What's the best way to diagnose burnout? While burnout is not yet officially recognised by the NHS, Walker recommends heading to a doctor to talk about your symptoms as burnout can lead to high stress and also cause similar symptoms of depression.
Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion. Increased mental distance from one's job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job. Reduced professional efficacy.
Doctors are now diagnosing people who are overworked with burnout. Some of those symptoms are feelings of exhaustion, increased mental distance from one's job and not being as effective at work. “It also speaks to our lifestyle culturally,” says Leonard.
The best way to beat burnout is to address it head-on, as early as possible. Employees should work with their managers to build a psychologically safe workplace and find a better work-life balance.
Consider seeking professional support if you:
Notice that symptoms of burnout are making you engage in behaviors that are pushing you away from healing and recovery (e.g., working longer hours, disconnecting from family, less professionalism in the workplace, worsened self-image)
Physical symptoms will become intense, leading to chronic headaches, stomach issues and gastrointestinal problems. Friends and family members may also notice behavioral changes. If left untreated, burnout can become a part of your everyday life and eventually lead to anxiety or depression.
If you're “losing it,” you need eight hours of sleep plus two ten- to 15-minute relaxation breaks. “Hitting the wall” means eight to nine hours each night, plus two breaks. And once you're “burned out,” you need eight to ten hours of sleep, plus three 15- to 30-minute naps or retreats.
Making the decision to step away from a job is not always easy or feasible. But when your physical or emotional well-being is suffering and your stress isn't eased by the occasional mental health day, experts say it's generally best to start looking elsewhere. Just be sure to give it some thought before rage quitting.
Burnout is not currently characterized as a mental disorder or medical condition in the DSM-5 [80].
Burnout is when a person reaches a state of total mental, physical and emotional exhaustion and it has some similar signs and symptoms to a nervous breakdown. Your doctor can prescribe medicines for many mental health conditions, and refer you to other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists.
Job burnout is a special type of work-related stress — a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity. "Burnout" isn't a medical diagnosis. Some experts think that other conditions, such as depression, are behind burnout.
Seek professional help from a coach or therapist
There's no shame in seeking help from a trained psychologist or coach. In fact, it's encouraged. Therapy dramatically reduces stress levels and can facilitate healing from a mental fitness and emotional well-being perspective.
By looking at specific biomarkers such as blood sugar, cholesterol, inflammation markers, and certain hormones, a blood test can reveal the effects of burnout on your body and help detect problems before they occur.
In Australia, burnout isn't listed as a formal medical condition. In fact, the World Health Organization positions it as an 'occupational phenomenon' rather than an official diagnosis.
When to see your GP about your stress levels. If you've tried self-help techniques and they aren't working, you should go to see your GP. They may suggest other coping techniques for you to try or recommend some form of counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy.
childhood trauma can also lead to what is known as “burnout.” This is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion from chronic stress.
When a person reaches a phase of burnout, they may be unable to complete their responsibilities at a job or at home. The inability to take care of day-to-day obligations will lead to increased stress and eventually to a mental breakdown.
Physical signs and symptoms of burnout
Feeling tired and drained most of the time. Lowered immunity, frequent illnesses. Frequent headaches or muscle pain. Change in appetite or sleep habits.
Unfortunately, while you can't be fired for burnout, you can be fired for poor job performance. It may feel nerve-wracking, but protecting your job may mean speaking to a manager or human resources professional. They can help you navigate what your options and rights are.
Yes, doing something you hate every day can take a toll on your body, but a dislike of your job is less likely to manifest itself in your body the same way true burnout would. If symptoms like headaches, backaches, panic attacks, or stomach issues are weighing you down, it's likely burnout that you're dealing with.
Your doctor may specify a period for your absence from work, or they may ask to see you again at a later date to assess your stress levels and see if you're fit to return. You may take 'long-term' sick leave if your absence is longer than four weeks.
It takes an average time of three months to a year to recover from burnout.
Schabram said, “employees who cannot leave and are not getting support can still help themselves.” Dr. Schabram's research suggests that small, deliberate acts of compassion toward yourself and others can help reduce feelings of burnout, whether it is short-term or chronic.