Feb 25, 2023 6:14:43 AM | Emotional Well-being Burnout - Causes and Solutions

In recent months, we have been reading a lot about people suffering from burnout.  Usually a term associated with work related stress from putting in long hours, today it is no longer lawyers and bankers who are suffering from burnout but everyday people like you and I. 

Understandably many key workers such as doctors, nurses and care workers have been signed off due to burnout. 

What is Burnout?

"Burnout" is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It is characterised by feelings of cynicism and detachment, reduced productivity, and a lack of accomplishment and satisfaction. 

The concept of burnout has been around for decades, but it has become increasingly recognised and discussed in recent years. In the 1970s, Herbert Freudenberger, an American psychologist, wrote a book about the phenomenon and coined the term "burnout" to describe the physical and emotional exhaustion that can be caused by prolonged stress. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognised burnout as a medical condition in 2019 and defined it as "a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed."

What Causes It?

Burnout can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overwork, lack of control, and a lack of support. It's a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a lack of accomplishment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major source of stress and disruption for people around the world. Many people have had to adapt to working from home, home-schooling their children, and dealing with financial uncertainty. The pandemic has also led to social isolation, disrupted routines, and a constant sense of uncertainty about the future. All of these factors can contribute to burnout, which is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress. Burnout can make it difficult to function in daily life and can lead to a sense of detachment, cynicism, and decreased productivity. The pandemic has exacerbated many of the risk factors for burnout, including high workload, lack of social support, and chronic stress, making it a common experience for many people in the post-COVID world.

Signs & Symptoms of burnout include:

• Physical and emotional exhaustion
• Cynicism and detachment
• A sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment
• Symptoms of depression and anxiety

To help prevent and manage burnout, you can:

• Prioritize self-care
• Set boundaries
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Seek professional help
• Prioritize activities that you enjoy
• Engage in regular physical exercise and healthy eating habits
• Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist
• Learn to say "no" to unnecessary commitments

It's important to note that burnout is a serious condition that can have long-lasting effects on physical and mental health, and it is important to address it as soon as possible...

If you are experiencing burnout, it is important to seek professional help and create a plan to manage and reduce stress in your life.

Further Resources
Burnout is a prevalent concern in modern work life, and it has been addressed in various TED and TEDx talks. Here are two talks that specifically focus on burnout and strategies to avoid it:

1. "How to Make Work-Life Balance Work" by Nigel Marsh (TEDxSydney)

   • Nigel Marsh presents a humorous and poignant talk on the importance of work-life balance and how to avoid burnout. He provides personal insights and tips on how to find a fulfilling balance between work, personal time, and family.
   • Watch the talk here
     
     

2. "Burnout and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Dr. Geri Puleo at TEDxSetonHillUniversity"

   • Dr. Geri Puleo discusses the correlations between burnout, PTSD, and the working environment. She explores why people burn out, the symptoms, and how organizational change and personal awareness can prevent it.
   • Watch the talk here

Both talks offer unique insights and practical advice on recognizing the signs of burnout and implementing strategies to prevent it, which can be beneficial for individuals and organizations alike.

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As the number of cases of burnout continue to rise, many still do not understand what the signs and symptoms are. 

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