Are You Experiencing Burnout?

Understanding Burnout: Stages, Signs, and Symptoms

• Burnout is a syndrome caused by chronic workplace stress that is not managed properly.
• Burnout is characterized by three dimensions: exhaustion, mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.
• Burnout should not be applied to describe experiences outside of the occupational context.
• The 5-stage version of burnout includes the honeymoon phase, onset of stress, chronic stress, burnout, and habitual burnout.
• The honeymoon phase is full of enthusiasm, commitment, and joy from work, while the onset of stress is characterized by lack of time for personal needs and early signs of stress.
• Chronic stress leads to decreased problem-solving skills and performance, feelings of powerlessness, and procrastination.
• Burnout is the feeling of despair and disillusionment resulting from critical exhaustion levels.
• Habitual burnout is when burnout symptoms become a part of one's life and outside help may be needed for recovery.
• Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.
• Signs of burnout include every day feeling like a bad day, exhaustion, mind-numbingly dull tasks, and feeling like nothing makes a difference or is appreciated.
• Symptoms of burnout include physical signs such as fatigue and lowered immunity, emotional signs such as self-doubt and detachment, and behavioral signs such as withdrawing from responsibilities and procrastinating.
• Burnout is a gradual process that can creep up on individuals, but with recognition of the signs and symptoms, it can be prevented and managed effectively.