Why does emotional sensitivity increase after periods of stress or burnout?

[Shree]

Have you noticed being more reactive or easily affected by small things after long stressful periods? What helps you rebuild emotional resilience over time?

 

[Hazel]

After prolonged stress or burnout, the mind and body can become emotionally drained, making it harder to regulate feelings. Small problems may feel much bigger because your coping resources are already stretched. Rest, recovery, good sleep, and reducing ongoing stress usually help emotional sensitivity gradually improve over time.

 

[Ciri]

Long periods of stress can definitely make me more sensitive than usual. I'll sometimes catch myself reacting more strongly to things that normally wouldn't bother me. When that happens, I take it as a sign that I need to slow down, rest, and give myself a bit of space.