Burnout syndrome is an increasingly inflected phrase. What is more pathetic is that this phenomenon is becoming more and more widespread. Why does it happen and how can we prevent it?

Burnout syndrome – the silent killer

The term burnout was introduced by the American psychoanalyst Herbert J. Freudenberger in 1974, when he described it in the Journal of Social Issues. He described it through working with volunteers working in facilities that provided palliative care for patients. And exactly these health care workers were affected by burnout syndrome. It is defined as a state of physical, emotional, psychological and mental exhaustion.

The reason of existence of this disease is life in a hectic times, in which the emphasis is on performance, success, achieving the best results, excessive perfectionism without compensating with rest. We face the well-established statement “The one who does not burn will not burn out.” Most often, this disease affects people with great enthusiasm for work, who take a lot on their shoulders. Paradoxically, this person loses this enthusiasm and replaces it with frustration and disgust, a lack of energy and ultimately a loss of meaning in life.

Some professions more at risk

Burnout syndrome also depend on the particular profession of a person. It is most threatening to people who come into intensive contact with other people or who have a lot of responsibilities. Mainly we are talking about people working in health, education and social services. On the other hand, it does not avoid any profession and can happen to everyone indiscriminately. Persistent stress contributes to burnout syndrome, which gradually results in its onset.

How do you know you’ve fallen into a trap?

Burnout is accompanied by a number of manifestations and symptoms. It is possible that you are afflicted if you notice symptoms on yourself such as:

  • total exhaustion – physical symptoms include headaches, heart ache, stomach problems or troubles with sleeping,
  • withdrawing into isolation and cutting off social contacts,
  • irritability or aggression thatyou cannot control,
  • Increased morbidity – the immune system is weakened, which manifests itself as susceptibility to disease,
  • loss of joy, depression to despair.

Stages of burnout syndrome

According to Christina Maslach, the burnout syndrome model has four phases:

Enthusiasm and overloading

The first phase is characterised by something, which later leads to a catastrophe. And that is idealistic enthusiasm, one wants to give oneself away, one wants to work very intensely and to the best of one’s ability. What drives the person to do all this is a huge desire for self-realisation.

Emotional and physical overload

At this stage, exhaustion gradually begins to manifest itself. The affected person is unable to set priorities, has doubts, fatigue is weighing on him/her. Even then it is a good idea to go to a specialist, which is often not possible. As this phase manifests itself as a denial of the problem, which is a defense mechanism. On the other hand, in today’s hurried times, we don’t even notice our gloomy mood, which gradually grows into worse phases.

Dehumanizing other people as protection against burnout

In the affected person, we can observe hatred and anger towards others, loss of interest, problems with empathy towards others and poor relationships.

Going against everyone and everything – burnout

In the last stage, strong negativism and indifference are present. There is a complete breakdown and abandonment, as well as a susceptibility to somatic diseases.

In the same way, we divide the problems associated with the syndrome into :

  • primary – person works more and more, but does not feel enthusiasm. He/she’s in the mood to drop everything. She / He even tends to stimulate himself with substances like alcohol, tranquilizers, coffee. Experiencing sudden outbursts of anger or emotion in the form of crying.
  • acute – they feel that they cannot overcome anger and rage. Health problems appear or the first feelings that he has no desire to live and would rather die.
  • chronic – avoid work duties. Thoughts of death intensify, the person refuses to talk to family about their problems or gives notice at work. She is unable to admit to problems.

Prevention

We must try to prevent this negative phenomenon, because it can have fatal consequences. It is not just a matter of simple overwork. It is necessary to spend a lot of time with the loved ones. Bet on a healthy lifestyle. It is advised to go for a walk and experience being in nature, where you can recharge your energy. The ideal prevention step is to do some sport activity (running, swimming, yoga). It can be anything you enjoy. Devote yourself to yourself, find time for yourself. Run in for a facial cosmeticcs, a massage or a beer with friends. Psychohygiene is most important. If you’re feeling tired, take a few days off and visit a desired destination. Avoid routines that kill, and plan in advance how you will spend your free time. Avoid workaholism and perfectionism.

In Atena we are taking steps to prevent exhaustion and overwork. We regularly go to teambuildings, to clear our heads of work responsibilities.

Burnout syndrome and return to normal life

The basic step to break out of the vicious circle is to admit that something is wrong with us. The solution is to find a balance between work and relaxation. You need to find a time when you are not dealing with work or any stressful matters. Don’t take your work home. If you are already suffering from the disease, try to devote yourself to what used to make you happy. If you feel that you are in need of professional help, don’t be ashamed to contact a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will help you get back to your normal life. They are here for you and have experience with the disease.

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