Work: Burnout syndrome
Burnout syndrome is a state of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion that occurs as a result of overwhelming demands, chronic stress or job dissatisfaction. Although this is not a disease in itself, it is recognized as the trigger for other more serious physical and mental health problems.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of burnout syndrome can be both physical and emotional. Physical symptoms include headache or back pain, sleep disturbances, nausea, muscle tension and tiredness.
Emotionally, people with bournout syndrome feel irritable, tense and unmotivated. They may also feel indifferent, cynical and with little social contact.
How can we prevent it?
Since burnout syndrome develops over a long period of time, it is important to watch for and react to the telltale signs of increasing stress early. Affected individuals may find that setting clear boundaries at work, adopting healthy habits (such as eating regular meals and exercising), and seeking strategies to counter stress can help prevent future episodes.