Burnout Symptoms
The Complexity of Burnout: Symptoms, Causes, and Current Insights
Burnout affects people in various professions and life situations and can have serious effects on physical and mental health. This article sheds light on the symptoms of burnout and its inclusion in the ICD-11.
The Definition of Burnout and its Inclusion in the ICD-11
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, resulting from a complex combination of factors. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized burnout in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) – not as a disease, but as a condition that impairs health. It is described as a syndrome consisting of three dimensions:
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Feeling of exhaustion or energy depletion,
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Increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and
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Reduced professional efficacy.
Often Overlooked Burnout Symptom: Depersonalization or Cynicism
With depersonalization, individuals develop an increasingly detached attitude towards their work, colleagues, and sometimes even their own emotions. They may feel disconnected from their work and start to view their clients or colleagues as anonymous objects. This detachment can lead to cynicism, ranging from sarcasm to open ridicule.
Decreased Professional Self-Esteem as an Internally Perceived Burnout Symptom
Decreased professional self-esteem often presents as a feeling of dissatisfaction and uncertainty about one's own performance. Affected individuals doubt their abilities and achievements and feel they are not meeting their own standards. They may criticize themselves and have difficulty acknowledging or focusing on successes.
Physical Burnout Symptoms
The physical symptoms of burnout can be varied and affect different areas of the body. These may include headaches, back pain, gastrointestinal issues, palpitations, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed as temporary inconveniences, but they can indicate underlying strain and should be taken seriously.
Changes in Behavior and Thinking
Changes in behavior and thinking can be subtle and develop slowly. Affected individuals may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or handling complex tasks. They may withdraw and isolate themselves, both at work and in their personal lives. Additionally, the risk of substance-related problems such as alcohol or drug abuse may increase.
Feelings of Helplessness and Hopelessness with Burnout
People experiencing burnout may experience a strong sense of helplessness and hopelessness. They may feel that their situation is hopeless and that nothing will change, regardless of their efforts. This can lead to a sense of resignation and significantly impair motivation to continue working.
Impaired Empathy - Another Burnout Symptom
As burnout progresses, individuals may have difficulty empathizing with the feelings and needs of others. They may become less sensitive to the needs of their colleagues, friends, or family members and feel emotionally detached. This can lead to problems in interpersonal relationships and make social support more difficult.
Difficulty Coping with Tasks
People with burnout may struggle to cope with their daily tasks. They may feel overwhelmed, even with simple or routine tasks. This can lead to a sense of unproductivity and frustration as they feel unable to meet demands, even when they try.
Loss of Interest in Work and Hobbies with Burnout
A common symptom of burnout is a significant loss of interest in work and previous hobbies or activities that once brought joy. Individuals may lose interest in their job tasks and instead emotionally detach or withdraw. Previous hobbies or social activities may also be neglected due to lack of energy and motivation to engage in them.
Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue
Burnout can also lead to sleep disturbances, including difficulties falling and staying asleep, as well as restless sleep. Individuals may have difficulty unwinding and relaxing in the evening, as their minds remain burdened by work-related stress. Consequently, they may wake up tired and exhausted the next day, even after adequate sleep, leading to a cycle of exhaustion and sleep disturbances.
The combination of these symptoms can lead to a vicious cycle that reinforces the burnout spiral and complicates recovery.
Burnout is a serious problem that not only affects individual health and quality of life but also incurs significant economic costs. It is important to recognize the symptoms of burnout early and take appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of those affected.
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Employers can take measures to improve working conditions and create a supportive work environment that promotes mental health (burnout prevention).
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Individuals can also learn burnout-preventive exercises (e.g., in coaching) to reduce the risk of burnout or prevent relapse.
Through a holistic approach, we can work together to recognize, prevent, and treat burnout.
