BURNOUT
Burnout is a serious problem in America.
A person is at risk of burnout when they experience one or more of the following workplace risk factors:
- Working long hours
- Having a heavy workload
- Working with distressing situations as part of the job/career
- Inflexible routines that lack autonomy and creativity
- Lack of appreciation/reward
- Experiencing oppression
- Having conflict between personal values and the values of the job/career
Among the many professional groups impacted by high rates of burnout are emergency and medical workers (physicians, nurses, paramedics, police, firefighters), mental health providers (counselors, social workers), attorneys, and teachers. Burnout is a gradual process that has serious implications at work and home.
The main characteristics of burnout include:
- Feeling emotionally exhausted/depleted
- Negative attitude toward workplace relationships
- Reduced sense of professional accomplishment
Are you “running on empty”?
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger/irritability
- Sense of failure/self-doubt
- Job dissatisfaction
- Lessened empathy
- Feeling helpless/trapped/defeated
- Cynical/negative outlook
- Detachment/feeling alone in the world
- Loss of motivation/boredom
- Frustration
- Difficulty with concentration/memory
- Chronic fatigue/exhaustion
- More frequent illnesses/physical health complaints
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty with sleep
- Changes in appetite/weight
- Muscle tension/aches
- Compulsive complaining
- Procrastination
- Conflict with others
- Violent outbursts
- Reduced productivity/performance
Burnout is a systemic problem.
In addressing burnout, the goal is not to focus on the individual alone. The work environment plays an important role in preventing or reducing burnout. Signs of burnout at an organizational level include employees taking increased sick leave days, high turnover, and behaviors related to intentions to quit/lack of commitment to the organization (for example, an employee saying “I can’t do this” and “I hate this job”).
Counseling and therapy at Wellness Grove…
Our in-person (outpatient) counseling services are offered in Canton OH (near Akron, North Canton, and Massillon). We also offer telemental health sessions to all Ohio residents.
Wellness Grove
