SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT

I have conducted many seminars and small group workshops focused on overcoming employee burnout caused by workplace stress. I’m passionate about teaching employers and employees how to combat this pervasive issue, which not only reduces productivity but also extends its destructive effects into personal lives. Work-related stress, driven by factors such as lack of transparency, work overload, feelings of missing out on life, poor group cohesion, life-stage issues, and insufficient financial or emotional rewards, can contribute to burnout—though these causes are topics for other discussions. However, with preventative measures and timely intervention, employee burnout can be avoided

Effects of Work-Related Stress and Signs & Symptoms of Burnout

SIGNS: Observable (Example: Sweating, pacing, loss of temper, etc.)

SYMPTOMS: Reported (Example: Inability to sleep, negative self-talk, physical pain, etc.)

PHYSICAL: Irritability, sleep disturbance (hypersomnia, insomnia, etc.), appetite change, decreased energy, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, somatic complaints (chest pain, muscle aches, gastrointestinal problems, etc.), nightmares and night terrors, hyper-vigilance (noticeable heightened startle response), impaired immune system, etc.

”I am always exhausted. I am always feeling pain. I sleep, but I am never rested.”

EMOTIONAL: Grief, anger, powerlessness, emotional numbness, fear (mild or acute), helplessness, depression, over-sensitivity, persistent sadness, chronic anxiety, emotional fluctuation, etc.

*Disillusionment with the company's mission or profession. “Nothing ever changes. I am just a worker bee.”

PSYCHOLOGICAL: Change in perception of life* (Example: “What’s the use in trying to work, the world is doomed anyway?”), decreased feelings of personal safety, loss of professional identity, internal negative dialogue (Internal Chatter Box), isolation from others (physical as well), low motivation, decreased ability to cope with stress, negativity, loss of faith, change in perception of self.

NOTE: Interesting phenomenon: A person at this stage may want to spend MORE time at work. This does not mean the individual is happy or productive. The employee may appear to be on auto-pilot trying to finish work, but the work is never complete and deadlines are never met.

“It is my destiny to work and die at this job. There is nothing more.”

Work-related stress doesn’t have to result in a loss of job satisfaction, career passion, physical health issues, or a diminished sense of self. Since each person is unique, a tailored approach to overcoming professional burnout is crucial

Eugene Roginsky LCSW

Bridge2Horizon Psychotherapy and Counseling Services

Lake County, Illinois