A burnout is a set of symptoms that results from a condition of chronic and persistent stress, associated with the work context.
A burnout is an adaptation syndrome, so it is not a disease, but could eventually lead to more complex pathologies to deal with such as depression or various addictions. For this reason, it should not be underestimated, and professional intervention is needed.
A person suffering from a burnout, needs a gradual program that embraces an overall well-being, starting from physical well-being and followed by mental and social well-being interventions.
But let us start from the beginning. What is a burnout?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic stress associated with the work context, which cannot be managed.
The burnout syndrome is characterized by a series of phenomena of fatigue, disappointment and unproductivity that result in prostration and disinterest in one's daily professional activity.
And what are the causes?
Burnout should be understood as a multifactorial process that can affect all people, but also every workplace. This form of exhaustion is determined by a condition of chronic stress placed in a work context and/or resulting from it, in which an imbalance between professional needs and available resources is perceived.
Burnout syndrome is supported, therefore, by an experience of demotivation, disappointment, and disinterest. The intense pace, pressing demands and work responsibility combined with the tendency to identify with one's profession often led to a large investment of energy and resources which, over time, can facilitate the appearance of this form of exhaustion.
What are the symptoms of burn-out?
Burn-out syndrome is characterized by a rapid decay of psychophysical resources and a worsening of professional performance.
Burnout almost never manifests itself suddenly but is the result of a gradual process that develops over time. At the beginning, the worker finds himself strongly supporting the tasks assigned to him, to maintain his ability to perform. However, the heavy workload associated with a few stages of rest can result in real mental exhaustion.
In most cases burnout, develops in a sneaky way: often, those who suffer from it do not notice it and consider normal the first alarm bells, such as insomnia, headache, stomachache, impatience for shifts and little motivation for carrying out work.
A characteristic sign of the burnout is that the person cannot recover despite the possibilities of rest (in the evening, at the weekend, on vacation, etc.).
The manifestations of burn-out syndrome are numerous and varied, but three characteristics are always present:
- A physical and mental exhaustion
- A mental detachment
- Reduced professional effectiveness.
Burnout syndrome is a situation of severe discomfort, not only for the subject, but also for colleagues and relatives, and can have several consequences in daily life.
Burnout can also lead to alcohol, food, medication or psychoactive substance abuse. If no action is taken, isolation, self-harm and impoverishment of relationship life, anxiety disorders, panic crises and depression may occur.
Some tips to prevent a burnout:
- Respect your needs (sleep, food, physical activity, etc.) and remarry enough in moments of recovery after work: the important thing is to carve out time to do this likes;
- Set reasonable objectives, without demanding too much of yourself;
- When the amount of work really seems excessive, define priorities with your superior or, if possible, delegate to others some of the tasks to be completed;
- Learn to have healthy conflicts with colleagues and adopt a proactive attitude;
- Lead a healthy lifestyle (sports, diet, etc.) for greater resilience in dealing with any kind of stressful experience.
Do not hesitate to contact me in case you want to have more information for you or someone you know!
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