What is it?
Burnout occurs when a person feels overwhelmed by work and/or social circumstances and is unable to cope due to high levels of stress and emotional and physical exhaustion. Experiencing burnout can cause a person to feel unmotivated and extremely unhappy. High stress levels in all areas of life can reduce productivity and interrupt normal work, family and social relationships. It may also have an adverse affect on one’s health. It may be caused by lack of control, job boredom or monotony, extreme pressure to meet constant and excessive demands and lack of recognition.
Who is at Risk?
People who are dealing with a stressful environment on a daily basis, who must fulfill certain objectives and are under pressure due to time, financial or employer constraints. These people could be executive high flyers or even carers for the disabled. Any job or environment that can become monotonous and make a person feel like their achievements go unrecognized has the potential to increase the likelihood of burnout.
Signs of Burnout
Early signs of burnout relate closely to high levels of stress and the mental rather than physical state of a person’s well-being. Feelings like frustration, hopelessness, irritability and lack of emotional energy are all early signs. As they are also feelings experienced with depression fast diagnosis and early prevention of further burnout is required to
Introduce positive change. As the state of burnout progresses physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, weight gain or weight loss may manifest and a person is at higher risk of developing extreme mental depression and even other emotional problems, for example, anxiety attacks.
Prevention
Burnout can be prevented or alleviated with the same methods used to combat stress. Having good physical health and maintaining strong relationships within the family and workplace will ensure a foundation of support, if and when it’s needed. A person that can socialize and connect with like-minded people is able to relax easier and counter stress more effectively. To prevent burnout a person may request different duties in a monotonous job or indeed make a career change altogether. A clear expectation of work duties may help as will a clean and relaxed office environment. If the first signs of burnout are being experienced, a person may reassess personal and private life goals and realise and set limits on their capabilities in certain situations. Taking regular breaks may help reduce stress in a highly demanding work environment. Once burnout has occurred, positive changes may be undertaken through counselling, doctor’s advice and help from family and friends. The best defense against burnout is for a person to remain connected with others and practice good communication within work, social and family circles.
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