The International Labor Organization recognize the work and a healthy work environment as a right fundamental and a determining factor of the good mental health. It can improve the sense of self-confidencepurpose and achievement is also an opportunity to foster positive relationships.
However the job It can also be the cause of poor mental health. The world of work is increasingly demanding and competitiveand the threats multiply: the precariousnessthe challenges technological, fear of unemployment They are all ingredients for the breeding ground of work-related mental health disordershow are they work stress, anxiety, depression, sisyphemia and the burnout.
The doctor Agustina Varela, psychiatrist from the German Hospital (MN 115,790) explained to Infobae: “Burnout is a special type of stress associated with work overload in the medical and health field. Later the concept was generalized to different jobs, but its beginning was in the health population: doctors, nurses, gerontological assistants, etc.” That is, burnout can occur in any type of profession.
And he concluded: “The difference between burnout and common stress is that this overload It is not consciously perceived by the person, but it manifests itself in different ways. For example, vocational crisis, feelings of worthlessness and that you are not up to the task, abuse, physical illnessesetc.”.
For her part, the attorney Analía Tarasiewicz (MN 57898), a psychologist graduated from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), specialized in work problems and a work coach, told Infobae that World Health Organization (WHO) defined burnout (exhaustion, in English) or burnout syndrome, as “the result of chronic stress in the workplace that has not been handled successfully.”
This condition, according to the health entity, “is characterized by three dimensions: sensations of exhaustion or energy depletion; elderly mental distance from work, or feelings of negativity or cynicism related to work; and reduced professional effectiveness.”
How do you know if someone is “burned out” by work? The psychologist responded: “People feel a great mental exhaustion that affects your life and your work. On a physical level, you can experience the following symptoms: extreme fatigue, recurring headaches, insomnia, weight gain, and muscle tension. Emotionally, it manifests itself in changes in mood, increased anxiety or depressionmarked lack of motivation, emotional distancing and, in some cases, depersonalization”.
The expert said that as a result of this problem, people “tend to miss work more, express their emotions more intensely, face more conflicts interpersonal, they experience episodes of crying without an apparent cause and it is difficult for them to concentrate on their daily tasks.”
“While most research focuses solely on burnout as a response to stressors at work, I believe the exhaustion occurs more frequently today because people experience chronic distress in multiple areas of their lives. Already There is no separation between our professional and personal lives.“, he told Wellandgood Jenna Watsona psychotherapist who specializes in helping people and organizations prevent and recover from burnout.
According to him ABC Medical Center of Mexico: “Among the main causes of burnout syndrome are the distance between the functions of the position and the activities that the worker must perform and overwork more hours than normal, with overload of activities and responsibilities.
“When there is a degraded work environment, conflicts with colleagues and bosses, adverse work relationships, the syndrome of burnout. Also the leadership authoritarianthe pressure continuous for results and the scarce or no recognitionfavor the development of this condition,” explains the medical institution.
To help better identify burnout, it is important to understand its different stages. These are according to a review of local and regional anesthesia research that examined burnout in healthcare workers, who are at particular risk for burnout.
- Stage 1: Honeymoon. “This is the stage where all the feel-good neurotransmitters are flowing,” Watson explained. “Dopamine alone can provide energy and make a person feel optimistic, excited and energized for their new venture. Creativity and strategic thinking will be at an all-time high.” Specific symptoms of this stage include: job satisfaction, responsibility, optimism, commitment to work and high levels of productivity.
- Stage 2: onset of stress. At this point, the stress of the new job or project starts to build up. If, at this stage, coping strategies are not implemented, the risk of burnout increases, according to the research review. Specific symptoms of this stage include: problems with concentration, anxiety, irritability, poor quality of sleep, lack of social interaction, lower productivity, changes in appetite, headache and tiredness.
- Stage 3: chronic stress. At this stage the body begins to send warning signals, such as insomnia, fatigue, headaches and/or gastrointestinal problems. Other symptoms specific to this stage include: persistent tiredness, resentment, social isolation, aggressive behavior, apathy, cynical attitude, decreased sexual desire, denial of problems, feeling threatened and/or pressured, and alcohol/drug use.
- Stage 4: burnout. This is the time when burnout truly begins, although its exact manifestation will be different for each person. The authors of the 2020 research review describe this stage as one of apathy, “where despair and disillusionment occur” and “people see no way out of the situation and become resigned and indifferent.”
Specific symptoms of this stage include: obsession with problems, pessimism, physical symptoms, self-doubt, social isolation, chronic headaches and gastrointestinal problems, neglect of personal needs, behavioral changes.
- Stage 5: chronic burnout. At this stage, exhaustion can lead to major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. Specific symptoms of this stage include: chronic sadness, chronic physical and mental fatigue, depression.
Regarding the treatment, Dr. Varela expressed that it is based on the momentary departure from tasks and responsibilities and mental health treatment. “It is about implementing healthy routines of rest night, feeding balanced and exercise. Returning to work implies changing the working conditions that generate the condition.”
The doctor said that as for doctor burnoutcurrently in some hospitals shifts are limited to 12 hours, there is an anti-stress week and the number of patients under the care of a professional is limited.
Studies have found that people can recover from exhaustion within a few months, especially in milder cases. However, in more severe cases, full recovery may take more than a year; a person can have lasting effects up to four years later, according to research.
For her part, Ms. Tarasiewicz indicated that to mitigate burnout on a personal level it is important to adopt these tools:
- “I have me”: remember that many critical moments have been passed in life. Capitalizing on that information and recognizing yourself as resilient is a great value.
- Understand the difference between life (personal) and work (role).
- Learn to say no and establish clear limits on workload and personal commitments. Don’t push yourself too hard.
- Plan ahead and setting priorities can help reduce stress.
- Avoid living hyperconnected. The excessive use of social networks causes some people to think that they have no alternative to going off, not even on weekends.
- Take regular breaks: Even in busy times, you have to take time to relax and recharge your batteries.
- Open communication: talk to leaders, teams, partners about boundaries and concerns. Dialogue can lead to solutions that reduce pressure.
- Personal care: Make sure you take care of your physical and mental health. This includes getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing stress management techniques such as meditation or exercise.
- Social support: Maintain a support network with friends and family. Sharing concerns and seeking emotional help can be beneficial.
- Request professional help: If you feel that burnout is seriously affecting your life, seek help from a clinical psychologist specializing in work or a trusted professional who can guide you. It is vital not to be left alone and to be able to express what you feel.
