Help, am I burnt out? Understanding burnout and its symptoms

Where does the concept of burnout originate?

The term burnout was first coined by Herbert J. Freudenberger in 1974. During his research, he observed the staff of healthcare institutions and described the distinctive symptoms of burnout. Since then, the literature on this issue has been growing, and the syndrome has been identified in other professions, such as teachers, lawyers, customer service workers, and executives, and today it's even noted among newcomers and programmers.

What can cause its development?

According to the World Health Organization's definition, burnout is a syndrome resulting from improperly managed chronic workplace stress. Let's look at some key underlying causes—we can mention three main factors:

1. a lot of stress, chronic emotional strain, which can lead to emotional exhaustion,

2. low motivation at work, workplace dissatisfaction, which can lead to reduced performance,

3. strengthening of negative feelings and a cynical attitude towards work, which may bring about deteriorated quality of workplace relationships.

In addition to the above, if we are not recognized or appreciated at our workplace, or if our income is low, it can also play a role. Excessively long working hours and large responsibilities can also be risk factors. Those who work alone, without opportunities for professional exchange or supervision, are more vulnerable. Other risk factors include a lack of a supportive and motivational environment, limited career advancement opportunities, or the high proportion of administrative burdens compared to effective work. You can hear more about this in the interview with me below:

What symptoms might I notice?

The symptoms of burnout can vary and appear on physical, emotional, and mental levels. Most commonly, we can notice the following symptoms:

• physical exhaustion that doesn't go away with extra rest, like afternoon naps

• emotional exhaustion, instability

• reduced performance

• compulsion to prove oneself, followed by a negative attitude towards work

• social withdrawal, indifference

• reduced self-confidence, low self-esteem

• headaches, sleep disorders, digestive problems

• neglecting or putting aside our own mental and physical needs

• negative, cynical, malicious communication style

How can I prevent it, and how can employers help?

The primary way to manage burnout is to learn how to handle stressful situations. This can help tackle workplace problems but is useful in all areas of life. Stress management can be achieved through various methods and techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, as well as regular physical activity and setting personal boundaries. Time management is also essential to maintain work-life balance. Seeking out a professional is recommended if you feel it's difficult to manage stressful situations or detach from problems on your own.

Employers should focus on prevention to improve employee well-being. Measures like rotation changes, training, workshops within the company, and providing opportunities for employees to vent their stresses, such as through case discussions, professional development sessions, and supervision, can significantly help prevent burnout. It's important to emphasize the employee's sense of importance and significance at the workplace, and to provide opportunities for professional growth.

What else can I do?

Burnout syndrome primarily appears in a work context, but it can occur in other areas of life too, significantly affecting daily life, as well as an individual's physical and mental health. Therefore, it's essential to live consciously every day, pause occasionally amidst the daily grind, and ask yourself: how are we, how do we feel, and where are we going.