Burn out

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when an individual feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, the individual begins to lose interest and motivation that led them to take on a certain role in the first place.

Definition

Burnout is not a medical diagnosis. Some experts think that other conditions, such as depression, are behind burnout. Some research suggests that many people who experience symptoms of job burnout don't believe their jobs are the main cause. Whatever the cause, job burnout can affect your physical and mental health.

Causes

Burnout can result from various factors, including:

• Lack of control. An inability to influence decisions that affect your job — such as your schedule, assignments or workload — could lead to job burnout. So could a lack of the resources you need to do your work.
• Unclear job expectations. If you're unclear about the degree of authority you have or what your supervisor or others expect from you, you're not likely to feel comfortable at work.
• Dysfunctional workplace dynamics. Perhaps you work with an office bully, or you feel undermined by colleagues or your boss micromanages your work. This can contribute to job stress.
• Extremes of activity. When a job is monotonous or chaotic, you need constant energy to remain focused — which can lead to fatigue and job burnout.
• Lack of social support. If you feel isolated at work and in your personal life, you might feel more stressed.

Symptoms

Burnout symptoms can be physical, emotional, and behavioral. Physical symptoms include feeling tired and drained most of the time, lowered immunity, frequent illnesses, and frequent headaches or muscle pain. Emotional symptoms can include a sense of failure and self-doubt, feeling helpless, trapped, and defeated, detachment, feeling alone in the world, and loss of motivation. Behavioral symptoms can include withdrawing from responsibilities, isolating from others, procrastinating, using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope, and taking out your frustrations on others.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing burnout is about managing stress. This can be done through a variety of methods, including:

• Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.
• Regular physical activity.
• Eating a healthy diet.
• Getting plenty of sleep.
• Taking regular breaks from work or other stressors.
• Seeking support from friends, family, and mental health professionals.

Treatment for burnout often involves lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, improving diet, getting more sleep, and reducing stress. In some cases, therapy or medication may be recommended.

See Also

• Stress (biology)
• Occupational burnout
• Work–life balance
• Psychological stress
• Occupational stress

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