Exhaustion in the burnout tunnel goes beyond common fatigue. Exhaustion may have long-term consequences. The result is lowered productivity, cynicism and confusion a feeling of being drained, having nothing more to give. And it may not be a big jump from burnout exhaustion to generalized mood disorder. Chronic stress seems to be a culprit in receptor dysfunction and the optimal firing of neurotransmitters vital in the operational effectiveness of mood stabilizing chemicals like serotonin or dopamine.
Cracks develop in the psychic armor.
Old painful memories, often revolving around separation trauma and loss, start percolating up from the depths of the unconscious and subconscious. The result of a decided or prolonged lack of engaging outer stimulation is boredom or ennui. For example, let s look at boredom in the context of exhaustion from excessive repetition. The lack of novelty and environmental diversity along with attenuated personal vitality was clear. The concepts of learned helplessness and situational depression come to mind.