Burnout Syndrome: Do you have it too? + How to overcome it

The term burnout syndrome refers to a state of mind on the verge of collapse.

A key factor is the accumulation of responsibilities, their failure to cope and gradually increasing stress. Physical difficulties join in and together create a deadlock.

It is made up of symptoms mostly at the psychological level, partly at the physical and social level.

It can make itself known at any time and in any of us.
It comes to us subtly, developing slowly. It causes a person's personality to crumble bit by bit.

If we don't realise it in time and take the necessary steps, the impact can be catastrophic.

Most frequently asked questions:
What is burnout syndrome?
What are its causes and symptoms?
Can it be treated and how can it be overcome?
We offer answers in this article.

The history of burnout syndrome

Fatigue, exhaustion, loss of performance, stress, insomnia, frustration, dissatisfaction... and we could go on and on. These are conditions that are not only known today. They were also known very well by people in the distant past. Mentally challenging conditions and the possibility of having difficulty controlling them is burdensome for the human personality as such.

The progression of the triggering factors and the individual's inability to cope and deal with them results in an excessive strain on the psyche, which is reflected in physical health.

Herbert Freudenberger

Burnout syndrome was first described in 1974 by the American psychoanalyst Herbert Freudenberger, who published it in the Journal of Social Issues. This article brought burnout syndrome to the attention of and excited other psychologists, who developed an unprecedented interest in the topic.

The carousel of interest led to his next detailed definition of burnout syndrome.

However, burnout, exhaustion, burnout were known even before this publication. Currently, there are several definitions of the same problem. However, the causes, the levels it affects (mental, physical, social), the manifestations and the consequences are the same.

What is burnout syndrome, how does it occur and how does it manifest itself?

Burnout syndrome = burnout syndrome = burn-out syndrome.

Burnout syndrome is a set of symptoms related to a loss of interest and enthusiasm, whether personal or professional. It occurs on different levels - emotional, mental, physical and social.

The levels of impairment may be intertwined or combined and build on each other. This syndrome is usually associated with burnout at work, but it is far from the only sphere in which it can develop.

It occurs mostly in people who work with other people, workaholics and perfectionists. The reason is very simple. This is a group of people who want to achieve their goals at any cost, or to achieve more and better results than others.

The initial idealistic and overly distorted enthusiasm leads them to be unable to admit later on the high burden and inability to accomplish the tasks. This is an imbalance between expectations and reality. The persistent stress that arises does not leave its consequences for long.

The overall course of burnout syndrome

Burnout is a phenomenon that has a beginning, a course and an end.

Edelwich and Brodsky's categorisation of the phases of burnout consists of five phases. The first phase is typically one of enthusiasm. The second phase of stagnation is a period in which enthusiasm declines. The third phase occurs, and this is the phase of frustration with a change of perspective on the meaning of work. The longer phase of frustration is followed by a phase of apathy in which helplessness prevails. This phase is beyond the patient's control.

The final phase is the phase of actual burnout and exhaustion of the organism on all levels.

1. the initial phase

The beginning is characterized by initial enthusiasm and subsequent failure to cope with the high demands placed on the individual. The high demands are directly responsible for the other person placing them on the person, but also the person's own personality, which wants to excel beyond what is manageable.

The enthusiasm usually doesn't last long, it wanes over time and we are offered a glimpse of the true reality.

2. stagnation

The initial enthusiasm becomes an overload on the body. The person cannot cope with the tasks assigned or does not keep up with them in time, which leads to chaotic behavior and permanent chronic stress. Stress is one of the most important factors in burnout.

Even an emotionally strong personality cannot handle excessive stress indefinitely.

3. frustration

It is stress that leads to frustration, which is responsible for the difficult course. A person exposed to permanent pressure often suffers from sleep disorders, mainly insomnia due to oppressive thoughts and constant imagining of solutions and possible solutions. Over time, anxiety states and depression arise due to the hopeless situation. The manifestations slip into the physical plane. The patient suffers mainly from chronic fatigue, lack of appetite, diarrhea or constipation.

The exhaustion of the organism is also exacerbated by weight loss.

This phase can last for many years.

The patient often reaches for an addictive substance (most often cigarettes and alcohol) to provide at least temporary relief. Many are at risk of developing an addiction. Chronic alcohol use exacerbates depression and aggressive behaviour towards others.

4. apathy

The patient gradually loses hope of coping with the situation. He or she ceases to concentrate on what was previously his or her primary goal, and there are disturbances in concentration and memory.

The initially eager individual becomes an irresponsible individual with a complete loss of interest in the subject matter.

The original belief that something must be done 100% gradually diminishes. Paradoxically, the opposite belief that nothing needs to be done is acquired.

There is complete helplessness and serious problems in interpersonal relationships associated with conflict situations. Often there is a loss of self-confidence and, as a consequence, a dehumanization of the other person or his abilities. The burnout tries to defend himself in this way, and still to come to the fore, but no longer by the quality of his own abilities.

