Are you constantly feeling drained, both emotionally and physically? Do you find yourself unmotivated, increasingly cynical, or detached from your colleagues? These feelings might indicate that you’re experiencing burnout, a condition that is now recognized as a legitimate Burnout Medical Diagnosis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognizes burnout in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), a comprehensive guide used by healthcare providers globally for diagnosing diseases. This recognition underscores the seriousness of burnout and its impact on individuals’ health and well-being. Dr. Frank Drummond, a chief medical officer specializing in behavioral health, explains that burnout, previously considered a symptom related to life management since 2003, has been reclassified as a syndrome.
This significant shift by the WHO redefines burnout from a mere “state” of exhaustion to a “syndrome” stemming from “chronic workplace stress” that has not been successfully managed. This updated classification, included in the latest ICD-11, which took effect in January 2022, provides a clear and official burnout medical diagnosis definition:
“Burnout is 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; and 3) reduced professional efficacy.”
The Origins of Burnout
The term “burnout” was first introduced into the medical lexicon in 1974 by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger. Through his studies published in a medical journal, Freudenberger highlighted the long-term consequences of excessive stress and demanding work environments on individuals, noting symptoms similar to depression. This early research established that burnout is not a sudden occurrence but rather develops gradually over time. Recent data from a Gallup poll reinforces this, revealing that a significant portion of the workforce experiences burnout, with 23% reporting feeling burned out “very often or always” and an additional 44% experiencing it “sometimes.”
Dr. Drummond emphasizes the importance of this official burnout medical diagnosis: “The fact that burnout is an ‘official’ diagnosis will hopefully translate to greater education and awareness around quality of life for those in the workforce.” He further hopes that this recognition will encourage individuals and healthcare professionals to take burnout seriously, prompting those affected to seek appropriate treatment and support.
To further explore this “occupational phenomenon” and provide practical strategies for managing burnout, we turn to insights from Dr. Drummond and Cordett McCall, a licensed mental health counselor and clinical manager specializing in behavioral health. McCall, with her expertise as a counselor and addiction specialist, offers valuable perspectives on understanding and addressing burnout.
Stress vs. Burnout: Discerning the Difference
Stress is an inherent part of life, a natural response to both sudden threats and ongoing challenges. However, burnout is distinct from everyday stress. As Dr. Drummond explained in an article for HCA Healthcare Today titled “Stress, the health epidemic of the 21st century,” burnout is the result of prolonged, unmanaged stress. Individuals experiencing burnout often describe feelings of profound mental exhaustion, detachment, decreased productivity, and a general lack of care or efficacy in their work.
When Does Burnout Typically Occur?
Burnout develops when the initial passion and enthusiasm for a job are replaced by routine, when the focus shifts from quality to quantity, and when empathy gives way to feelings of hopelessness, according to McCall. A key indicator of burnout is when a person’s professional passion transforms into a daunting, unrewarding task. This shift in perception and emotional response signals the onset of burnout.
Diagnosing Burnout: A Medical Professional’s Approach
Medical professionals can diagnose burnout by observing and assessing a range of symptoms that manifest in individuals experiencing this syndrome. These symptoms are particularly noticeable when they represent a deviation from an individual’s typical behavior and demeanor, as McCall points out. Key indicators of burnout include:
- Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling depleted and emotionally drained.
- Pessimism and Negativity: Displaying a negative or cynical attitude, especially towards work.
- Lack of Empathy: Reduced ability to empathize with others.
- Detachment from Coworkers: Feeling disconnected and isolated from colleagues.
- Feelings of Powerlessness: Believing that one’s efforts are futile and make no difference; feeling “checked out.”
- Reduced Professional Efficacy: Perceiving a decline in job performance and competence.
Dr. Drummond also highlights physical symptoms associated with burnout, such as:
- Recurrent Illnesses: Increased susceptibility to colds and infections due to a weakened immune system.
- Frequent Headaches or Muscle Pain: Experiencing unexplained physical discomfort.
