Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Do you feel like you can’t keep up with everything on your plate? You may be experiencing burnout. It is a condition that can occur when someone has been putting in long hours and is constantly under stress. If left untreated, burn-out can lead to depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems. Learn more about burn-out and how to prevent it in this blog post.
Is occupational burnout dangerous?
Occupational burnout has been associated with a number of adverse health outcomes, including increased risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and other stress-related disorders. Burnout may also lead to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism from work. The emotional exhaustion caused by burnout can also lead to marital and family problems. In short, yes, occupational burnout can be dangerous if left untreated.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can lead to detachment from work, cynicism, and decreased productivity.
The symptoms of burnout can be different for each individual, but common signs include feelings of emptiness, sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, irritability or anger, lack of energy or enthusiasm, and problems with concentration or decision-making.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs for more than two weeks straight and they’re disrupting your daily life, it’s time to take action. Seek out professional help if the problem persists.
Causes:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), occupational burnout is a syndrome caused by long-term work-related stress, characterized by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism about one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy. It is not a recognized medical condition or mental illness according to the World Health Organization. “The term burnout refers specifically to occurrences in the occupational setting and should not be used to describe events in other areas of life,” according to the World Health Organization.
It often results from chronic stress that has not been effectively managed. The most common causes of it are work-related, but personal problems can also lead to it.
Work-related factors that can contribute to burnout include long hours, low pay, job insecurity, poor working conditions, and unrealistic expectations. Personal problems that can lead to burnout include marital or relationship conflicts, financial difficulties, health problems, and caring for a sick family member.
Treatment:
There are many ways to prevent occupational burnout. One way is to take regular breaks throughout the day. This will help you to refresh and rejuvenate your mind and body. You can also try to set realistic goals for yourself, and do your best not to overload yourself. Additionally, it’s important to have a good work/life balance, so make sure you schedule time for both work and relaxation. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Friends or family members can be a great resource when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Therapeutic approaches for preventing it have usually focused on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive restructuring, didactic stress management, and relaxation. The most evidence-based techniques for managing or reducing burnout in a healthcare setting are CBT, relaxation techniques (including physical tactics and mental skills), and changes to the schedule. In medical practitioners, mindfulness therapy has been found to be helpful in preventing occupational burnout. The most effective way to combat symptoms may be to combine both organizational and personal activities. CBT, on the other hand, has received less evidence for effectiveness in healthcare workers. However, a Cochrane analysis found that CBT’s quality of evidence was low, placing it equal to or worse than alternative therapies.
The treatment of it will vary depending on the individual. However, some common treatments for it include taking a break from work, seeking counseling or therapy, and engaging in relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. Additionally, it is important to make time for self-care and to ensure that you are getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrients.
The treatments of burnout can vary, but often include some combination of the following:
- Antidepressants.
- Therapy.
- Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet.
- Stress management techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
- Time off work.
Last Updated on December 9, 2022 by Lucas Berg
