Burnout Syndrome: Signs That You Are Experiencing It And Ways To Treat It

“Burnout syndrome is a widespread phenomenon due to the time we live in, which is not in line with human nature. Also, working hours are not adapted to our natural state, and often we work more overtime than we could. We gradually stop noticing our body's signals that we are tired. This also means that our needs are neglected. At first, it may be a feeling of constant tiredness that lasts for a while and that we ignore. Our sleep and appetite are disturbed.

The body seeks energy and tries to compensate by eating unhealthy food, coffee, etc. People notice a general lethargy, depressed mood, they do not get out of bed, their whole body aches, they do not want to socialize, they are dominated by a general listlessness. In some people this can lead to irritability, so they get upset about every little thing, which wears them down even more. Our sleep rhythm and appetite are disturbed. All this can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, palpitations, etc.”

Olivera points out that it is very important to contact someone if you notice that this condition lasts longer than two weeks. “This is because if burnout is ignored, it can lead todepression, which further aggravates the condition.”

How to distinguish burnout from depression?

People who are prone to depression are more difficult to distinguish. Burnout actually feels very physical. It's like our system has been attacked, you want to do something but you do not have the energy anymore, things that used to take you an hour now take you five hours.

Can you self-diagnose burnout and treat yourself?

You can not self-diagnose or self-treat. We can overcome burnout in the short term, but our tolerance threshold for new challenges drops, and after a certain time we fall back into burnout. Such a condition does not disappear by itself if it is not treated. And when it is healed a little, it always comes back.

How is it treated?

The solution to burnout is to stop working completely, and that is the only way to cure someone.

All activities (social interactions, hanging out, social networks ) are stopped. And the first and most important thing is to get a good rest. And when we have recovered a bit, we slowly return to basic self-care (regular diet, walks...) It is important to be with ourselves, feel our body and do what we think is necessary. At some point, it is also necessary to rethink one's work and working hours in order to reorganize and stay healthy in the long run. A general lifestyle change is a long-term solution.

How can employers help their employees?

Companies can enlist the help of experts who either talk to employees or organize workshops or training sessions. In this way, people can make contacts and build good relationships. After all, if the relationships are good, employees find it easier to cope with challenges, according to statistics.

Final message

Do not let your responsibilities become your priority and neglect your own needs. Any long-term neglect of your own needs leads to burnout because you do not feel where your limits are and when you should stop.