Key symptoms of emotional exhaustion

In 1982 Christina Maslach coined the term "emotional exhaustion" as part of her definition of burnout. She reasoned that feeling drained or hopeless were not meaningless complaints but part of something that is far more harmful.

Symptoms of emotional exhaustion:

• Lacking motivation
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Unable to focus
• Increased apathy or cynicism

These symptoms often seem contradictory. How can you feel tired and have difficulty sleeping?