Burnout
What is burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that results from prolonged and excessive stress, particularly related to work but can stem from caregiving. It is characterized by feelings of chronic fatigue, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.
Burnout typically occurs when individuals experience a combination of chronic stress and a lack of support or resources to manage that stress. Common causes of burnout in the workplace can include long hours, heavy workloads, lack of control or autonomy, unclear expectations, and poor work-life balance.
Burnout can have significant impacts on an individual's mental and physical health, as well as their performance at work and relationships outside of work. It is important to recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to address it. Gone unaddressed, burnout can cause serious functional issues and/or the development of other mental health issues.
What does burnout look like?
Burnout can look different for each individual, but common signs and symptoms of burnout can include:
Chronic fatigue or exhaustion, even after getting adequate rest
Decreased productivity and difficulty focusing
A sense of detachment or cynicism towards the source of burnout - work, coworkers, caregiving, or family
Loss of motivation and feelings of hopelessness
Increased irritability or frustration with coworkers, clients, or tasks
Feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control
Difficulty making decisions and increased indecisiveness
Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
Physical symptoms, such as headaches or gastrointestinal problems
Increased use of alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism
How do you treat burn out?
Treating burnout typically involves a multifaceted approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. Here are some common strategies that can help:
Take time off: If possible, take a break from work or other sources of stress to allow yourself time to rest and recover.
Practice self-care: This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support and guidance.
Identify and manage sources of stress: Take steps to manage sources of stress in your life, such as setting boundaries, delegating tasks, or reevaluating your priorities.
Cultivate mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help you manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
Make lifestyle changes: Consider making lifestyle changes, such as taking up a hobby or finding ways to incorporate more leisure time into your schedule.
Seek therapy: Therapy can help you identify and address the underlying causes of burnout and develop effective coping strategies.
It is important to remember that recovery from burnout takes time and requires a commitment to self-care and lifestyle changes. In many cases, long-standing pattern of self-sacrifice, “workism”, perfectionism, or other underlying schema of how one views themselves in relation to world lay at the root of burnout. Thus, seeking the assistance of a therapist to help identify and change those maladaptive patterns is often necessary.
By taking steps to manage stress, seek support, and prioritize your well-being, you can improve your mental and physical health and prevent future episodes of burnout.