Burnout – What is it and are you in danger of having it?

Burnout is a buzzword in recent years but it’s far more than feeling tired after a long week. Burnout is the result of ‘chronic workplace stress, followed by exhaustion, increased negativity, and reduced performance’. But its far more than that as and there is far more at risk than we think.

What are the symptoms of burnout?

Burnout can be filled with complex symptoms with everything from severe exhaustion, cognitive issues such as forgetfulness, trouble focusing, and difficulty retaining information to even a complete loss of passion for living. It doesn't just impact work and can contribute to anxiety, insomnia, and increased rates of depression. Physically, it can lower immunity.

So, is burnout depression?

Burnout and depression often look similar, but aren’t identical. Burnout feels more like helplessness and overwhelm, while depression is a feeling of no hope to carry on and no sense of fulfillment.

There are also biological differences as depression is usually linked to higher cortisol (the stress hormone) and burnout is linked to lower cortisol, meaning your stress response is blunted over time.

What are the signs you could be burnt out?

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It creeps in slowly, and you may not notice the changes until you are overwhelmed. Typical signs include withdrawal from friendships, over worrying, low concentration, taking a longer time to finish tasks, unrefreshed sleep, feeling stuck, stagnation or diminished productivity

Who is at Risk?

Burnout can affect anyone, but studies show there are certain professions and personalities that are more vulnerable. These all seem to need huge amounts of concentration in a full-on job such as doctors and nurses, teachers, police, emergency workers and lawyers just to name a few professions.

The reason is that these fields tend to attract personalities that are perfectionist, conscientious and super reliable due to what is asked of them in their career. Nevertheless, there are many other people passionate in their field that are also at risk.

How does this impact employers?

Employers have a legal obligation to minimise work stress by managing high workloads, long hours, and unrealistic expectations. It is important to have an open dialogue with your staff and speak clearly if you notice early signs of something. Burnout can cost you many good employees if you are not alert and paying attention to your employee’s health and reactions.

How is burnout treated?

Burnout is treated by taking a proper break from the environment causing the issue. Addressing the concerns of your staff if you are a manager, self-care and therapy if it’s personally affecting you and learning new tools. These include lifestyle changes and returning to work with a better, healthier perspective and a feeling of renewal. Here at Stressfree Management® we assist individuals and companies to work on burnout and eliminate it from staff and individuals. We help make that shift to improve your health but it is up to you to take the first steps.

Talk to management about taking some time off, confide in a friend or call and make an appointment for a trusted professional to assist you in setting up future, realistic expectations of yourself. Also, we can assist you to begin a regular exercise routine, teach you meditation and mindfulness, help you with better food choices and help you get a good night’s sleep. We also have techniques we can teach you to let go of those past worries and intrusive thoughts.

Burnout is real, serious, and common but it’s also treatable. Recognise the signs early and take action. It can save your health, your career, and your wellbeing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or like you’re losing your passion, it might be time to pause, reassess, and reach out for support. You deserve a career and a life that doesn’t burn you out. Contact us today to see how we can help www.stressfreehealthmanagement.com