BURNOUT
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It typically occurs when an individual feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands, whether they're related to work, personal life, or both.
The 3 Components of Burnout
Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling depleted emotionally, often accompanied by a sense of detachment or numbness.
Depersonalisation (Cynicism): Developing negative or cynical attitudes toward work, colleagues, and responsibilities.
Reduced Personal Accomplishment: Feeling ineffective, incompetent, or lacking in achievement despite putting in significant effort.
Burnout can have serious consequences for physical and mental health, as well as overall well-being. It can lead to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, irritability, and physical health problems like headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and weakened immune function.
Factors that contribute to burnout include:
High workload and excessive job demands
Lack of control or autonomy in one's work
Poor work-life balance
Unclear job expectations or role ambiguity
Inadequate support from colleagues or supervisors
Work-related conflicts or interpersonal issues
Burnout is not just limited to the workplace; it can also occur in other areas of life where there is chronic stress and overwhelm, such as caregiving responsibilities, academic pursuits, or personal relationships.
Preventing and managing burnout involves addressing underlying stressors, implementing effective coping strategies, setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and making necessary changes to restore balance and well-being. It's essential to recognise the signs of burnout early and take proactive steps to address them to prevent further deterioration of health and performance.