Caring for yourself and your colleagues when burnout calls

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion combined with doubts about your competence and the value of your work. The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon, and explains it as a syndrome that results from “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”.

It is a very real possibility for many employees and professional people and is a result of multiple factors, such as large workloads and long hours, poor job fit, unclear job expectations, feelings of lack of control over work done, dysfunctional workplace dynamics, as well as personal characteristics.

When you experience an impact as a result of these or other aspects in the workplace, and this impact remains unmanaged, you may experience symptoms of burnout. You may experience emotional exhaustion and intense mental and physical fatigue; feeling uncharacteristically harsh, unemotional and indifferent (depersonalisation/cynicism); and feelings of reduced personal accomplishment like you are incompetent, inadequate, and ineffective in performing your job.

Prevention of burnout is always best. Workplaces should focus on allowing employees a work-life balance, protecting them from occupational risk, and creating a work environment conducive to happy, healthy, employees. Personally, you should focus on getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, maintaining positive relationships, making time for enjoyable things, and seeking help if things feel unmanageable or overwhelming.

Akeso Nelspruit offers specialist inpatient treatment and outpatient appointments for a range of psychiatric issues. They provide individual, integrated, and family-oriented treatment. Enquiries: 087-098-0460, email info@akeso.co.za or visit www.akeso.co.za.