What is Burnout Syndrome?
Burnout syndrome refers to a state of exhaustion following on from long-term stress. Typically, this is work-related but burnout can occur in anyone overwhelmed by responsibilities. Some researchers believe that burnout is related to clinical depression given that both have similar symptoms (including a ‘hopeless’ mindset). Signs of burnout syndrome are listed below.
According to the American Psychological Association occupational burnout syndrome has been on the increase over the past three years. Partly this surge was due to the impact of lockdown, with health-care workers and teachers most affected.
Burnout syndrome was common in both these employment groups even before the lockdown. That may be due to the fact that these, and other groups where burnout is high, are employed by government agencies notorious for inefficient management, poor employee care, and chaotic work schedules.
However, I also see many clients with burnout who are middle/senior managers in business, board directors, or entrepreneurs working on their own. In such cases the main driver towards breakdown is workaholism. I will return to this subject below.
Signs of Burnout
Burnout syndrome is a creeping disease and early signs may not be apparent to the bearer. Rather like a frog boiling in a saucepan, sufferers may only awake to the danger too late.
Do any of these indicators apply to you?
- Physical and emotional exhaustion most days of the week.
- Self-neglect: with little personal time, exercise or a healthy diet.
- A grinding routine that has been in place for more than six months, in which each day is spent on a turn-mill of work.
- Difficulty in making decisions, procrastination, and a feeling of overwhelm.
- Cynicism about work and life (‘same ‘sh*t, different day’).
- Emotional disconnection from people around you (this may manifest as irritability, or numbness).
- Feeling trapped, frustrated and helpless.