Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases
“Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions:
- feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
- increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and
- reduced professional efficacy.
Burnout Prevention and Treatment
Burnout, on the other hand, is about not enough. Being burned out means feeling empty and mentally exhausted, devoid of motivation, and beyond caring. People experiencing burnout often don’t see any hope of positive change in their situations. If excessive stress feels like you’re drowning in responsibilities, burnout is a sense of being all dried up. And while you’re usually aware of being under a lot of stress, you don’t always notice burnout when it happens.
Stress vs. Burnout
| Stress | Burnout |
|---|---|
| Characterized by over-engagement. | Characterized by disengagement. |
| Emotions are overreactive. | Emotions are blunted. |
| Produces urgency and hyperactivity. | Produces helplessness and hopelessness. |
| Loss of energy. | Loss of motivation, ideals, and hope. |
| Leads to anxiety disorders. | Leads to detachment and depression. |
| Primary damage is physical. | Primary damage is emotional. |
| May kill you prematurely. | May make life seem not worth living. |
Burnout often stems from your job. But anyone who feels overworked and undervalued is at risk for burnout, from the hardworking office worker who hasn’t had a vacation in years, to the frazzled stay-at-home mom tending to kids, housework, and an aging parent.
But burnout is not caused solely by stressful work or too many responsibilities. Other factors contribute to burnout, including your lifestyle and personality traits. In fact, what you do in your downtime and how you look at the world can play just as big of a role in causing overwhelming stress as work or home demands.
- Dealing with burnout tip 1: Turn to other people
- Tip 2: Reframe the way you look at work
- Tip 3: Reevaluate your priorities
- Tip 4: Make exercise a priority
- Tip 5: Support your mood and energy levels with a healthy diet