Few of us have ever heard of such a thing as “burn-out.” And yet, it is nothing more than a state in which a person loses all motivation for action, as well as a sense of meaning in life. It is a state of mental exhaustion that can lead to depression
What is burn-out? Definition of the term
Burn-out is the term used to describe occupational burnout. This phenomenon can be compared to a state in which a person is no longer able to perform his duties effectively. It can be said to be a state in which a person “exhausts” himself mentally and physically.
Burn-out is increasingly being diagnosed among people working in various industries. This phenomenon can be seen especially among people working in such fields as health care, education, social service, law, banking. “Burn-out” can affect every sphere of life for the person who complains about it. It can cause problems at work, in relationships with other people, and also cause health problems.
Burn-out – elements of the phenomenon
Symptoms of burn-out can be very different and depend on the person in whom they appeared. Most often, however, the following symptoms can be distinguished:
- lack of motivation to perform work;
- a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness;
- a sense of guilt;
- a sense of mental and physical exhaustion;
- sleep problems;
- health problems, such as headaches, joint problems, heart problems;
- problems in relationships with other people;
- apathy, lack of interest;
- memory and concentration problems;
- irritability and nervousness.
Symptoms of “burn-out” may intensify gradually or suddenly. If symptoms worsen, it is worth consulting a doctor or psychologist who can diagnose and recommend treatment.
Causes – burn-out
The causes of burn-out can be many. However, the most common causes are as follows:
- working in a demanding and stressful environment;
- Lack of opportunities for professional development;
- lack of opportunities for rest and relaxation;
- excessive responsibility for the work performed;
- lack of support from superiors or co-workers;
- unclear or unrealistic expectations of employees;
- Lack of opportunities for contact with other people;
- social isolation;
- personal and family problems.
As you can see, the causes of “burn-out” can be many. Some of them are directly related to work, while others may be personal or family-related.
Burn-out – how to deal with it?
Burn-out is a state in which we feel overloaded, helpless and lost. We may feel that our life is just constant work and nothing else. In such a situation, it is easy to become depressed. That’s why it is so important that we are able to cope with this condition.
The first step is to realize that we have a problem. We can’t ignore the symptoms of burnout. If we feel overtired, without energy, have problems with sleep and appetite, and feel helpless and lost, it’s a sign that we should consult a doctor.
The next step is to change your lifestyle. It may turn out that the work we do is too stressful and demanding for us. In such a situation, it is worth thinking about changing jobs. If possible, it’s also worth increasing the amount of time we spend resting and relaxing. You should also keep in mind physical activity, which helps you relax and recuperate.
Coping with burnout is a difficult challenge, but it is not impossible. It is important that we are able to stop and notice that something is wrong. Then we can take steps to help us get back to normal functioning.