Understanding Anxiety, Burnout, and Relationship Issues from a Holistic Psychology and Social Work Perspective

Written By Sheena Schuy

Anxiety, burnout, and relationship issues are common problems that people face in today's fast-paced world. These issues can have a significant impact on our mental health, physical health, and overall well-being. From a holistic psychology and social work perspective, it is essential to understand the underlying causes of these issues and how they can be addressed through a comprehensive and integrated approach.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes excessive, it can interfere with our daily lives. According to Queensland Health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in Australia, affecting around one in four people. The Mayo Clinic describes anxiety as a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

From a holistic perspective, anxiety is not just a mental health issue but can also be influenced by physical and environmental factors. For example, a poor diet, lack of exercise, and exposure to toxins can all contribute to anxiety. Additionally, our social and cultural environments can play a role in anxiety, such as social isolation, work-related stress, and financial difficulties.

Treating anxiety from a holistic perspective involves addressing all of these factors through a combination of therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, and physical exercise. Additionally, holistic therapies like acupuncture, massage, and yoga can be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms.

Understanding Burnout

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by long-term exposure to chronic stress. The Cleveland Clinic describes burnout as a feeling of depletion or cynicism that can lead to a lack of motivation, decreased productivity, and feelings of detachment. Burnout is often associated with work-related stress, but it can also occur in other areas of life, such as caregiving or volunteer work.

From a holistic perspective, burnout can be influenced by physical, emotional, and environmental factors. For example, poor sleep, a lack of social support, and exposure to toxins can all contribute to burnout. Additionally, our work culture, including long work hours, high job demands, and low job control, can be a significant contributor to burnout.

Treating burnout from a holistic perspective involves addressing all of these factors through a combination of therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, stress management techniques, and lifestyle changes. Additionally, holistic therapies like aromatherapy, acupuncture, and massage can be helpful in reducing burnout symptoms.

Relationship Issues

Relationship issues can also contribute to anxiety and burnout. Social support is crucial for mental health and well-being, but relationship difficulties can lead to stress, depression, and anxiety. From a holistic psychology and social work perspective, it is important to examine the ways in which interpersonal dynamics affect mental health.

Psychology Today recommends seeking therapy to address relationship issues, and suggests that individuals can benefit from learning communication skills, setting healthy boundaries, and addressing underlying emotional wounds. This can help improve communication and create healthier relationships, reducing stress and promoting well-being.

Conclusion

Anxiety, burnout, and relationship issues are complex and multifaceted issues that can impact individuals in different ways. From a holistic psychology and social work perspective, it is important to understand the root causes of these issues and address them in a comprehensive manner.

Through approaches such as mindfulness meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and stress reduction techniques, individuals can reduce symptoms of anxiety and burnout, and improve their overall well-being. Additionally, addressing relationship issues through therapy and learning healthy communication skills can also have a positive impact on mental health.

If you are struggling with anxiety, burnout, or relationship issues, it is important to seek support from a mental health professional. With the right tools and support, it is possible to manage these issues and improve your quality of life.

Support for Anxiety 

If you’ve noticed that stress or anxiety is starting to affect your day-to-day life, talking with a mental health professional can help you to identify the source of your worry, and create a holistic support plan to lessen its impact on you. 

At Savasana Collective, we take a holistic approach to supporting our clients, understanding the role that other experiences in our lives (such as trauma, neurodiversity, and the capitalist structures we live in that prioritise hustle culture) play in contributing to our experiences of anxiety. 

If you’re reading this post because you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, please know that you’re not alone, and support is available.  

If you enjoyed this post and want more, get your free anxiety resources check out our retreats, our podcast and social accounts or book into our services. And if you’re a health professional come connect with us over at Therapist VA.

Sources:

Sheena Schuy
Previous

What are the side Effects of Anti-Anxiety and Anti-Depressant Medications?
Next

Perfectionism, Anxiety and High Achievement, how these traits Overlap and How a Therapist Can help