Burnout Syndrome is increasingly widespread, demonstrating how professionals from the most diverse fields are reaching physical and mental exhaustion.
Have you ever felt drained at any point in your professional life? Did you feel like you couldn’t do it? Or indeed, have you been put under pressure by the large volume of requests? Know that this could be a sign of burnout. The routine of professionals in the most diverse fields, from health to communication, can be quite exhausting. A fact that in some cases leads to Burnout Syndrome, which is precisely this physical and mental exhaustion. Want to know what this syndrome is and how to treat it? This content will explain more about it and the impacts on your routine. Keep reading!
What is Burnout Syndrome?
Burnout syndrome or burnout syndrome is a mental disorder caused by overwork. Derived from the English term, the term “burnout” means “to erase”, linked to the sense of exhausting. Therefore, when affected by the syndrome, the professional is unable to fulfill his duties, as he is in a state of physical and mental exhaustion. The reflections also extend beyond work and reach into one’s personal life.
What are the causes of burnout syndrome?
There are many factors that can lead a professional to suffer from burnout syndrome. However, the main one is overwork. With the high task load, in line with the accumulation of stress, employees become overloaded with demands. Furthermore, it is common for many companies to concentrate the workload of an entire team on a single professional. Over time, this employee reaches his limit with symptoms that can lead to a total inability to perform activities.
What are the symptoms of Burnout?
Burnout syndrome involves symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, extreme tiredness, among others. Importantly, these symptoms can be physical and psychological, developing differently for each person. Among the main signs and symptoms of burnout syndrome, we can highlight:
- Excessive physical and mental tiredness;
- Feeling of failure;
- Sudden mood swings;
- Fatigue;
- Lack of appetite;
- Muscle aches;
- Heart beat change;
- Frequent headache;
- Reluctance to be with other people.
Remember: Work burnout syndrome symptoms can start out subtle. That’s why we often don’t realize the situation we’re in. In some cases, not even with the progression of symptoms, the practitioner is able to recognize that they are ill. Hearing words of warning from the people around you can be the first step in reaching a diagnosis.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis of burnout syndrome is made by psychiatrists or psychologists, professionals best suited to identify the problem and guide the correct treatment. As mentioned in the previous topic, in some cases the person himself does not recognize that he has the syndrome. Many people don’t seek medical help because they don’t recognize the problem, which can contribute to making the situation even more serious. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the signals given by the body when we are not well. Listening to close friends, family, and even co-workers is a great way to acknowledge that we need help. However mild the symptoms may seem, it is essential to seek a professional to assist in the treatment process.
What are the alternatives for an effective treatment?
Once the problem has been diagnosed, there are treatments to help the patient recover. Among the most effective treatments is psychotherapy, which involves regular follow-ups with psychologists and/or psychiatrists. This follow-up may also involve medication. Antidepressants and anxiolytics are indicated in many cases, especially in those in which the disease is already quite advanced. Another very effective treatment is the practice of physical activities. Exercises are essential for maintaining physical, mental and emotional health, helping to control the symptoms of burnout syndrome. Important: Don’t worry about doing only activity X or Y. Choose your physical activities based on what you like to do: walking, playing football, running, going to the gym, etc. You see in them a way to adopt a healthier lifestyle, without weighing down your routine. After all, the goal is to be able to take our days lighter and with less stress!
What are the consequences of not carrying out the treatment?
Think about it, if a person begins to experience some symptoms and after having done some tests he discovers that he is sick, what should he do? The clear answer is: start the treatment indicated by the doctor to be cured. Seems obvious, right? Now I ask you: why would it be different with Burnout Syndrome? Like any other disease, burnout syndrome must be identified and treated in order for the patient to be able to deal with it or even to be completely cured. That is, when he receives the diagnosis and does not carry out the treatment, the professional assumes the risk that the Burnout Syndrome progresses, causing increasingly harmful symptoms, impacting on social relationships between people. There are cases where Burnout Syndrome progresses quickly, bringing various limitations to the sufferer. Also, in certain situations, the employee has to retire due to disability, as he is no longer able to work.
Is it possible to prevent burnout syndrome?
Yes, burnout syndrome can be prevented. For this, you need to establish a routine with less stress and work pressure. This means setting boundaries, for yourself and for those around you. Some forms of prevention that you can adopt are:
- Set achievable goals in professional and personal life;
- Set aside time to enjoy your family and friends;
- Don’t devote 100% of your life to work;
- Try to escape the routine;
- Do regular physical activity;
- Don’t blame yourself for not being able to handle more than you are capable of.
What are the main differences between Burnout, depression and stress?
Even though they have similar symptoms, burnout, depression and stress are not the same thing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the three differ as follows:
- Burnout: work-related phenomenon;
- Depression: Chronic psychiatric illness;
- Stress: response that the body gives to everyday situations.
While not the same disease, the three are interconnected in some way. Burnout is the result of a stressful routine, which can lead to depression in severe cases. Depression is not directly linked to Burnout, but it could be a consequence. Just as high levels of stress can put people in situations that intensify depression. Finally, stress is related to various illnesses, be they physical, mental or emotional. In this way it is important to keep daily stress levels under control to prevent small problems from accumulating with far worse consequences. So, has this article helped you reflect on your working life and how it is affecting you? Reflecting on this is essential to acknowledging what has affected you, so steps can be taken to avoid entering a cycle of wear and tear in all areas of the venue, as professional unhappiness affects personal life well-being.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
