Syndrome of emotional burnout - not a whim, but a problem

Back in 2005, the WHO European Conference noted that nearly one in three workers in European countries were affected by the disease. Syndrome of emotional burnout, although recognized officially, but is not the basis for issuing a temporary disability sheet. And, perhaps, in vain. After all, a person experiencing such a problem ceases to be a good worker. He not only loses his physical and emotional energy, quickly becomes tired and does not get satisfaction from work, but also loses his psychological balance, becomes distracted and irritable, which negatively affects the situation within the collective. In addition, the accumulated stress, many people tend to take alcohol, and even more powerful and dangerous substances. And what in the end? There was a responsible performer, an enterprising worker, an excellent specialist - and suddenly ended, "burnt out."

When the psychotherapist Herbert Freudenberger first described the disease in 1974, he himself did not anticipate the extent of its spread. Initially, it was believed that the burnout syndrome is characteristic only of representatives of such professions, who have to regularly contact other people. At risk included medical and social workers, teachers, sellers. But the further - the more this list was replenished. It turned out that "communication" with technology "burns" no less, and the constant presence among colleagues or under the close gaze of the bosses also contributes to the emergence and development of this ailment.

Today it is already established that the syndrome of emotional burnout is not so much manifested under the influence of the environment and working conditions, but is a consequence of the attitude towards work. The most susceptible to him are three types of people. The first are those who are used to doing everything pedantically and achieve the desired result. If something does not go well, their psychological state begins to fail. The second - pronounced perfectionists, pathologically striving to conquer the highest peaks, to the primacy in everything. Such people drive themselves to the point of exhaustion. Still others are simply overly sensitive individuals, who are painfully experiencing the slightest mistake. So one criticism is enough to "fly out of the saddle."

It is fair to call the syndrome of emotional burnout a disease of workaholics. Those who work with coolness and do not show special zeal do not take "risk". And even the general problems of the team, such as low wages at high loads, monotonous activity, a small number of days off and holidays, are perceived by them in different ways. In the latter it will cause, rather, outrage and emotional outburst, and the former, on the contrary, will die out, "burn out."

Symptoms of emotional burnout syndrome are clearly visible even from the side - a person is like a substitute. Usually glowing with enthusiasm, he now treats his work with indifference. Previously, friendly and sympathetic, from now on he is closed and irritable. And what is going on with the poor fellow inside - so this is a completely gloomy picture. Constant fatigue, fits of despondency and devastation, apathy, lack of joy before a new day. Sometimes there may be a panicky feeling of a lack of time to perform the tasks assigned, and in some cases, a deterioration of well-being - pain in the spine, increased pressure and so on - is possible.

The main treatment recommended by doctors, if the patient has a syndrome of emotional burnout, is rest. Yes, the district doctor does not give a sick leave, but, perhaps, will help convince the authorities to send you on vacation. Temporary change of occupation (not work!) - also a good option; You can enroll in courses, in a sports section or in a creative circle.

The prevention of the syndrome of emotional burnout comes from the very methods of treatment. In order not to overwork at work, you need to be able and able to have a good rest. Physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are excellent helpers in this matter. Reasonable distribution of workload, perhaps even a change in the schedule, will also help to avoid exhaustion: does the management really not meet the valuable employee? Learn to enjoy not only the achievements in professional activity, but also from simple life joys, do not focus on the troubles, which most often are nothing more than turmoil. Optimism - the best vaccination from the syndrome of emotional burnout!