Burnout
Burnout is a condition of chronic mental fatigue in combination with physical and emotional symptoms. People who are highly committed to their jobs are particularly susceptible to burnout. This condition prevents them from applying their natural commitment, dedication and idealism, despite their greatest efforts. The following criteria are involved in developing burnout:
Stress at work: workloads, task management (dividing your time, meeting tight deadlines)
The extent of responsibility related to a profession
Obligations in decision-making
Individual psychological factors: ambition, perfectionism, “helper syndrome“, dealing with chronic stress
In most cases, burnout starts gradually with individual symptoms until it is fully developed, rendering the affected person completely unable to work and function in everyday life.
Symptoms (Type and intensity may vary individually)
Physical symptoms:
sleep disorders (difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night)
headaches
widespread body aches
digestive disorders (diarrhoea or constipation)
nausea and vomiting
vertigo
hypertonia (high blood pressure)
tinnitus (Ear noises without any apparent physical origin, often unpleasant constant noises)
weight gain or weight loss
loss of libido
frequent additional symptoms: developing addictions to alcohol, psychotropics or illegal drugs
Emotional symptoms:
concentration difficulties
chronic fatigue: normal recovery periods no longer feel sufficient
insecurity and anxieties: phobic fear (of particular objects or situations) or generalised, non-specific anxieties
heightened emotional sensitivity: intense mood swings that cannot be consciously controlled
depression
low frustration tolerance
low self-esteem: personal strengths are perceived to be no longer available
sense of depersonalisation (disassociation, “feeling like someone else“)
reclusive behaviour: social relationships are often limited or ended with strange excuses
communication problems in both private and professional relationships
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1. Treatment of physical symptoms: regulating blood pressure, dietary changes, controlling the metabolism, if necessary
2. Physical conditioning and sleep hygiene
3. In the case of an addiction: detoxification/dishabituation
4. Psychotherapy: becoming aware of subconscious elements controlling the behaviour that leads to burnout; Preparing a change of attitude, planning specific steps in everyday life
5. Analysing the personal stress pattern to adopt more favourable strategies in dealing with the negative implications of stress
6. Planning specific changes
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