Burnout: From Recognition to Recovery

Burnout and stress are terms I frequently encounter in my coaching sessions. While they share similarities, they're distinct in nature. Stress is generally a response to handling too many tasks and tends to dissipate once the stressor is removed; it can often be mitigated through specific coping strategies and learned skills. Burnout, on the other hand, stems from prolonged and unresolved stress. By the time burnout sets in, merely eliminating the stressor or taking a break is insufficient for recovery. At this stage, an individual's resilience is severely diminished, rendering them unable to effectively manage any work-related stress. Comprehensive support is essential for facilitating a complete recovery.

Burnout is not just a passing trend or a phrase casually thrown around in business meetings. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized burnout as a medical diagnosis. It's defined as ongoing work-related stress that hasn't been effectively handled. Burnout impacts millions of employees around the world as a result of modern workplaces becoming increasingly fast-paced, complex and demanding. From entry-level to executive suites, regardless of age, gender or position everyone is at risk. Numerous studies and reports show that those under 35 and professional women in their 30s and beyond face high levels of stress that if left unmanaged may lead to burnout. These women are particularly vulnerable to burnout because of the distinct challenges they face, such as balancing work and home life, navigating workplace barriers and fulfilling various family roles. 

According to Gallup, the leading factors contributing to workplace burnout include unfair treatment, excessive workloads, time constraints, unclear job responsibilities, and insufficient communication and support.

Symptoms of Burnout

Burnout often hides behind the mirage of daily stress or fatigue which makes it essential to know the distinct markers that set it apart:

• Emotional Exhaustion: A constant feeling of being emotionally drained, overwhelmed, struggling to meet ongoing demands.
• Physical Symptoms: Chronic headaches, disrupted sleep, and other health complaints that don’t seem to have a clear cause and won’t go away.
• Decreased Accomplishment: A growing sense of ineffectiveness and a declining sense of achievement at work, often leading to decreased motivation and confidence. 
• Depersonalisation: An emerging detached and cynical outlook toward tasks, coworkers and the organization you work for.
• Reduced Personal Time: A marked reduction in time for self-care or recreational activities leading to an unhealthy work-life balance.

Ways to Deal with Burnout

It's increasingly understood that addressing burnout isn't just an individual responsibility; it's also a collective concern that organizations need to actively engage with. Alongside organizational initiatives, there are things within your control that you can proactively initiate to help you successfully navigate this challenging experience. Addressing burnout is not an overnight fix and involves a series of well-thought-out steps that requires patience, practise and persistence:

• Seek Professional Help: There is help out there and you can start with your HR department or GP. 
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep can work wonders in your fight against burnout.
• Set Boundaries: Learn the art of setting limits, prioritizing tasks and saying ‘No’. Effective productivity isn't about doing more; it's about doing what matters most and doing it efficiently.
• Work-Life Balance: Allocate time for personal activities and family. A balanced life plays a significant role in reducing stress and averting burnout.
• Support Network: Forge strong ties with colleagues, friends, and mentors. These relationships can serve as your buffer, providing emotional and practical support.
• Mindfulness and meditation: Embrace practices like mindfulness and meditation. They can center your thoughts, alleviate stress, and serve as a preventive shield against burnout.

How I Can Help as a Coaching Psychologist

As a coaching psychologist, I offer a confidential, safe space where we will work together to identify the triggers, behaviours, and thought patterns that feed your burnout. Using evidence-based practises and tools, we will co-create a comprehensive strategy that addresses not just the surface symptoms but the deeper causes. Together, we’ll focus on nurturing your resilience, mental well-being and consequently improve the quality of your life.

Burnout is an escalating concern in the global work landscape. Recognizing its symptoms and seeking help can drastically change the course of your professional and personal life. Remember, you’re not in this alone and taking action can bring about definitive positive change.

Book a free 30 min coaching discovery session today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.