Signs of stress exhaustion & burnout

Causes of stress exhaustion and burnout

Several factors can contribute to stress exhaustion and burnout, particularly when they occur together or persist over time without sufficient recovery. Common causes include:

• Prolonged stress: Ongoing exposure to stressful situations, like heavy workload, relationship issues, or financial worries, can increase the risk of stress exhaustion and burnout.

• High performance pressure: Constant demands to perform at work or in other areas of life, can cause chronic stress and increase the risk of burnout.”

• Insufficient recovery time: Not having enough time to rest and recharge after stressful periods can raise the risk of stress exhaustion and burnout.

• Unrealistic expectations: Expecting too much of yourself or feeling you must always be perfect can create immense pressure and increase the risk of burnout.

• Lack of social support: Without a strong network of friends and family, managing stress becomes more difficult.

• Poor work-life balance: Struggling to separate work from personal life can cause ongoing stress, particularly in today’s always-connected world.

• Personal characteristics: Individual traits such as perfectionism, a tendency to overwork, or low self-esteem can also contribute to the risk of stress exhaustion and burnout.

• Health: Poor physical health, such as lack of sleep or an unhealthy lifestyle, can increase the risk of burnout.

• Work environment: An unhealthy work environment with little autonomy, high workload, or lack of recognition can be a significant factor in the development of stress exhaustion and burnout.

• Traumatic events: Experiences such as a traumatic accident, the loss of a loved one, or a serious illness can contribute to burnout, especially if they are not processed properly.

Stress exhaustion and burnout often result from a combination of these factors, usually over an extended period. By recognizing these factors, developing healthy coping skills, and taking appropriate measures, you can prevent or address these issues.”

Signs of stress exhaustion (burnout)

• Physical exhaustion: Feeling constantly tired, even after sufficient sleep and rest. Feeling joyless, listless, and drained of energy.

• Emotional exhaustion: Feelings of emptiness and emotional fatigue, often accompanied by mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depressive feelings. Emotional apathy and/or instability, such as crying or anger outbursts.

• Cognitive problems: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and indecisiveness.

• Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Waking up feeling unrefreshed.

• Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomach problems, muscle pain, and other bodily symptoms without a clear medical cause.”

• Changes in eating habits: Reduced appetite or overeating as a response to stress.

• Withdrawal: Reduced motivation and interest in work and/or social activities. Avoiding social interactions and activities that were previously enjoyable.

• Reduced performance: Decreased productivity at work or in other responsibilities.

• Increased sensitivity to stress: Minor stressors trigger disproportionate reactions.”

Symptoms of burnout (advanced stage of stress exhaustion)

• Extreme physical exhaustion: Chronic fatigue that doesn’t go away, even after adequate sleep and rest. No longer enjoying yourself, feeling listless and drained of energy.

• Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling empty and emotionally drained, often resulting in cynicism, apathy, and/or mood swings, including crying, gloom, sadness, anxiety, and/or feelings of guilt.

• Cognitive problems: Difficulty focusing and concentrating, forgetfulness, and memory problems. Indecisiveness. Excessive worrying and overthinking.

• Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Insomnia or excessive sleeping. Waking up feeling unrefreshed.

• Physical symptoms: Recurring physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, muscle pain, dizziness, and other bodily symptoms without a clear medical cause. Reduced immunity, leading to increased susceptibility to colds and flu.

• Cynicism and detachment: Feelings of cynicism and detachment from work, colleagues and responsibilities. Feelings of alienation and/or detachment.

• Reduced self-confidence: Feeling incompetent, diminished self-confidence, and lower self-esteem, often accompanied by feelings of failure. Constant self-criticism, feelings of powerlessness, and hopelessness.

• Depersonalization: Treating others as objects rather than individuals with emotions and needs.

• Diminished satisfaction: A general sense of dissatisfaction and feeling that your work or life lacks meaning.

• Increased health problems: A higher risk of physical and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety disorders, and somatic complaints.

Do you recognize many of these symptoms? Take them seriously!