Burnout is considered a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by chronic and prolonged stress, specifically in the workplace. "It is a feeling of tiredness or fatigue, lack of energy, low performance, depersonalization and, therefore, a sense of failure and frustration. This has a negative effect on the physical and mental health of the person, causing, in many cases, a pernicious effect on health," explains Silvia Morales, a psychologist in the child, adolescent and adult area of the Hospiten Roca hospital.
Professional burnout is generated by inadequately dealing with a situation of chronic stress. Therefore, it is important, first of all, to recognize these situations to avoid falling into burnout syndrome. The main difference between burnout and stress is that stress is not a disorder in itself, while burnout is: "It is clear that everyone has suffered a little stress at some time, but once this stress begins to transform into burnout, then it ends up being something much more problematic," says Silvia Morales.
To maintain physical and emotional well-being, it is essential to adopt healthy habits that include regular exercise, a balanced diet and moments of connection with the present through relaxation, meditation or mindfulness. It is also important to devote time to leisure, nature and hobbies, strengthen ties with family and friends, and avoid work overload through good organization and clear boundaries between work and rest. In addition, favoring digital disconnection contributes to better rest and balance, while seeking a vital purpose provides motivation, satisfaction and meaning to our actions, helping us to achieve self-fulfillment and happiness.
Professional burnout manifests itself in different ways, including anxiety -sometimes in the form of panic attacks- hyperemotionality, depression, irritability, loss of appetite or decreased libido.
In more prolonged cases, apathy, listlessness, abulia or signs of depersonalization may appear. Other symptoms associated with burnout may include excessive sweating, hair loss, jaw tension, muscle and joint pain, changes in body weight, digestive problems or difficulty falling asleep.
Another difference is that when it is stress, the person is overly involved, but when it is burnout there is less or no involvement. With stress, emotions are suffered with greater intensity than when burnout occurs. Stress causes hyperactivity, as opposed to burnout, which causes a feeling of abandonment.
"Burnout cannot be activated without having first experienced a certain degree of stress, but, on the other hand, stress can manifest itself perfectly well without necessarily leading to burnout," the psychologist explains.
Psychological approach: burnout syndrome
The psychological treatments most commonly used in the approach to burnout syndrome are: cognitive restructuring, which helps to identify and change maladaptive beliefs that maintain the discomfort, together with training in anxiety management techniques and in the detection of limiting beliefs to promote self-knowledge and a more realistic view of oneself. In addition, it promotes the establishment of healthy life routines, the practice of relaxation techniques to reduce stress and proper time management, allowing better use of moments of rest and leisure, all aimed at strengthening emotional balance and personal growth.
To help a person who is going through a burnout situation, "the simple fact of offering them confidence can contribute greatly to helping them feel less lonely," suggests Morales.
Likewise, it is advisable to ask them what we can do to help, showing a level of sincerity and closeness that will resonate with the person and they will appreciate it. Validating their feelings is also important, and guiding them to professionals and resources can also provide them with the right support.
To support a person suffering from burnout it is essential to show sincerity and closeness, asking how we can help and validating their feelings. Active, non-judgmental listening allows the person to feel accompanied and safe. In addition, it is important to guide them to resources or professionals who can provide specialized support. It is also important not to give advice "automatically," since "doing so causes the conversation to focus on us, which is not what the person needs at that moment," concludes Morales.