Beating burnout
This fast-paced world has everyone so busy and stressed out by work that it has become a major problem, observed Tony Tan, clinical manager of The Dawn Rehab in Chiang Mai.
“Because of technology, the internet, the smartphone and information being readily available, everybody has become busier as if they were working 24/7,” he said. “Even though they are not at the office, they are still preoccupied by work and don’t find the time to really rest.”
The Singaporean psychotherapist noted that high workload and stress affects everyone from young individuals in their early 20s who have just joined the workforce to top executives and high-functioning professionals.
Designed f or workaholics, Executive Burnout is one of The Dawn Rehab’s recovery programmes.
Burnout is a state of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress, Tan explained, and behavioural signs include abandoning responsibilities, social isolation and letting out frustrations on other people while symptoms include substance abuse, insomnia, depression and other mental health issues.
“Without removing the executives from where they are, there is no way that they can focus on letting go. The Dawn Rehab creates a safe and therapeutic environment, so that they don’t worry about their job and open up to talk about their issues,” he said. “They come here with the baggage of issues in their lives. They actually know how to solve these problems, but sometimes the problems get stuck in a mesh, and they can’t find a way out.”
The “mind-body wellness” programme incorporates comprehensive therapy, life coaching, stress management and fitness and spiritual activities such as yoga and meditation.
Directors and CEOs in various industries have joined the programme, Tan said, and it has helped them differentiate work from personal life and reconnect with people, as well as find their life purpose.
“Don’t be afraid to get help,” he said. “It doesn’t mean you are sick or weak. But it means you are open to improve yourself so that you can move forward for a more balanced and happier life.”