The term burnout has been on everyone’s lips for a long time and is used all too lightly. So it is actually not surprising that many doubt the seriousness of burnout syndrome. Together with the still lack of recognition of mental illnesses for what they are – namely illnesses – this perception soon led to the burnout syndrome being pushed by quite a few into the corner of ridicule, of wanting to shirk performance and hypochondria.
This makes it all the more important to keep reminding people and creating awareness that burnout syndrome is a state of pronounced emotional exhaustion with reduced performance, which can lead to serious mental disorders that are associated with a lot of suffering for the affected person and those around him.
In addition, the economic damage caused by burnout syndrome, which is in the double-digit billion range, should not be neglected. Therefore, it is all the more important to take effective preventive measures to nip the evil in the bud. This call is aimed at potential risk groups as well as staff and management.
These symptoms are typical of burnout syndrome
Burnout can literally be translated as being burned out. As a result, those affected are usually in a permanent physical and psychological state of exhaustion. In addition to this chronic exhaustion, there are numerous other symptoms such as sleep disorders, mood swings, depression, easy irritability, lack of drive, difficulty concentrating and an increased tendency to aggression. In addition, those affected often feel indifferent, weak and often approach their profession and the people associated with it with downright cynicism. Subsequently, an untreated burnout syndrome can lead to severe depression. In addition, many sufferers also show physical symptoms such as back pain and headaches.
This is how burnout occurs
In addition to extreme stress, which can occur not only at work, but also in private life and at school, the main causes of burnout syndrome include pressure to perform, excessive demands and bullying.
Burnout syndrome develops insidiously and usually affects particularly committed people who want to prove something to themselves and their environment with their achievements and often neglect their social life and their own needs to do so. If failures or too little success are nevertheless experienced, these people often react with self-doubt and inner defense. An imbalance between effort and reward therefore offers the optimal breeding ground for the development of burnout syndrome.
Effective prevention measures for employees and companies
Being aware of oneself and one’s goals and desires in life is essential in order not to suffer from burnout syndrome. In addition, it is also important to set realistic goals and not to make self-esteem dependent on performance. A good work-life balance, a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, hobbies and an intact social life also help to prevent burnout syndrome.
Companies also have numerous options for effective prevention of burnout syndrome. Relationship-oriented measures aim to create a working atmosphere that leaves no chance for burnout syndrome. They include, among other things, raising awareness of the problem of burnout syndrome among staff and management, time and stress management seminars as well as employee appraisals. Furthermore, it is extremely important to create an internal atmosphere in which conflicts and stressful situations can be addressed and in which the opinions and wishes of employees are respected.
How do you deal with the issue? Write us a comment – we look forward to your experiences.
Image source: Fotolia.com, Photographer: chones
