Burnout occurs...

• in the workplace

• at home, tending to a house full of kids, or ones with special needs

• care-taking for a sick relative or friend

• during long commutes to and from work

• when working 2 or more jobs

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Those at risk for burnout...

• tend to be perfectionists

• have difficulty saying "no"

• work very long hours, many days in a row

• have little to no time for long breaks

• are first responders

• are in the helping, medical and teaching professions

• often put others' needs before their own

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Burnout stems from a lack of control (real or perceived) over one’s environment.

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Burnout’s symptoms include:

• apathy and a sudden lack of drive and energy

• overwhelm and not knowing where to start

• feelings of detachment or helplessness regarding the assignments and duties

• irritability, insomnia, anger, cynicism and pessimism

• significant forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

• using food, alcohol or drugs to stay alert or calm you down

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When treating burnout, I ask clients about their workplace history, what they’ve enjoyed and are proud of, and what they did not like and felt overwhelmed by. I’ll assess their thought processes and responses to colleagues and supervisors, or other outside stressors, to determine if their responses appropriately matched the situation, or if there were some previous experiences or expectations that got in the way of working the stressors though.

It's important for us all to learn about burnout and recognize its signs and symptoms. If you need help on burnout or any of its symptoms, or if you are an employer who would like for me to provide an inservice training about burnout, feel free to contact me.