Are you constantly feeling drained, both physically and emotionally? Do you find yourself lacking motivation, becoming increasingly cynical, or feeling detached from your colleagues? These feelings could be more than just stress; you might be experiencing burnout.
It’s important to understand that burnout is not just a feeling – it’s a legitimate and Burnout Official Diagnosis recognized by the global medical community. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized burnout as a medical syndrome in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), a guide used by healthcare providers worldwide for diagnosing diseases. This landmark inclusion signifies a crucial shift in how we understand and address workplace stress and its impact on individual health.
Dr. Frank Drummond, Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health Services at HCA Healthcare, clarifies this evolution. Burnout was previously classified as a “symptom,” considered a problem related to life management since 2003. However, the WHO has updated its classification to a “syndrome,” acknowledging it as a distinct condition arising from chronic workplace stress that is not successfully managed.
The official definition of burnout official diagnosis within the ICD-11, effective from January 2022, is defined as:
“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.”
This official recognition is a significant step towards validating the experiences of countless individuals struggling with the debilitating effects of chronic workplace stress.
The History of Burnout: From Concept to Official Diagnosis
The term “burnout” isn’t new. In 1974, psychologist Herbert Freudenberger first coined the term in a medical journal after observing the long-term consequences of excessive stress and demanding work environments on individuals. His research highlighted symptoms akin to depression stemming from workplace pressures. This early recognition laid the groundwork for understanding burnout as a distinct phenomenon.
Even before its official diagnosis, burnout was a prevalent issue. A Gallup poll revealed that a significant portion of the workforce experiences burnout, with 23% of employees reporting feeling burned out at work “very often or always,” and an additional 44% experiencing it “sometimes.” These statistics underscore the widespread nature of burnout and the urgent need for recognition and effective management strategies.
Dr. Drummond emphasizes the positive impact of this official recognition. “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 states. He also hopes this new designation will encourage individuals experiencing burnout to seek professional help and treatment, fostering a more proactive approach to mental well-being in the workplace.
To further explore this “occupational phenomenon,” Dr. Drummond and Cordett McCall, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Manager of Behavioral Health at Largo Medical Center, offer their expertise to differentiate between stress and burnout and provide insights into managing burnout before it becomes overwhelming.
Cordett McCall brings her experience as a licensed counselor and certified addiction specialist within HCA Healthcare to provide practical advice and strategies for coping with burnout.
Understanding the Difference: Stress vs. Burnout
Stress is a common human experience, a natural response to sudden threats or ongoing challenges. As Dr. Drummond explained in an HCA Healthcare Today article, stress is a normal physical and psychological reaction to life’s demands. Everyone encounters stress at various points.
However, burnout is distinct from typical stress. Burnout is the result of prolonged, unmanaged stress. Individuals experiencing burnout often describe feeling mentally exhausted, detached from their work, unproductive, and apathetic. This persistent state of exhaustion and disengagement differentiates burnout from everyday stress.
Identifying When Burnout Occurs
Burnout emerges when passion for work diminishes, replaced by monotonous routine, and when quality is sacrificed for quantity, leading to feelings of hopelessness, as McCall explains. A key indicator of burnout is when activities once enjoyed professionally become daunting and lose their sense of reward. This shift in perception and motivation is a critical sign that burnout may be developing.
Diagnosing Burnout: Recognizing the Symptoms
Medical professionals can diagnose burnout by observing specific symptoms commonly exhibited by affected individuals. These symptoms include:
- Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling depleted and lacking energy.
- Pessimism and Negativity: Adopting a negative outlook, particularly towards work.
- Lack of Empathy: Difficulty feeling or showing compassion towards others, especially colleagues or clients.
- Detachment from Coworkers: Social withdrawal and emotional distance from professional relationships.
- Feelings of Powerlessness: Believing that one’s efforts are futile and ineffective, leading to a sense of being “checked out.”
- Reduced Professional Efficacy: Perceiving a decline in job performance and competence.
McCall emphasizes that these symptoms are particularly noticeable when they represent a deviation from an individual’s typical behavior or demeanor. Changes in personality and work habits can be strong indicators of burnout.
Dr. Drummond also highlights physical symptoms associated with burnout, including:
- Recurrent Illnesses: Increased susceptibility to colds or infections due to a weakened immune system.
