Workplace Burnout: It's More Than Just Stress

Psychology Today Blogs by Shainna Ali Ph.d., Lmhc - 2h ago Preview

 
 
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The World Health Organization highlights that burnout is more than just a state of stress. Do your signs show that your workplace stress is actually the syndrome of burnout?

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The World Health Organization recently announced that it is updating the definition of burnout in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). While the term burnout is commonly applied to many areas of life, the change specifically pertains to the work environment. Previously included in the ICD-10 as a state of vital exhaustion, the elaborated tridimensional definition refers to burnout as a syndrome that occurs when poorly managed workplace stress becomes a chronic condition.

Here are five signs of burnout:

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Source: pexels
1. You find it difficult to cope with your workplace stress.

While the World Health Organization highlights that burnout syndrome is more than stress, stress is the core of the concern. Coping encompasses the methods utilized to moderate stressors. A key difference between stress and burnout is that stress may be moderated by coping whereas burnout develops out of the unsuccessful attempts to cope with workplace stress over time.

2. You are drained from work.

When you are experiencing burnout you may find yourself to be exhausted or depleted from work. In a severe situation, this level of energy is disproportionate to what you have experienced typically. For example, you might recall a time in which you invested the same amount of hours, yet left feeling invigorated from your efforts. On the other hand, if you are experiencing burnout, a typical shift may be more mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted than in the past.

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Source: pexels
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3. You do not find pleasure in your work.

While your job may be exhausting, the trade of feeling connected, purposeful, and fulfilled by your work investment may protect you from workplace stress. Conversely, when you are burnt out, you may not be able to find your work pleasing at all.

4. You have negative feelings about work.

When you think about work, notice the emotions that arise. Do you find that you are inundated with negative sentiments and cynicism? When you are experiencing burnout you may find it difficult to recognize and connect to positive sentiments pertaining to the workplace. Instead, it may feel as though you are flooded with negative, intense emotions.

5. You no longer believe in your ability to accomplish your work obligations.

When your workplace stress becomes chronic, you experienced a decrease in your self-efficacy. You may find yourself beginning to doubt your abilities, even for tasks in which you have previously demonstrated competence. Further, this reduction in your assessment of your own abilities may impede in your motivation, functionality, and productivity.

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Source: stress
While the changes acknowledging this expanded definition are set to go into effect in 2022, if you meet the signs noted above, you may benefit from seeking the assistance of a trained mental health professional.