Support in crisis and professional burnout - when is it worth seeking help from a consultant?

Aldona Gaudyn

14 April 2025

Crisis consultation is an immediate, professional assistance in situations that rob us of our sense of control over life (e.g., sudden job loss) and in states of chronic stress, such as burnout. A crisis consultant helps accurately identify the situation, provides emotional support, and jointly with the client establishes a short-term action plan that prevents further disorganization of life.

In everyone's life, there are situations that make us feel completely ungrounded and unable to move forward. This can be a sudden event or years of accumulating burnout, which affects over 1/4 of working Poles.

The vast majority are unaware of the long-term consequences of such states. Very often, we only try to alleviate the symptoms pharmacologically, which helps in limiting them but does not eliminate the true causes of the problem.

Burnout as a consequence of chronic stress

One of the most common reasons leading to a deep crisis is burnout. It rarely appears overnight. It is a classic example of chronic stress and arises from, among other things:

- prolonged stress related to ongoing everyday life problems

- constant worrying about family, work, or financial security

- feelings of uncertainty, loss of control, and lack of reliable information at work

What are the symptoms of chronic stress? Pay attention to these signals.

Chronic stress is a state of continuous tension without the possibility of effective release. It is accompanied by a constantly elevated level of cortisol and a lowered level of serotonin. In such a situation, the brain undergoes slow degradation and does not rebuild itself.

If you feel overwhelmed, be sure to pay attention to:

- the quality of your sleep

- frequent migraine episodes and headaches

- a noticeable drop in immunity

- fluctuations and instability of emotional states

- the condition of your hair and skin

- your ability to maintain concentration and make decisions

How can a crisis consultant support you during difficult times?

The consultant's working method depends on the nature of your problem:

1. In chronic crises (e.g., burnout), the main goal is to prevent chronic stress from turning into a fully symptomatic crisis, that is, a state of total, paralyzing incapacity.

2. In acute crises related to sudden events, the consultant's role is to provide support in seeking short-term solutions so that you can quickly regain a basic sense of control over the situation.

Regardless of the type of event, the consultant always provides a safe space, emotional support, and reliable guidance.

Benefits of working with a crisis consultant:

- recognition - you will diagnose whether the situation you are in is chronic stress or an acute crisis.

- safety - you will receive immediate, first emotional support.

- plan - you will establish specific action steps tailored to your current capabilities, needs, and limitations, meaning without pressure.

- tools - you will receive clear guidance on possible, effective actions.

further path - if necessary, you will receive reliable recommendations on what additional professional support is worth seeking.

Don't put yourself off until later. Time matters.

Prolonged chronic stress and acute crises can lead to depression. Unfortunately, it is very easy to overlook, especially in so-called "high-functioning" individuals, and its effects often lead to total disorganization of life.

That is why it is so important to carefully observe yourself and take action before it's too late. Neglecting and ignoring the problem makes the subsequent recovery time drastically longer.

Are you looking for a safe space and support?

If you feel that your life or work situation is starting to overwhelm you, you don't have to face it alone. As a certified crisis consultant, an ICF accredited coach, and a mentor, I help regain balance and develop an action plan.

Schedule a confidential consultation and take the first, most important step towards regaining control.

Do you want to learn more, schedule a meeting or have a conversation?

Contact me

Company data

TowardsYou Aldona Gaudyn

ul. Rubież 14B/7

61-612 Poznań

VAT no. PL6652660725

phone no. (+48) 502-202-625

e-mail: kontakt@towardsyou.pl

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