BEATING BURNOUT

Characterised by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from or feelings of cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy, burnout is defined by the WHO as a “syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”.

But, these days, burnout’s certainly not confined to the boardroom. It can impact anyone, says REENA GOENKA, a trauma and communication specialist, and director at Insightful Counselling & Training, which offers a range of counselling and psychotherapy services. She says that even before the pandemic, burnout was on the rise – with increased use of internet and cloud technology playing a big role in blurring the work-hour boundaries. Of course, COVID only further complicated this work-life balance for many people working from home, resulting in an exponential rise in burnout cases.

Among the burnout symptoms that can impact quality of life and one’s relationship with family and friends are irritability, sleep problems, disinterest in activities that were once enjoyable, and distancing from loved ones. Seeking help from a qualified mental health therapist or counsellor, says Reena, could avert damage to personal relationships, and prevent the progression of burnout into chronic anxiety or depression.

To help her clients overcome burnout, she employs a range of therapeutic techniques, depending on the individual’s unique situation. Transactional Analysis is among the tools she uses to understand the inner workings and behaviours that “catapult exhaustion” – for example, an inability to say “no” or a fear of failure that constantly pushes an individual to perform despite the exhaustion.

Once a client’s triggers and patterns are identified, Reena works with them to understand intra- and interpersonal communications with EMDR therapy, Brainspotting therapy, Hypnotherapy, Gestalt therapy, inner child work and other techniques.