Understanding burnout better
The term used deserves attention. It comes from English and literally means “to be consumed, to burn out completely.” Metaphorically, a person experiencing burnout is “consumed from within.” They become exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally.
The World Health Organization describes it as “a syndrome resulting from chronic work-related stress.”
This definition allows us to emphasize that burnout is not considered an illness but rather a psychosocial consequence of the organization of work in our industrialized society.
The term “chronic” indicates a long-term imbalance (more than six months) between the over-invested professional sphere and other areas of life. Burnout develops slowly, gradually, and insidiously.
Initially, the person implements strategies to manage the daily stress experienced at work. Little by little, they increasingly draw upon their internal resources. Burnout occurs when coping strategies are no longer sufficient and recovery becomes impossible. The balance is disrupted, leading to exhaustion and a loss of meaning.
This syndrome is characterized by three main dimensions:
- a feeling of lack of energy or extreme exhaustion that becomes chronic;
- withdrawal from work, along with feelings of negativity or cynicism related to work;
- and a feeling of decreased professional effectiveness. The individual feels ineffective and devalued, which affects both confidence and self-esteem.
In addition to these three characteristics, there are also a myriad of possible symptoms associated with burnout, whether behavioral, psychological, or physical. It is important to understand that this syndrome impacts all aspects of a person’s life. Even if it originates in the professional sphere, it is a generalized exhaustion.
Among the psychosomatic symptoms are sleep disturbances, muscle tension, body aches and pains, appetite changes, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, weight gain, gastrointestinal problems, sexual dysfunction, and more.
The individual may experience problems with attention and concentration, memory issues, and difficulty making decisions. Behaviorally, they may become more irritable and aggressive, display indifference or even cynicism, develop a lack of empathy and compassion, experience addiction problems, and so on.
Chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion related to burnout can lead to a genuine state of depression. It is therefore crucial to pay close attention to the diagnosis and not confuse it with a mood disorder. Even if the symptoms are similar, the underlying cause is different, and therefore the solutions must be considered from a different perspective.
The causes of burnout are numerous and complex, linked to societal factors, work-related factors, and individual factors. While excessive investment in one’s job is certainly a contributing factor, it’s not the only one. There are also causes intrinsically linked to the organization of work itself, such as difficult working conditions or complicated relationships with colleagues or superiors. Work pressure, work overload, and excessive emotional burden are causes that should not be underestimated.
While anyone can be affected by burnout, perfectionists, those who are highly committed to their work, those who have difficulty delegating, or those with high standards of personal effectiveness are more susceptible.
The current health crisis related to COVID-19 is a risk factor that facilitates the onset of burnout. It requires us to more actively activate our adaptive capacities (particularly with remote work) and alters our relationship with work. It also has significant economic repercussions. The measures implemented have led to a decrease in social contact, social support, and leisure activities, all of which are protective factors. This exacerbates the imbalance. Furthermore, certain types of professionals, such as healthcare workers, have a heavier workload. This forces us to make significant adjustments and demonstrate resilience. Burnout rates are skyrocketing. We are also seeing a new phenomenon: pandemic exhaustion, linked to the imbalance caused by the pandemic in our various areas of life.
Burnout is first and foremost a societal responsibility. Our current societal model is focused on performance and quantity at the expense of meaning, quality, and our intrinsic needs. It overemphasizes work as the ultimate value, neglecting relationships with others and pushing us toward isolation and loneliness. We are in a state of constant and destructive stress in the long term. A re-evaluation of the organization of work in our contemporary society therefore seems essential. It is more than necessary to improve working conditions and implement preventative measures.
Recovering from burnout requires taking time for oneself. This personal work on meaning often leads to a re-evaluation of identity, particularly our professional identity. It is therefore necessary to accept taking this time for rebuilding.
From a practical standpoint, taking time off work is strongly recommended. It is also advisable to rest, eat healthily, resume physical activity, and engage in activities that nourish us psychologically. Support from a mental health professional can also facilitate this recovery process.
The return to work can then be adapted to the individual’s needs, ideally accompanied by a joint discussion with the employer to prevent a relapse.
Rebecca Saintes
Clinical Psychologist
—————————————————————————————————————————–
References
Superior Health Council (2017). BURNOUT AND WORK. CSS No. 9339, SEPTEMBER 2017.
