Burnout: More Than Just Fatigue

The American Psychological Association defines burnout as exhaustion (physical, emotional, or mental) accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance, and negative attitudes, which result from performing at high levels of stress. However, many people simplify the condition as just feeling “tired” or “lazy.” But it’s more than that. 

The Impact of Burnout

Burnout affects many people across the globe; in fact, in a 2022 survey of working adults across 40 countries, over 38% of the participants reported burnout, an increase from the 29.6% burnout rate just two years prior. It is also important to note that in addition to employees, burnout can affect parents and students. Regardless, its impact is nonetheless. As burnout’s severity increases (which it does when stress is not able to be properly addressed), well-being drops. This encompasses more than just mental health; the stress from burnout can start to eat away at an individual’s physical state. 

An individual may notice that they are getting sick more often problems (due to the immune system weakening), developing GI issues (increased and prolonged stress keeps the flight-or-fight response active, reducing digestion), random body and headaches, insomnia, etc. Women may also notice missed periods. Over time, this deterioration leads to harm to other body systems, and in extreme cases, ends with hospitalization or even death. 

Managing Burnout 

Fortunately, these consequences can be prevented with good stress management. This can include taking time for oneself, reducing your workload, and finding outside support. However, it’s not always that easy. Societal pressures and personal beliefs are one of the biggest barriers preventing those struggling with burnout from taking breaks or seeking help. For example, an employee may worry that passing some of their workload off would make them appear lazy and a burden to their co-workers or boss. Parents may think that it’s not right for them to ask other people to help care for their children. Students may be pressured into thinking they aren’t working “hard enough” and avoid taking breaks. 

The first step in getting help is understanding that your condition is nothing to be ashamed of. Second, find your support, be it from friends, relatives, co-workers, teachers/mentors, or even a therapist. They can act as a person to talk to, provide guidance/advice, or help to reduce your burden. Participating in stress-management activities (e.g. meditation, journaling, yoga, etc.), exercising, and eating healthy are also simple ways that you can nurture your mental and physical well-being. 

Remember that as humans, we are not perfect. Continuing without a break would be worse in the long run. There will be times when we need to pause and take a moment to ourselves. So, it’s okay to let it happen.