What Is Burnout?

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The WHO (World Health Organization) defines burnouts as…

1. “… a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions:
   1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion 
   2. Increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job
   3. Reduced professional efficacy
2. Burnout refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.”

The Basics of Burnout:

• Burnout is a gradual process. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it can creep on you. 
• Burnout refers specifically to how one individual perceives and reacts to their work and/or work environment. 
• Burnout is a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity Personality traits, family life and other individual factors influence the way one experiences burnout. 
• Burnout is not classified as a medical condition, but could lead to serious medical conditions. 
• Burnout does not refer to how individuals perceive and react to areas of life other than work (e.g., family, friends, school, etc.), but the negative effects of burnout spill over into every area of life—including your home, work, and social life. 
• Our best employees may be burnt out. 

Our CareATC office near the medical center, now offers EAP (counseling) services. Consider making an appointment today by learning more here. Everything you share  with this health care professional is confidential.