Burnout

What is Burnout (syndrome)?

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic work-related stressWhat is stress? From a clinical perspective, stress is a phy... More and is an increasingly relevant phenomenon in mental healthWhat is meant by mental health? According to the World Healt... More and social sciences. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized burnout as a syndrome. Today, following the revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), burnout is considered an “occupational phenomenon.”

How does it manifest and what are the possible consequences?

Recognizing burnout is the first and most important step toward overcoming it. It allows timely intervention, prevents symptoms from worsening, and also teaches how to avoid the same condition in the future. The symptoms of burnout can vary from person to person but commonly include:

1. Physical exhaustion: persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, and physical health problems.
2. Emotional exhaustion: feelings of sadness, depressionDepression is a disorder characterized by persistent sadness... More, irritability, and disinterest in work.
3. Mental exhaustion: difficulty concentrating, loss of creativity, and feelings of helplessness.
4. Behavioral changes: social withdrawal, increased substance use, neglect of work responsibilities, and declining performance.

Burnout can have serious consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health. It can lead to disorders such as depression, anxietyAnxiety is an emotional response characterized by feelings o... More, hypertension, and increase the risk of heart disease. In the workplace, it can cause decreased performance, increased absenteeism, and higher staff turnover.

What are the causes?

Burnout can be caused by a combination of personal, work-related, and organizational factors. Some of the main causes include:

• Excessive workload: a constant and high workload can lead to depletion of physical and mental resources.
• Toxic work environment: a workplace characterized by conflicts, lack of support, bullyingAlthough there is no universally agreed-upon definition of b... More, or discrimination can increase the risk of burnout.
• Lack of control over one’s work: the inability to influence decisions or one’s work can generate feelings of helplessness and frustration.
• Poor work-life balance: working too long without adequate rest can lead to social isolation and weakened personal relationships.

Which professions are most affected?

Burnout is not limited to specific professions and can occur in any sector with high pressure or chronic stress. Some professions are at higher risk due to factors such as stress level, pressure, long working hours, and the emotionally demanding nature of the job.

• Healthcare professions: doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other healthcare workers often face long shifts, heavy workloads, and difficult decisions that affect patients’ lives.
• Teachers: deal with challenges such as classroom management, pressure from parents, and maintaining students’ attention.
• Educators and social workers: work with individuals and families in difficult situations, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and family problems.
• Call center operators: pressure to quickly resolve customer issues and manage continuous calls can cause chronic stress.
• Lawyers: often work long hours, face stressful deadlines, and must manage constant pressure from legal cases.
• Emergency responders: police officers, firefighters, and emergency service workers face high-stress situations and are often exposed to trauma.
• Information technology workers: may be subjected to long hours, tight deadlines, and the need to solve complex technical problems.

How to recover from burnout?

Overcoming burnout requires time, commitment, and a combination of treatments and remedies. There is no quick solution, but with adequate support and the right strategies, it is possible to recover and enjoy a balanced and satisfying life again.

• Recognize and accept burnout: the first step is to acknowledge that you are experiencing burnout and accept it. This can be difficult, but it is essential for starting self-care.
• Set priorities: reflect on what is truly important in your life and establish priorities. Learn to say no to unnecessary or excessive commitments.
• Restore a healthy work-life balance: dedicate more time to activities that relax and rejuvenate you.
• Practice relaxation and rest: this can include meditationThere are many ways to define meditation, but perhaps the si... More, yoga, moderate physical exercise, or simply moments of quiet.
• Improve your diet and exercise regularly: a balanced diet and physical activity significantly impact your energy and mental health.
• Seek support: don’t try to face burnout alone. Talk with trusted friends, family, or colleagues, or seek help from a professional. A therapist or psychologist can help you understand the causes of your distress and develop strategies to cope.

How to prevent burnout?

Preventing burnout requires a holistic approach involving work-life balance, self-care, and specific strategies. Some guidelines include:

• Learn to recognize early signs: being aware of stress signals is crucial for early intervention. These signs may include constant fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and depression.
• Set clear boundaries: learn to say no when necessary. Do not accept more responsibilities than you can handle without compromising your well-being.
• Set realistic goals: in both work and personal life, establish achievable goals. This helps avoid frustration and feelings of inadequacy.