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Burnout affects you physically, mentally, emotionally, and energetically. The exact definition can be read in our blog post ’What is burnout really? – a holistic view’.
Recognizing the signs of burnout can be hard. As burnout it something that develops over time over weeks or months even. It is nothing that just arises out of the blue.
Symptoms can vary from person to person as each person is different, however overall, the following psychological symptoms are frequently present.
Reduced performance and productivity
Tendency to make mistakes
Forgetfulness
Anxiety
Detachment from others and one's job
Low mood
Listlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Lack of creativity
Lack of energy
Fatigue
Negative attitudes towards one’s coworkers or job
Low commitment to the role
Loss of purpose
Absenteeism
Depressive mood
Quickness to anger
Cynicism
Emotional numbness
Frustration
Physical symptoms of burnout can show as:
Exhaustion
Muscle tension
Headaches
Gastrointestinal disorders
Hypertension
Difficulty sleeping or disruptive sleeping cycles
Weakened immune system
The MayoClinic provides a little questionnaire on their website that helps identify the risk factor of burnout:
“Have you become cynical or critical at work?
Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting started?
Have you become irritable or impatient with co-workers, customers or clients?
Do you lack the energy to be consistently productive?
Do you find it hard to concentrate?
Do you lack satisfaction from your achievements?
Do you feel disillusioned about your job?
Are you using food, drugs or alcohol to feel better or to simply not feel?
Have your sleep habits changed?
Are you troubled by unexplained headaches, stomach or bowel problems, or other physical complaints?”
Did you answer any of the above with ‘yes’? You might should start with some immediate counter measures and if necessary, speak to your GP.
The MayoClinic (2021) also states what can happen if a burnout proceeds unaddressed leading to the following significant consequences, including:
“Excessive stress
Fatigue
Insomnia
Sadness, anger or irritability
Alcohol or substance misuse
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Vulnerability to illnesses”
If unsure, please seek help. I am more than happy to assist with referrals or offer you support in dealing with stress overall. Do not go silent, speak up because your health and life quality depends on it.
With love,
Claudia
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