Let's Talk About Burnout!
We hear the term "burnout" often, yet sometimes we don't use it accurately. At times, we call something burnout that isn't, and other times, we might not even notice when we're in the thick of it. In today's blog post, I'd like to bring the topic of burnout closer to you from a coaching and counseling perspective, so we can gain a clearer understanding of what it actually is. Although I've gone through this process myself, burnout treatment is a specialized area, and for serious help, I recommend seeing a psychologist. However, for support in recovery or exploring new career options, consulting a career counselor can be beneficial.
So, what exactly is burnout?
Burnout, or "burnout syndrome," is mental and physical exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress. It's important to differentiate between burnout and simple fatigue; burnout is much deeper and requires a more comprehensive approach. It often manifests in negative feelings about work, relationships, and even toward oneself.
Initially, burnout was thought of as a condition only affecting managers, but today it can happen to anyone, regardless of age or profession. Symptoms can include feelings of emptiness, apathy, fatigue, and issues with self-esteem. In more severe cases, burnout can lead to dependency on substances like alcohol or drugs and even gambling addiction. That's why it's crucial to recognize the signs early and take action to stop the process.
Burnout has four stages:
1. Initial Enthusiasm: Often seen among new workers, characterized by over-enthusiasm, frequent overtime, and the need to prove oneself. If left unchecked, it can lead toward burnout.
2. Exhaustion and disillusionment: Excessive workloads lead to fatigue and a lack of motivation.
3. Frustration and disappointment: Feelings of dissatisfaction are common, along with psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches or sleep disturbances.
4. Apathy: A sense of hopelessness and withdrawal dominates. People often find themselves caught in a cycle of enthusiasm followed by exhaustion, making it difficult to break free.
Fighting burnout requires timely intervention, as simply changing jobs might not fully resolve the problem. Next week, I'll share my own journey through these stages and how I managed to overcome them.