5. burnout/exhaustion

A complete psychological breakdown occurs. The sufferer sets himself against everyone and the world. As a result of burnout syndrome, some emotionally unstable persons may develop more serious psychological difficulties, even psychiatric illness.

For example, they may develop some phobias, bipolar affective disorder and other personality disorders.

An even worse situation and the culmination of all this are suicidal tendencies, repeated thoughts of suicide, repeated suicide attempts and finally completed suicide.

How does the state of exhaustion manifest itself?

Emotional exhaustion

• psychological fatigue, exhaustion
• general dissatisfaction, irritability
• loss of interest, reduced work performance
• anxiety, feelings of helplessness
• depressive states, other psychological disorders up to suicidal tendencies
• tension and inability to relax
• interpersonal conflicts, withdrawal into solitude
• disturbances in concentration, self-distressing thoughts
• memory disorders as a result of stress and pressure
• low self-confidence, frustration
• psychological dependence on addictive substances
• hostility, aggressiveness
• dehumanisation of others as a defence mechanism

+

Physical exhaustion

• Physical fatigue - muscle weakness, cramps
• decline in physical performance (including sexual)
• Cardiovascular problems - high blood pressure, tachycardia
• respiratory problems - hyperventilation
• digestive disorders - appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, weight loss
• sleep disorders - insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking
• decline in immunity - susceptibility to infections
• physical dependence on addictive substances

Who is most at risk?

3 imaginary risk groups.

A common question is whether I might be at risk too. In the beginning, of course, no one thinks about it. However, over time, you may notice some changes in yourself. Are you in an at-risk group?

1. at-risk group

The causes described above plague the group of people at risk for burnout.

Mostly, those who are at risk are those who have too high demands on their performance in their profession, either their own or the increased demands of their employer. This is a job with enormous responsibility and serious consequences in the event of a mistake. Employees work with high commitment, with no room for error.

Most of the time it is working with people.

Risk groups include:

• Doctors
• nurses
• paramedics
• psychologists
• social workers
• teachers
• police officers
• firefighters
• or lawyers

2. risk factors - too much work + too little pay

This is not to say that other occupations are without any risk.

Also, an employer who has too many demands on his or her employee runs the risk of employee burnout.

One of the reasons for this is inadequate financial compensation, which is often a trigger for frustration, depression and demotivation.

The employee's performance automatically declines as a result. Understandably, he or she is not interested in doing the job responsibly and well.

This also happens in the case of work that is not worthy of his professional qualifications.

Circle 3

Last but not least, we can also include personalities who, with great initial enthusiasm and ideals, put their best into their profession, often sacrificing their personal life and privacy for their career.

These are, for example

• journalists
• actors
• singers
• reporters

The breakthrough comes when they grasp reality. The more they sacrifice, the more is demanded of them. The demands go over their heads, but still...

They are unable to admit that they cannot handle the situation.

How to prevent burnout syndrome

Prevention depends first and foremost on the person at risk and their emotional stability in the face of various external influences. Sometimes, however, it also depends on another person, such as the employer, which is not always easy to influence.

In milder cases and for emotionally stronger people, it is sufficient to keep a sufficient distance from people. This will minimise possible stress factors.

Choosing the right path is always guiding.

Sometimes big changes and major decisions have to be made to avoid a lot of misery. One of such changes is changing jobs if one cannot handle it and does not have the right motivation.

If we don't make the right decision in time, we may regret it later.

Prevention

• the most important thing is to set ourselves demands that we are able to meet
• not chasing success headlong
• to be able to say no when we know it's too much
• knowing how to cope with failure
• work as a team, not alone with a high ego
• to know how to motivate ourselves properly
• change work environment, job/employer if necessary
• choosing the right priorities
• cultivate good interpersonal relationships
• spend more time with people close to us
• sometimes a longer holiday and recharging is useful
• relaxation in the form of rest, music, sport
• talking to a psychologist

What to do when we are threatened by burnout syndrome?

If you cannot cope with the situation and you see changes in yourself, it is the right time to do something about it. In milder cases we can motivate ourselves again, or change our current job if it does not make us happy.

It's not an easy decision. It's more sensible than making yourself a human wreck when it's unbearable.

It helps to meet friends and relax, which is the best cure for an exhausted body. This helps not only in prevention, but also if burnout syndrome has already manifested itself in you.

In worse cases, it is necessary to see a psychologist or psychiatrist and talk openly about your difficulties. There are many outpatient clinics that will be happy to help you.

Psychotherapy has proved very useful for burnout, even without the need for psychopharmaceuticals.

One of the options is the internet, where an online specialist can help you with advice or a reassessment of your condition. There are also telephone lines that you can call at any time to discuss your problem anonymously with a specialist.

There are plenty of options. You just need to take advantage of them and stop telling yourself that nothing is happening or that it can't happen to you.