What is Burnout Syndrome?
Burnout syndrome is a state of mental and physical exhaustion that reduces the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment an individual normally derives from work, personal relationships and family life, and leads to the belief that individual identity has been lost. It is also a problem caused by work stress.
Burnout syndrome can occur in individuals who are constantly exposed to stressors such as working long hours, caring for a sick family member, coping with stressful work conditions. It is not always easy for the individual or their environment to recognize the presence of burnout syndrome.
Although burnout syndrome is not a medical diagnosis, it is a concept defined by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s. This syndrome refers to a serious state of stress that leads to severe physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. Burnout syndrome is a much more severe mental state than ordinary fatigue and can affect the ability to fulfill daily responsibilities, making it difficult to cope with stress.
Individuals suffering from burnout syndrome often feel as if they are no longer able to contribute to society and may sometimes even avoid performing activities of daily living. They may also adopt a pessimistic outlook and constantly feel hopeless. If left untreated for a long time, burnout syndrome can lead to serious physical or psychological illnesses such as depression, heart disease and diabetes.
What Causes Burnout Syndrome?
Burnout syndrome is particularly associated with work and work stress. Burnout syndrome can occur when work-related stress spills over into other areas of life. Even when life outside work is enjoyable, work stress can lead to burnout. Moreover, burnout syndrome and depression can trigger each other.
Individuals who consistently work under high levels of stress, especially professionals such as emergency responders, doctors and nurses, are more prone to burnout syndrome. Likewise, individuals caring for children, the sick or the elderly can also experience this kind of extreme fatigue. In addition, individuals with a constant need for control, perfectionism and “Type A” personality traits can increase the risk of burnout syndrome.
Symptoms
What are the Symptoms of Burnout Syndrome?
Among the symptoms that can be seen in an individual experiencing burnout syndrome is primarily exhaustion. This can be described as a feeling of both physical and emotional exhaustion. Physical symptoms may include headaches, abdominal pain, appetite or sleep disturbances.
The feeling of being overwhelmed is common among individuals suffering from burnout syndrome. This can lead to an unwillingness to socialize, trust friends, family members or colleagues. The individual may have thoughts of quitting and running away from work or responsibilities. In extreme cases, the person may turn to harmful behaviors such as substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption or overeating to relieve emotional pain.
Burnout syndrome can cause individuals to become more impatient and irritable in social relationships. Stress factors that may be considered normal can become a difficult obstacle for the individual to overcome when things do not go as planned. Burnout syndrome can have a negative impact on the immune system, making people more susceptible to illnesses such as colds, flu or insomnia. It can also facilitate the development of common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
What are the Stages of Burnout Syndrome?
Burnout syndrome does not become apparent immediately, like a sudden onset of physical illness, but goes through several stages. Psychologists Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North have described the stages of burnout syndrome.
Excessive Drive / Ambition: It is the first stage of burnout syndrome. Generally, individuals who start a new job or take on a new task have excessive ambition and desire to work.
Overworking oneself: Ambition in the first stage may push the individual to work more.
Neglecting one’s own needs: In this stage, the individual ignores self-care steps such as regular sleep, exercise and a healthy diet.
Attributing Problems to Others: The individual attributes their own stress to their employer, job or colleagues.
Social Isolation: The individual begins to avoid social activities and isolate themselves.
Impatience with People: The individual may become more impatient and accusatory towards others.
Apathy and Emptiness: The individual feels disconnected from life and the ability to control it.
Depression: The individual becomes depressed, feels hopeless and life loses meaning.
Mental or Physical Breakdown: In this stage, the individual may lose the ability to cope in general.
Treatment Methods
How to Prevent and Treat Burnout Syndrome?
Some steps can be taken to prevent and treat burnout syndrome:
Exercise: Regular exercise is important for both physical and emotional health. Simple walks or daily exercise habits can help prevent burnout syndrome.
Balanced Nutrition: A healthy diet is important for the body and mind. Consumption of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids can improve emotional well-being.
Healthy Sleep Pattern: Developing regular sleep habits can help protect an individual from burnout syndrome.
Seeking Help: It is important to seek support during stressful times. Getting support from the environment can be effective in coping with stress and burnout.
How to Support Individuals with Burnout Syndrome?
Offering support to an individual suffering from burnout syndrome can help ease the emotional burden. Here are some steps you can take in this regard:
Listen: First of all, it is important to listen to the individual and try to understand the difficulties they are experiencing.
Validating Feelings: It is important to understand and validate that the individual’s feelings and concerns are valid.
Practical Help: If the individual has needs in their daily life, you can help to meet these needs.
Small Gestures: It is important to make small gestures of kindness to the individual, to remind them and offer support.
Burnout syndrome is a serious problem and may require significant support.
