Written by: Elizabeth W.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is when a stressful lifestyle puts people under extreme pressure and pushes them to the point of feeling exhausted until they are unable to cope with tasks as well as they once did.
Some possible causes are:
Being overworked or under-challenged
Being under certain pressures, such as having limited time
Having conflicts with colleagues
Extreme commitment(s), which results in people neglecting their own needs
What are the main signs of burnout?
Feeling increasingly stressed or frustrated
Cynical feelings about working conditions and colleagues
Distancing yourself emotionally from others
Feeling numb about work
Loss of concentration
Lack of creativity
Loss of motivation
Growing sense of emotional depletion
Negative feelings about tasks and activities
How is burnout diagnosed?
Professional groups typically use the Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire. However, the questionnaire was designed for research and not for doctor use. Additionally, because there is no generally accepted definition of burnout, it is not clear if questionnaires can measure burnout or distinguish it from other illnesses.
Disadvantages of burnout?
Some disadvantages of burnout are, but not limited to: a loss of passion and motivation, being in a negative mental state, decreased productivity, and negative feelings about work.
How to cope with burnout/get better?
A few ways to cope with burnout or prevent it are, but not limited to: taking a break, pacing yourself, understanding your limits, taking time to relax, talking to others, and finding ways to help view work in a positive light.
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