Burnout

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What is it about ?

Burnout is characterized by physical, psychological and social problems accompanied by a loss of self-esteem at work. It is not a disease, but a set of symptoms (a syndrome). This means that burnout manifests itself with symptoms of various kinds. It is a slow and insidious process.

Burnout is a major social problem. Its origin lies partially in various personal factors, a natural predisposition and psychological characteristics. Burnout is also a social problem, which arises from a high workload, work organization and hierarchical structures.

Burnout should not be confused with stress at work. Stress arises when a person is trying to adjust to their workload. It is not necessarily negative. Burnout, on the other hand, develops when simple adaptation is not enough and the state of stress persists for a long time. Depression and burnout partially overlap, and burnout can be a trigger in the development of depression.

What is its frequency?

According to estimates, 28,000 Belgians were confronted with this syndrome in 2017. And this is probably only the tip of the iceberg. Some workers show early signs of burnout without consulting a healthcare professional. Despite everything, they try to stay active in the labor market.

How to recognize it?

Burnout is accompanied by intense and overwhelming fatigue, a cynical attitude towards work and a loss of self-esteem at work. In addition to psychological symptoms, such as problems with concentration and memory, the person who suffers from burnout also has physical symptoms, such as headaches, backaches, muscle pain and trouble sleeping. Problems can also arise in the social and relational sphere, such as increased irritability, a tendency to flee the crowd and the feeling of less well recovering.

How is the diagnosis made?

The doctor will listen to you and ask you additional questions about your job, your relationships, your mood, your emotions and your physical symptoms. On this basis, he will try to assess whether there is a question of burnout. If in doubt, he will refer you to a psychiatrist. It is not always easy to distinguish burnout from depression.

What can your doctor do?

The treatment is defined on a case-by-case basis. It may include stress management techniques, drug treatment, or psychotherapy. Good quality of sleep is essential. Interventions in the workplace can help to adjust the quantity and the workload. This aspect is of crucial importance in burnout. The doctor will work with you to find possible solutions in the context of social security and in the context of the employer. You can also discuss the existing possibilities with the occupational physician. A temporary work stoppage may be necessary to regain a certain serenity. A schedule of regular appointments is set up for follow-up.

Psychological problems, such as depression, are actively treated. If there is no improvement after 1 to 2 months or if the diagnosis remains uncertain, the doctor will refer you for a psychiatric evaluation.

If the occupational health services are convinced that burnout is a frequent problem in the workplace concerned, group interventions can be organized.

What can you do ?

You can reduce the risk of burnout:

  • making a clear distinction between work and leisure;
  • by learning to say “no”;
  • by planning your work in advance;
  • taking care of your physical condition;
  • knowing your own limits;
  • by having good relationships at home;
  • maintaining good working relationships;
  • by shaping your career in an open working climate, so that your work has / keeps meaning;
  • by having an encouraging employer;
  • knowing clearly what your professional responsibilities are;
  • maintaining your level of expertise.

Want to know more?

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