensure no one goes through it alone.