Burnout: find out if you are experiencing professional burnout syndrome 

Extreme tiredness, anxiety and aversion to work are just some of the signs of Burnout, one of the main reasons for professional leave today.

The fact is that the demand for results and full dedication to work has caused serious emotional and physical problems for many workers around the world.

But what is Burnout? What are the signs and symptoms of this problem? Are there ways to treat it?

These and other questions will be answered throughout today’s content, so continue here to check it out.

Burnout: learn about professional exhaustion syndrome 

Every day more workers leave their jobs for emotional reasons, but few of them understand that they face a problem called Burnout.

In general, many believe they are experiencing bouts of depression or even anxiety, which tend to improve with time off work due to illness.

The big problem is that when they feel they are cured and return to work, they notice that everything has returned. Why does it happen?

In this scenario, it is most likely that the worker is facing Burnout, also known as professional burnout syndrome.

In Burnout, professionals feel physically and emotionally exhausted by stressful and/or traumatic situations experienced in a professional environment.

In general, these situations involve overload, a feeling of devaluation and even humiliation during the performance of professional activities.

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Main signs and symptoms of Burnout

Previously we talked about many workers thinking they are suffering from depression or anxiety, when in fact they are facing Burnout.

This is due to the fact that Burnout results in signs and symptoms that are very similar to these problems, but the difference is in the occurrence.

Cases of depression and anxiety tend to be general, that is, just being out of trigger environments is not enough for a cure.

In Burnout, temporary removal from the professional environment usually results in a significant reduction or even disappearance of symptoms, which encourages a return to work. But, in a few days everything comes back, since the real reason for the problem is there.

Therefore, in order for you to understand whether you are really experiencing Burnout, below we will look at the main signs and symptoms of this condition.

Anxiety

Professionals with Burnout often experience uncomfortable moments of anxiety. In some cases, anxiety arises just from having to get dressed for work in the morning.

Anxiety usually comes as extreme fear and worry, which discourages workers and hinders them in their work duties.

In this case, anxiety can arise due to extreme demands or even work overloads.

Loss of professional perspective 

Have you always been very excited about your career, but after negative experiences at work, everything stopped making sense? This is a sign of Burnout.

As we saw previously, Burnout can come from traumatic and humiliating situations, where the worker stops seeing meaning in their work and loses confidence in themselves.

Therefore, loss of professional perspective is very common in this condition. Fighting for challenges no longer makes any sense for those who face the problem.

Difficulty completing projects 

One of the obvious signs of Burnout is low performance, more specifically in completing projects.

Due to decreased confidence, anxiety and low perspective, professionals feel insecure and start to postpone project completion.

So, if before you used to deliver everything on time and now you’re days, weeks late or even unable to complete tasks, it’s worth seeking help.

Physical and mental fatigue 

Have you already started the day exhausted, or when you turn on the computer you want to go back to sleep and you can’t stop yawning? Are you trying to write a report and your head doesn’t seem to work? These are signs of physical and mental fatigue.

In general, these problems are caused by physical and mental overload stimulated by excessive demands and competitiveness in the professional environment.

Among the symptoms of Burnout, this is usually one of the first to appear, but, as it is inconclusive, it is commonly ignored by the person.

Sleep changes 

Over time, worries caused by a drop in performance and professional dissatisfaction begin to disrupt sleep.

The person stops sleeping because they think about problems at work, or GRANTED several times for dreaming about professional demands and conflicts.

Therefore, if you are having trouble sleeping or feel that your nights’ sleep has not brought you adequate rest, you are probably experiencing Burnout.

How to treat?

At this point, you probably already know if you are likely to be experiencing Burnout, but we must warn you that this diagnosis must be made by a trained professional.

However, distrust in experiencing the problem is one of the most important steps to overcoming it, as it encourages the search for help.

The first thing you should do when you suspect a problem is to try to understand what has generated these feelings in the professional environment.

In addition, seek professional help, as this will allow you to receive a diagnosis and, consequently, obtain authorization to temporarily leave your professional activities.

In general, treatment for Burnout involves the worker’s emotional recovery, focusing on their self-esteem and professional confidence.

However, in some cases it may be necessary to permanently leave your job, especially if the problems were caused by the company’s internal cultures.

In any case, treating Burnout is essential to ensure that your mental health recovers, and thus it is possible to return to professional life with maximum performance.

Therefore, do not hesitate to seek help to regain your self-confidence if you notice that you are suffering from professional burnout syndrome.

FAQ

What is Burnout? Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or trauma in the workplace. It often results from high demands, excessive workload, and feelings of devaluation or humiliation.

What are the main signs and symptoms of Burnout?

• Anxiety: Intense fear and worry related to work, sometimes even just the thought of getting ready for work can trigger anxiety.
• Loss of Professional Perspective: A significant decline in enthusiasm for your career and feeling that your work has lost its meaning.
• Difficulty Completing Projects: A decrease in productivity and struggling to complete tasks on time, or at all.
• Physical and Mental Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion, both mentally and physically, that makes daily tasks seem overwhelming.
• Sleep Changes: Disruptions in sleep, including trouble falling asleep or frequent waking due to work-related stress.

How does Burnout differ from depression or anxiety? While Burnout shares symptoms with depression and anxiety, it is specifically linked to work-related stress. Unlike general depression or anxiety, Burnout symptoms often improve with time away from work but return when back in the work environment.

How can I tell if I’m experiencing Burnout? Burnout is characterized by persistent feelings of exhaustion, anxiety about work, loss of enthusiasm for your job, and difficulties with productivity. If these symptoms are specifically related to work and improve when you are away from work, it might be Burnout.

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