F-Bombs, Kibbles, and Meds - Oh My!
INTRODUCTION
Today we have one of my nearest and dearest friends with us, Courtney Mihalicz. Courtney works as a communications manager, and is married with two kids, ages 8 and 10. As someone who has struggled through burnout herself, she is excited to be a part of this platform that will help others feel seen and understood in their struggle.
Together, we’re diving deep into the depths of burnout; we share stories of burnout and stories of resilience. We share the real and authentic things that happen as women when we are feeling burned out, and when we are diagnosed with clinical burnout.
Untangling Identity
Courtney reflects on the intertwining of identity and job roles, especially in relation to working mothers. She didn’t know who she was away from her job. It’s second nature for working mothers to introduce themselves first by the job they hold rather than their true identity as defined outside of their career. Courtney shares with us her own personal experience of losing her identity, and the journey she took to reclaim her life.
Silent Struggles
Opening up about her silent struggle, Courtney shares with us how she was faking it with most of her family and close friends – what should have been her safest place in the world – putting on a brave face while trying to hide her burnout. We reflect on the struggle of holding our pain inside for fear of burdening others who may be feeling the same pain inside and stress the importance of finding a professional who is trained to handle the weight of our struggles.
Seeking Help
The stigma around mental health and seeking support needs to be broken. “I’m as proud of myself for going to get help as I am for any of my performance in my job that year,” Courtney states. After sharing a personal story reflecting on how deep into burnout she had fallen, she emphasizes that professional help is what truly saved her.
Medication and Mental Health
We falsely compare our mental well-being with a broken leg at times, thinking we can throw a cast on it, give it some time to heal, and then be good to go again. Mental health is not like that, and we need to stop treating it that way. Courtney shares how her meds have helped her and how she is no longer in a rush to stop taking them.
Strategies for Untangling Identity
Focus on the things that are still going to be a part of your world after you retire; your kids and your family. Learn to stay in your lane and worry only about the things you can manage, and don’t be afraid to offload tasks that other people can do. “Work is just one tiny piece of me, and it’s not the most important piece,” Courtney shares.
Conclusion
In closing, I challenge you to engage in open conversations about burnout, recognizing that it is a shared experience. By sharing our stories, we can collectively work towards better mental health and resilience. We can evolve together. We can live our lives lit! 🔥