Are you waking up before going to work with a nauseous feeling in the pit of your stomach, or perhaps you have noticed erratic fluctuations in your mood?
You may be suffering from prolonged workplace stress, known as burnout. It affects both body and mind, and it’s crucial to address once you’re aware of its presence. Recognising burnout is the first and most important step on the path to recovery.
In 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised the frequency of burnout among global employees, declaring it an “occupational phenomenon”. The WHO defined burnout as “a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed” and included it in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). It stopped short of classifying burnout as a medical condition.
Symptoms of Burnout
According to Verywell Mind, a leading mental health and wellness platform, the most common signs of burnout include:
- Gastrointestinal issues
- High blood pressure
- Reduced immune function
- Headaches
- Sleep and concentration issues
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Suicide ideation
- A constant state of overwhelm
- Reduced productivity and creativity
The recognition of these symptoms has increased as burnout affects more people and becomes a common topic of conversation.
Who is at Risk?
While any profession can face the risk of burnout, some fields are riskier due to their demands. Occupations with the most significant risk of burnout typically involve those with extended work hours, significant emotional engagement, or necessitate continual flexibility under stress.
Corporate executives, journalists, lawyers, tech industry professionals, and accountants frequently top the list for corporate burnout. Certain workers in healthcare, education, and consulting also bear the weight of these challenges and are at an increased risk of suffering from burnout.
A 2019 National Physician Burnout, Depression, and Suicide Report revealed that 44% of physicians experience burnout. According to the AMA, by 2021, this percentage had spiked to 63%, highlighting the significant impact on workforce health if not managed or understood.
Leading Causes of Burnout
Gallup, an American workplace consulting and global research organisation, identifies burnout as chronic stress characterised by emotional or physical exhaustion. A diminished sense of achievement, feelings of stagnation, and self-doubt further mark this state. It impacts both the physical and mental well-being of individuals. In a 2018 study, Gallup pinpointed the leading factors contributing to employee burnout:
- Unreasonable time pressures or deadlines
- Lack of communication and support from management
- Unmanageable workload
- Unfair treatment
- Lack of clarity about job roles
Solutions and Coping Strategies
Changing jobs might seem ideal, but it’s usually not feasible or practical for most people. Drawing from the groundbreaking burnout management research of Evangelia Demerouti at Eindhoven University of Technology, here are some key coping strategies:
- Task Diversification: If you can’t change your job, consider switching tasks
- Self-Care Strategies: Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and maintaining healthy sleep habits.
- Scheduled Breaks and Daily Renewal Exercises: Regular breaks and daily exercises can be crucial in combating burnout.
- Setting Boundaries: With 24/7 smartphone connectivity, it’s more important than ever to limit your accessibility and establish healthy disconnection.
- Professional Guidance: The line between depression and burnout can be blurry. Consulting a health professional can help distinguish between the two and find effective strategies.
Remember, while a vacation may offer temporary relief, it often isn’t enough to overcome burnout. It’s about integrating these strategies into your daily life to ensure long-term wellness and productivity.
White River Manor Understands The Burnout Crisis
As burnout becomes increasingly prevalent across all sectors of the modern workplace, everyone must be aware of the symptoms and take steps to prevent it. Implementing self-care routines, setting clear boundaries at work, seeking support when feeling overwhelmed, and engaging in activities that rejuvenate you outside of work are critical for maintaining a well-balanced life.
At White River Manor, we understand your career is one of the most important aspects of your life, but it should not come at the expense of your health or peace of mind. We can help you take proactive steps to realign your professional life with your personal health.
White River Manor Can Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by burnout or the struggle of juggling work and personal life, know that you’re not alone. Our expert team is here to support you and help you navigate through it.
At White River Manor, we offer our guests luxury accommodations with individual care and personalised burnout treatment programs. Our team of highly qualified therapists, medical professionals, and dependency specialists are ready to design a program that brings balance and well-being to your life. If you’d like to discuss treatment options and how we can help you, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.
We’re here to help
Let’s talk. Call now for a totally confidential, no-obligation conversation with one of our professionals.
