Emotional burnout: symptoms and a plan for salvation

The term "emotional burnout" was first used in 1974 by psychiatrist Herbert Freudenberger. 40 years ago, the representatives of the "auxiliary professions" such as doctors, teachers, and psychologists were suffering from emotional burnout syndrome at work. Now, almost everyone feels a sense of extreme stress at work and powerlessness like “I can no longer do”. In metropolitan areas, emotional burnout syndrome has developed into a chronic form and is even considered normal. Despite its devastating consequences, society continues to cultivate multitasking, eternally young and "burning" workers.

What is emotional burnout?

Loss of interest in professional activity and personal life is what burns out means. Specialists define this condition as a physical or mental collapse caused by fatigue or stress. But although excessive fatigue is one of the signs of burnout, it is exacerbated by other symptoms. 

The difference is that when you are tired, you can still work, even if you do not do it in full force. But in the period of complete burnout, you can no longer function effectively on a personal or professional level. In other words, burnout is a severe condition that blocks the brain and body. 

Stages of emotional burnout development

There are many models for the development of emotional burnout syndrome. But in general, they include four stages:

Stage 1. Tension

It occurs in two cases: either the skills and abilities of the employee are inadequate, or the job does not meet expectations. There is tension between the work environment and the person, which is the trigger for the development of emotional burnout.

Stage 2. Stress

And then we either work out the mechanisms of coping with the stressful situation or the situation becomes chronic.

Stage 3. Physiological, affective, behavioural responses

There is a development of distress and, depending on the personality, there are "system failures".

Stage 4. Physical and emotional exhaustion

A state of constant extinction, despair and psychological discomfort.

How to overcome emotional burnout

According to psychologists, attention and listening to yourself can help here. Analyze what disturbs you, what is going wrong, and how you would like it to be changed in order to be happy. Set priorities: what matters a lot and what can wait (especially if you tend to do several things at once). This is the main condition for overcoming the problem.

Paying attention to the brain and soul, you should not forget about the body. Each of us has rituals that energize - taking a bath with aromatic oils, reading books, outdoor walking, and playing with pets. When taking care of your body, give preference to healthy eating, and take time for physical activity (in the form that works best for you).

IMPORTANTLY! Keep in mind that recovery after emotional burnout is a long process. And you really need time to see how it works. So take a deep breath and get started. You will see, in a few weeks, you will feel much better.