Stages and symptoms of burnout
1. Initial idyll
The first stage could be compared to a honeymoon. A person feels relaxed, full of energy and enthusiasm. This is especially true at the time of entering a new job or starting a completely new business.
Common symptoms: job satisfaction, high energy, unbridled enthusiasm, high level of productivity, commitment to work
2. Balancing
In the second phase of burnout syndrome, the person becomes dissatisfied, inefficient, tired, less creative. Their inefficiency may take several forms, from meaningless internet browsing to decision avoidance.
Common symptoms: Anxiety, forgetfulness, inability to focus, irritability, decision avoidance, lower productivity, reduced sleep quality
3. Chronic exhaustion
As the name suggests, at this stage the person can no longer cope with severe exhaustion and falls into depression.
Common symptoms: anger, apathy, extreme exhaustion, increased caffeine/alcohol/drug consumption, lack of interest generally, non-compliance with working deadlines, procrastination, social separation from friends and family
4. Crisis
In this crisis phase, the person becomes pessimistic and tries to escape from their current environment.
Common symptoms: drastic behavioural changes, pessimistic view of life, lack of confidence, social isolation, escape into imaginary worlds
5. Complete entanglement
In the final stage of burnout, the person begins to lose control of their career and personal life.
Common symptoms: chronic mental-physical fatigue, chronic sadness, depression
Signs of burnout syndrome
- rising late in the morning
- all-day exhaustion
- no relaxation, all work and no rest
- deterioration of workplace relationships
- home just becomes an office
- dissatisfaction, zero motivation, indifference to goals
- in the office from morning to evening
- insomnia
- desire to ditch work without any reason
Causes of burnout syndrome
Burnout is not the result of just one single factor. Individual, organisational, environmental, social and occupational factors all have an impact on its origin and duration. According to the World Health Organisation, "organisational" factors that can lead to burnout include lack of job security, strict work rules, management style or a lack of opportunities for promotion.
Burnout can be prevented. However, the symptoms need to be spotted in time so they can be dealt with and subsequently avoided.
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