“Burnout”is a term derived from English that means “to burn out.” It refers to a phase in which a woman or a man is plagued by emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. Performance declines dramatically, and depression and aggression are further consequences. Stress that can no longer be managed, as well as feeling overwhelmed or facing excessive pressure at work, are the most common causes of burnout syndrome. Following this initial overview, we’d like to explain in more detail what this condition entails.
History of Burnout Syndrome
In 1974, psychoanalyst H. Freudenberger introduced this term. According to him, a particularly high workload combined with a very high level of personal commitment leads to frequent illness, inability to work, and early retirement. He observed this primarily among professionals such as doctors, nurses, teachers, and childcare workers.
Warning Signs of Burnout
- Working almost nonstop and not allowing yourself any time to relax
- Thinking one is indispensable
- Too Much Activity
- Focus mainly on being there for others and stop thinking only of yourself
- Difficulty concentrating and sleep disorders
- Persistent Fatigue
- Failures are suppressed
The Stages of Burnout Syndrome
The initial phase is characterized by the warning signs mentioned above. After that, the affected person typically withdraws into themselves:
- Positive feelings are lost
- People want to avoid contact with others
- You constantly blame yourself and others
- You often feel as though you're not appreciated enough, but rather neglected
- Negative attitudes are becoming widespread
Following this, the emotional and social lives of those affected level off noticeably:
- Indifference
- Lack of interest in any topics
- Excessive attachment to specific people
- Or focusing on yourself
The final stage of burnout syndrome is characterized by utter despair. You feel helpless and at the mercy of circumstances. It can also lead to viewing everything as meaningless, and in the worst-case scenario, it can result in suicide.
Possible Causes of Burnout Syndrome
- Requirements and resources are not balanced
- Personality traits such as perfectionism, anxiety, or the compulsion to help others
- Social reasons such as a job change, unclear career goals, etc.
- Family or personal problems—because in those cases, for example, you might want to make up for lost income
Tips for Preventing Burnout Syndrome
People who are at risk of developing burnout should set aside enough time for themselves. Hobbies such as sports or music can be very helpful and provide a good balance to work. If you’d like, you can also try yoga to help you relax.
It is always important for those around the employee to be attentive and help alleviate the strain. Managers and employers should take steps to ensure that employees do not develop burnout syndrome and, of course, comply with occupational safety laws.