- Frequent Headaches or Muscle Pains: Physical manifestations of chronic stress.
- Changes in Appetite: Disruptions in eating patterns, either increased or decreased appetite.
Alt text: Depressed office worker surrounded by crumpled papers illustrates workplace burnout symptoms.
Uncovering the Root Causes of Burnout
Understanding the causes of burnout is crucial for prevention and management. McCall emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal limitations. Attempting to meet everyone’s demands constantly is unsustainable and a significant contributor to burnout. Common causes include:
- Saying “Yes” to Everyone: Overcommitting and taking on excessive responsibilities.
- Sacrificing Personal Time: Neglecting breaks, lunches, and personal time for work demands.
- Work-Life Imbalance: Prioritizing work excessively over personal life and well-being.
- Lack of Stress Relief: Not incorporating stress-reducing activities into daily life.
Dr. Drummond further adds that excessive stress, unclear job roles, and feelings of inadequacy or inability to meet performance expectations also contribute to burnout.
According to a CNBC article, other workplace factors that can lead to burnout include unfair treatment, unreasonable deadlines, unmanageable workloads, and inadequate support from managers. The constant connectivity to work through emails and texts, and the expectation of being available outside of work hours, further exacerbate burnout by blurring the boundaries between work and personal life.
The Detrimental Consequences of Job Burnout
Burnout can have wide-ranging negative consequences impacting both professional and personal well-being. These consequences include:
- Depression and Anxiety: Increased risk of mental health disorders.
- Weakened Immune System: Leading to increased illness and sick days.
- Impaired Judgment: Burnout can lead to carelessness and critical errors at work due to diminished focus and motivation.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping or maintaining healthy sleep patterns.
- Decreased Efficacy: Reduced productivity and effectiveness in work and other areas of life.
The impact of burnout extends beyond the workplace, affecting overall health and quality of life.
Burnout Beyond the Workplace: Expanding the Scope
Burnout is not limited to traditional professional settings. McCall points out that burnout can occur whenever passion is combined with a lack of autonomy or control over expressing that passion. Factors like repetitive tasks, minimal recognition, and an excessive focus on quantity over quality can contribute to burnout in various contexts. This means individuals in non-traditional roles, such as stay-at-home parents, religious leaders, or volunteers, are also susceptible to burnout if these contributing factors are present in their lives.
Identifying Risk Factors for Burnout
Certain individual characteristics can increase susceptibility to burnout. Individuals may be more prone to experiencing burnout if they:
- Struggle Under Pressure: Find it difficult to cope with demanding or high-pressure situations.
- Have Pre-existing Anxiety or Depression: Underlying mental health conditions can increase vulnerability.
- Exhibit Perfectionist Tendencies: Setting unrealistically high standards and being overly critical of oneself.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for mitigating burnout risk, regardless of individual predispositions.
Strategies for Managing Burnout and Seeking Help
Managing burnout requires proactive strategies and self-awareness. The first step is recognizing that burnout can happen to anyone.
McCall suggests several coping mechanisms:
- Engage in Hobbies and Exercise: Pursuing enjoyable activities and physical activity for stress relief.
- Seek Therapy: Talking to a therapist for professional guidance and support.
- Develop a Support Network: Building strong relationships with friends, family, or support groups.
- Set Self-Care and Life Goals: Prioritizing self-care and establishing personal goals beyond work.
- Maintain Balance: Actively working towards a healthy equilibrium between work and personal life.
Dr. Drummond also recommends the following approaches to manage burnout:
- Re-evaluate Life and Career Choices: Reflecting on sources of burnout and considering necessary changes.
- Increase Gratifying Activities: Engaging in interpersonal or personally fulfilling activities to counterbalance work demands.
- Take Time Off Work: Utilizing vacation time or breaks for rest and rejuvenation.
Dr. Drummond emphasizes the importance of seeking help early: “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 concludes with optimism that the official recognition of burnout will raise awareness, facilitate prevention efforts, and provide resources for individuals to recover from this emotionally draining experience. The burnout official diagnosis is a crucial step in acknowledging and addressing this widespread syndrome, paving the way for improved workplace well-being and individual health.
