Psychologist Herbert Freudenberger coined the term "burnout" in the 1970s to describe a phenomenon that affects many people in helping professions, such as medicine. Today, experts know that burnout is not limited to helpers. It can happen to anyone who experiences stress over a long period of time.
Burnout is most common in work situations. However, it can also occur in people who don’t have traditional jobs, such as celebrities or stay-at-home parents. Burnout even occurs in college students.
Symptoms
Most of the symptoms of burnout are fairly mundane things that each of us experiences for a day or two. However, if you experience these symptoms daily over the long term, a diagnosis may be possible.
It starts slowly. Symptoms can be hard to notice at first. If left untreated, it will only get worse over time.
It manifests itself in physical, behavioral and emotional symptoms.
Physical symptoms include: Feeling exhausted, Noticeable changes in appetite, Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, Headaches, Muscle aches, Getting sick often, Digestive problems
Behavioral symptoms include: Feeling withdrawn, Isolating, Leaving work early or arriving late, Procrastinating more than usual, Abusing coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol, Being more irritable toward others, Markedly decreased performance (usually at work)
Emotional symptoms include: Feeling like a failure, Low self-esteem, Feeling trapped in the situation that burns you out, Lack of motivation, Cynical outlook, Negative thinking, Lack of fulfillment, Difficulty taking pride in achievements, Feeling alienated, Feeling alone
How does burnout differ from other mental disorders?
It has similar symptoms to other mental illnesses, such as depression. Sometimes it can feel a lot like exhaustion or general stress. How can you tell the difference?
Exhaustion vs. Burnout. Exhaustion is just one symptom of burnout. So even if you are completely exhausted, you don’t necessarily have burnout unless you recognize several of the other symptoms listed above.
Stress vs. Burnout. Too much stress can eventually lead to burnout , but just feeling stressed is not the same. When you feel stressed, you become hyperactive and try to get everything done. You have a sense of urgency and still believe that you can do anything. Anti-stress supplements can help you with this.
Burnout is when you lose energy and motivation. You feel helpless, you want to stop trying because you are so overwhelmed. You no longer believe that you can do everything you need to do.
Depression vs. Burnout. Feelings of burnout usually relate to a specific situation, often work. People who are burned out only feel hopeless about that specific situation. Depression often affects multiple or all aspects of life.
Causes of burnout
Risk factors for burnout include: Lack of work-life balance, Working too much overtime, Working as a care provider, Not having control over your work situation, Taking on too much, Repetitive tasks at work, Lack of recognition for achievements, Too much pressure at work, Perfectionistic tendencies, Generally having a pessimistic outlook
How to Manage Burnout
Seek support: We are very happy to see that the taboo around burnout is getting smaller. Talking about it with colleagues, friends and family members can be a great first step. Since the tendency with burnout is to withdraw, it can be easy to lose contact with people. Talking about your feelings in time makes the people around you aware of this.
Move: Moving your body is a great way to clear your mind. Exercise can also relieve the underlying physical stress that is causing your burnout.
Try mindful activities: Many people find meditation, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or other mindfulness practices helpful. These practices can help you become more aware of how you are feeling and can help manage mental stress.
Take a vacation: While not a long-term solution, taking a week or two off can provide temporary relief.
Change your work environment: Talk to your boss, manager, or HR about the work conditions that are causing you to burn out. If it’s your home environment that’s burning you out, talk to your partner and other people living in your home to see if you can improve the conditions there. If your burnout doesn’t go away, consider making drastic changes to your job or home environment.
Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential to protect and restore your body and mind. If your stress levels are preventing you from sleeping well, try improving your sleep hygiene or supporting your body with supplements.
Seek professional help: Talk to a professional in time. There are many burnout professionals today who can guide you appropriately. Your family doctor can be a good first point of contact. Some workplaces also offer free or cheaper coaching to their employees.
Pharmacist Dirk
Founder Metis Supplements
