The "learned helplessness" rings true to me. Burnout for has usually occurred to me after making many attempts to get past major inefficiencies. Work continues, but despite many attempts, remains a terrible slow inefficient slog. Far below my potential.
Eventually I just become unable to work. Extreme mental fatigue even after good rest or even long vacation breaks.
I am happy to say I got free of the situational factors that were never going to get better and am very happy and productive now.
One things that amazes me, how truly dumb I am when depressed vs. happily creatively challenged. Anyone meeting me in these two states would have very different impressions of my abilities, potential, work ethic, etc.
Same for me. When I'm excited and motivated, feeling positive, I'm an unstoppable force and my brain works better than I realize it can. When I'm depressed, I will barely engage. I'll forget everything I'm doing. I'll have no executive function. Solving similar problems to those I have in the past seems insurmountable. Knowing this, and having no power over it in the moment, makes it a lot worse.
Eventually I just become unable to work. Extreme mental fatigue even after good rest or even long vacation breaks.
I am happy to say I got free of the situational factors that were never going to get better and am very happy and productive now.
One things that amazes me, how truly dumb I am when depressed vs. happily creatively challenged. Anyone meeting me in these two states would have very different impressions of my abilities, potential, work ethic, etc.