Burnout is more than just being tired. In
most cases of burnout, the body manifests some or other disease because the
mind has been overwhelmed and stressed for a long period. This stress build up
can happen over months or over years and the results are feelings of
powerlessness and hopelessness. Burnout is a total physical, mental, and
emotional energy drainer.
When you find that your usual stress coping
mechanisms are no longer meeting the demands of your daily life, it is a sign
that you are depleted and are at high risk of burning out.
Many people confuse exhaustion with
burnout. We are all likely to suffer from exhaustion at some point in our
lives. Unlike burnout, exhaustion is a physical condition that inadvertently affects
your mental state of mind. Most driven people suffer from exhaustion because
they want to do more than what the body is capable of. In most cases,
exhaustion is caused by factors such as long working hours, being up at night
with a sick child, or having an emotionally draining argument. In such
instances when the person has enough rest and sleep, preferably over a whole
weekend, their energy levels are restored to normal."
On the other hand, the main symptom of
burnout is constant and unabated fatigue but it is coupled with feelings of worthlessness,
lack of acknowledgement at work or at home, anxiety, and generally being overwhelmed
by life's challenges.
Who are candidates for burnout? While just
about anybody who feels like they are carrying the weight of the world on their
shoulders can suffer from burnout, some people are more prone to it. Usually
healthcare workers and police officers who have intense and emotionally charged
working environments are very susceptible to burnout because of the continually
stressful nature of their work. Candidates for burnout are most frequently
people with an A-type personality: ambitious, driven, strive too much for
perfection and expect everything to be done their way. These personality types are
more susceptible to burnout because they often feel disappointment that they
are not rewarded for their efforts.
There is no quick fix when it comes to
burnout and treatment is often a multi-pronged approach that involves serious
lifestyle changes, such as exercising, changing your diet and intense therapy,
or counselling. It is important to get psychological help to enable the brain
to form new neurological paths. This adjustment will bring about a different
response to the way the person handles situations. Burnout candidates must
learn to become pro-active instead of reactive, which results in impulsive
behaviour towards challenges and stress that will lead them right back down the
burnout route.
Positive self-talk and a positive support
structure is an important part of the healing process. It is also important for
people in recovery to get fresh air and exercise, and find time and space to
recharge their batteries. Depending on your work and your financial situation,
this might involve taking a sabbatical or extended sick leave.