- Changes in Appetite: Noticeable shifts in eating habits.
Identifying the Root Causes of Burnout
McCall emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal limitations as a crucial step in preventing burnout. Trying to meet every demand and expectation is unsustainable and a common pathway to burnout. Factors contributing to burnout can include:
- Saying “Yes” to Everyone: Overcommitting and taking on excessive responsibilities.
- Sacrificing Personal Time: Neglecting breaks, lunch, and personal time for work.
- Work-Life Imbalance: Prioritizing work demands over personal needs and life priorities.
- Lack of Stress Relief: Insufficient incorporation of stress-reducing activities into daily life.
Dr. Drummond further adds that excessive stress, unclear job roles, and feelings of inadequacy or inability to meet expected performance levels are also significant contributors to burnout. According to a CNBC article, other workplace factors that can lead to burnout include unfair treatment, unrealistic deadlines, overwhelming workloads, and insufficient managerial support. The constant connectivity to work through emails and texts, and the expectation of immediate responses outside of work hours, further exacerbate workplace stress and contribute to burnout.
The Detrimental Consequences of Job Burnout
Burnout can lead to a wide range of negative consequences affecting various aspects of life. These can include:
- Mental Health Issues: Depression and anxiety.
- Weakened Immune System: Increased susceptibility to illness, leading to more sick days.
- Impaired Judgment: Reduced care and attention to detail, potentially causing critical errors at work.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Decreased Efficacy: Reduced productivity and effectiveness in work and other areas of life.
This list underscores the far-reaching impact of burnout on an individual’s overall health and well-being.
Burnout Beyond the Workplace: Expanding the Scope
Burnout is not exclusive to professional work environments. McCall points out that burnout can occur in any situation where an individual has a strong passion but experiences a loss of control over expressing that passion independently. Contributing factors include repetitive tasks, minimal recognition, and an excessive focus on quantity over quality. This means that individuals in various roles, such as stay-at-home parents, religious leaders, or volunteers, can also be vulnerable to burnout if these conditions are present in their respective domains.
Identifying Risk Factors for Burnout
Certain personality traits and pre-existing conditions can increase an individual’s susceptibility to burnout. These risk factors include:
- Difficulty Working Under Pressure: Struggling to manage stress in demanding situations.
- Pre-existing Anxiety or Depression: Individuals with these conditions may be more vulnerable.
- Perfectionistic Tendencies: Setting excessively high standards and being overly critical of oneself.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for managing and mitigating the risk of burnout.
Strategies for Managing and Preventing Burnout
Managing burnout requires proactive strategies, starting with self-awareness. Recognizing the potential for burnout is the first step towards addressing it. McCall suggests several coping mechanisms:
- Engaging in Hobbies and Exercise: Pursuing enjoyable activities outside of work and incorporating physical activity.
- Seeking Therapy: Talking to a therapist to process emotions and develop coping strategies.
- Building a Support Network: Cultivating strong relationships with friends, family, or support groups.
- Setting Self-Care and Life Goals: Prioritizing self-care activities and setting meaningful goals outside of work.
- Maintaining Balance: Striving for a healthy equilibrium between work and personal life.
Dr. Drummond adds further recommendations for managing the path to burnout:
- Re-evaluating Life and Career Choices: Examining the factors contributing to burnout and considering necessary changes.
- Increasing Gratifying Activities: Engaging in interpersonal and personally fulfilling activities to balance work demands.
- Taking Time Off: Utilizing vacation time and breaks to disconnect from work and recharge.
Dr. Drummond emphasizes the importance of early intervention: “It can be difficult to differentiate everyday stress to a full point of burnout, But if you’re feeling stressed and out of balance, don’t wait. It’s still useful to reach out for help either through a therapist or through your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).“
McCall expresses hope that the official burnout medical diagnosis and the increasing conversation surrounding burnout will empower individuals to recognize it in themselves and others, facilitate prevention efforts, and provide access to resources for recovery from this emotionally taxing experience.
