He Burnout syndrome (burnt, melted) is a type of work stress, a state of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion that has consequences on self-esteem and is characterized by a gradual process, by which people lose interest in their tasks, the sense of responsibility and can even reach deep depression.
Burnout syndrome, sometimes translated as “Burnout Syndrome”, is a psychological alteration linked to the work context and that can constitute a disorder due to its harmful effects on the quality of life As we will see, it has characteristics typical of mood disorders (such as depression) and anxiety disorders.
Although it does not currently appear in the main diagnostic manuals of psychopathologies, there is more and more evidence about the characteristics of this phenomenon, which can be used to know the profile of this alteration as a psychopathology separate from depression and others. disorders.
This syndrome was described for the first time in 1969 when observing the strange behavior exhibited by some police officers of that time: law enforcement officers who showed a specific pattern of symptoms.
In 1974, Freudenberger made the syndrome more popular, and later, in 1986, the North American psychologists C. Maslach and S. Jackson defined it as “a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and less personal fulfillment that occurs in those individuals who work.” in contact with clients and users.”
How does this psychological alteration manifest itself?
The syndrome would be the extreme response to chronic stress originating in the work context and would have individual repercussions, but It would also affect organizational and social aspects Since the eighties, researchers have not ceased to be interested in this phenomenon, but it was not until the end of the nineties, when there was a certain consensus on its causes and consequences.
One of the general explanatory models is that of Gil-Monte and Peiró (1997), but others such as those of Manassero et al (2003), Ramos (1999), Matteson and Ivansevich (1997), Peiró et al (1994) or Leiter (1988), were created to respond to the intervention strategies and techniques necessary to prevent and minimize the effects of a problem that is increasing, especially since the beginning of the crisis (Gili, McKee. and Stuckler. 2013). In addition, it has been hypothesized that Burnout Syndrome may be one of the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Cultural differences in Burnout Syndrome
Even so, and taking into account the advances developed by research in specific fields, there are still various interpretations about the most appropriate type of intervention when correcting it: either individual, accentuating psychological action, or social or organizational. , influencing working conditions (Gil-Monte, 2009). Possibly, these discrepancies have their origin in the cultural influence
The studies by Maslach, Schaufeli and Leiter (2001) found that there are certain qualitative differences in the American and European profile, since the latter show lower levels of exhaustion and cynicism Regardless of the continent in which you live, there are certain aspects that you should know in order to be able to act in time and be able to prevent or correct it. In this article you will find some keys to this phenomenon. What you learn can help you face the problem and take action before it affects your health.
People at risk of suffering from it
You may be more likely to experience burnout if you meet several of the following characteristics (in the form of signs or symptoms):
Could I be experiencing Burnout at work?
Ask yourself the following questions To find out if you are in danger of suffering from Burnout:
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing Burnout Be sure to consult with your doctor or a mental health professional, however, some of these symptoms may also indicate certain health conditions, such as a thyroid disorder or depression.
Main symptoms
Causes
He exhaustion of work present in Burnout Syndrome can be the result of several factors and it can normally occur when conditions exist both at the individual level (referring to their tolerance to stress and frustration, etc.) and at the organizational level (deficiencies in the definition of the position, work environment, leadership style of superiors, among others). .
An inability to influence decisions that affect your job: such as your schedule, missions, or workload that could lead to job burnout.
2. Unclear job expectations
If you are unsure about the degree of authority you have or your supervisor or others expect from you, you are not likely to feel comfortable at work.
3. Dysfunctional work dynamics
Maybe you work with a disruptive person in the office, you feel belittled by co-workers, or your boss doesn’t pay enough attention to your work.
4. Differences in values
If values differ from the way your employer does business or handles complaints, the mismatch can take its toll.
5. Poor job fit
If your job doesn’t fit your interests and skills, it can become increasingly stressful over time.
6. The extremes of activity
When a job is always monotonous or chaotic, you need constant energy to stay focused, which can contribute to higher levels of fatigue and burnout from work.
7. Lack of social support
If you feel isolated at work and in your personal life, you may feel more stressed.
8. Imbalance between work, family and social life
If your work takes up a lot of your time and effort and you don’t have enough time to spend with your family and friends, you can burn out quickly.
Psychological and health effects
Ignoring or not treating burnout can have significant consequences, including:
Remember, if you think you may be experiencing Burnout, do not ignore your symptoms. Consult your doctor or a mental health professional to identify or rule out underlying health conditions.
Therapy, treatment and advice
If you are worried about Burnout at work, you need to take action. To start:
Manage stressors that contribute to job burnout. Once you have identified what is fueling your Burnout symptoms, you can make a plan to resolve the problems.
Evaluate your options Discuss specific concerns with your supervisor. Maybe you can work together to change expectations or come to compromises or solutions.
Adjust your attitude If you’ve become cynical at work, consider ways to improve your outlook. Rediscover the enjoyable aspects of your position. Establish positive relationships with colleagues to achieve better results. Take short breaks throughout the day. Spend time outside the office and do the things you love.
Find support Whether you reach out to coworkers, friends, loved ones, or others, support and collaboration can help you deal with work stress and feelings of burnout. If you have access to an employee assistance program, take advantage of the services available.
Evaluate your interests, skills and passions An honest assessment can help you decide whether you should consider an alternative job, such as one that is less demanding or better matches your interests or core values.
Get some exercise Regular physical activity, such as walking or cycling, can help you deal with stress better. It can also help you disconnect from work and focus on something else.
In short, it is advisable to keep an open mind as you consider your options, and if you think you are suffering from this syndrome, try to fix it as soon as possible.
It is also important not to make the problem more serious by confusing Burnout Syndrome with a disease: neither is it, nor do its triggers have to be found in one’s body. To be clear about this, it is good to read this article: “The differences between syndrome, disorder and disease”.
Are you looking for Organizational Psychology services?
The team of professionals at PYM Business It is made up of experts in Mindfulness, Team Building, Psychosocial Health and workshops of all kinds to promote the psychological and emotional well-being of employees in any company.
The intervention of this team is adapted at all times to the needs of each company and also of each employee, and its professionals offer specific programs of all kinds to treat any type of problem.
With anti-stress workshops, motivational talks offered by PYM Business professionals, teambuilding exercises and personalized psychotherapeutic care, you will find a solution to any case of burnout and also to specific psychological problems.
You will find more information about PYM Business here.
