Are you constantly feeling drained, both physically and emotionally? Do you find yourself losing motivation, becoming cynical, or feeling detached from your colleagues? These could be early warning signs of work burnout.
It’s crucial to recognize that burnout is not just a feeling; it’s a legitimate medical diagnosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized burnout as a syndrome in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), a guide used by healthcare professionals worldwide for diagnosis.
Dr. Frank Drummond, Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health Services at HCA Healthcare, clarifies that while burnout was previously considered a symptom related to life management since 2003, it has now been elevated to a syndrome.
This reclassification by the WHO marks a significant shift from viewing burnout as a “state” of exhaustion to a “syndrome” directly resulting from “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”
The ICD-11, effective from January 2022, provides the official and comprehensive Work Burnout 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 Origin of Work Burnout Diagnosis
The term ‘burnout’ was first introduced into the medical lexicon by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in 1974. His groundbreaking research, published in a medical journal, explored the long-term effects of excessive stress and demanding work environments on individuals, leading to symptoms akin to depression. This highlights that the concept of work burnout diagnosis and the phenomenon itself are not new, but rather a long-standing issue.
Burnout doesn’t manifest suddenly. A recent Gallup poll revealed that a concerning “23% of employees reported feeling burned out at work very often or always, while an additional 44% reported feeling burned out sometimes.” This widespread prevalence underscores the importance of understanding and addressing work burnout diagnosis.
Dr. Drummond emphasizes the significance 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 further hopes that this formal work burnout diagnosis will encourage individuals and healthcare professionals to proactively seek and provide treatment and support.
Dr. Drummond, along with Cordett McCall, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Manager of Behavioral Health at HCA Healthcare’s Largo Medical Center, offer valuable insights into this “occupational phenomenon” and provide strategies to manage burnout before it escalates.
Cordett McCall brings her expertise as a licensed counselor and certified addiction specialist within the HCA Healthcare West Florida Division to further illuminate the nuances of work burnout diagnosis.
Stress vs. Burnout: Key Differences in Work Burnout Diagnosis
Stress is an inevitable part of life, a natural response to both sudden threats and ongoing challenges. Dr. Drummond highlighted this in an article for HCA Healthcare Today titled “Stress, the health epidemic of the 21st century.”
However, burnout is distinct from general stress. It is the consequence of prolonged, unremitting stress. Individuals experiencing burnout typically feel not just stressed, but profoundly exhausted mentally, emotionally disconnected from their work, unproductive, and indifferent to their tasks, as Dr. Drummond explains. This differentiation is crucial in making an accurate work burnout diagnosis.
Identifying the Onset of Work Burnout
Burnout emerges when passion is replaced by routine, quality is sacrificed for quantity, and empathy gives way to hopelessness, according to McCall. A key indicator of burnout is when the activities that once fueled professional passion become burdensome and lose their sense of reward. This shift in perception is a significant aspect of work burnout diagnosis.
How is Work Burnout Diagnosed?
Medical professionals can diagnose work burnout by recognizing a cluster of characteristic symptoms in individuals. These symptoms often include:
- Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling depleted and drained of emotional resources.
- Pessimism and Cynicism: Developing a negative outlook, particularly towards work and professional life.
- Lack of Empathy: Reduced ability to connect with and care about others, especially colleagues and clients.
- Detachment from Coworkers: Withdrawing socially and emotionally from professional relationships.
- Feelings of Ineffectiveness: Believing that one’s efforts are futile and make no difference; feeling “checked out.”
- Decreased Professional Efficacy: A subjective sense of declining competence and performance at work compared to previous levels.
McCall emphasizes that these symptoms are particularly telling when they represent a significant deviation from an individual’s typical behavior and demeanor. Changes in personality and work habits are strong indicators for work burnout diagnosis.
Dr. Drummond further points out that physical symptoms can also accompany work burnout, such as:
- Recurring illnesses like colds, indicating a weakened immune system.
- Frequent headaches or muscle aches.
- Changes in appetite.
A man overwhelmed with work burnout, surrounded by crumpled papers, illustrating the emotional and physical toll of chronic workplace stress.
Common Causes of Work Burnout
McCall highlights the importance of recognizing personal limitations. Trying to meet everyone’s expectations constantly is unsustainable and a significant contributor to burnout. Common triggers include:
- Saying “Yes” Too Often: Overcommitting and taking on excessive responsibilities.
- Sacrificing Personal Time: Neglecting breaks, lunch, and personal time for work demands.
- Work-Life Imbalance: Prioritizing work over personal life and well-being.
- Lack of Stress Relief: Insufficient opportunities for relaxation and stress management in daily life.
Dr. Drummond adds that excessive stress itself is a primary driver of burnout. Other workplace factors identified in a CNBC article include:
- Unfair treatment at work.
- Unreasonable deadlines.
- Unmanageable workload.
- Lack of managerial support.
The constant connectivity to work through emails and texts, and the expectation of round-the-clock availability, also exacerbate burnout in today’s work culture. These factors are crucial to consider in understanding the causes behind a work burnout diagnosis.
Consequences of Untreated Work Burnout
The ramifications of work burnout are far-reaching. It can lead to:
- Depression and anxiety disorders.
- Weakened immune system, resulting in increased sick days.
- Impaired judgment and decision-making, potentially causing critical errors at work.
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia.
- Decreased overall efficacy and productivity.
The impact of untreated burnout extends beyond professional life, affecting overall health and well-being.
Burnout Beyond the Workplace
While often associated with professional work, burnout is not limited to it. McCall points out that burnout can occur whenever passion is combined with a lack of autonomy in expressing that passion. Contributing factors include:
- Expectations of repetitive tasks and outcomes.
- Minimal recognition for efforts.
- An excessive focus on quantity over quality.
Therefore, individuals in various roles, such as stay-at-home parents, religious leaders, and volunteers, are also susceptible to burnout if these conditions are present. Recognizing this broader scope is important for a comprehensive understanding of burnout diagnosis.
Risk Factors for Work Burnout
Certain personality traits and predispositions can increase an individual’s vulnerability to work burnout. These include:
- Difficulty working under pressure.
- Pre-existing anxiety or depression.
- Perfectionistic tendencies.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial in mitigating the risk of burnout, especially for individuals with these risk factors.
Managing and Preventing Work Burnout
Effective management of work burnout starts with self-awareness. Recognizing the potential for burnout is the first step towards addressing it.
McCall suggests several coping strategies:
- Engaging in hobbies and regular exercise.
- Seeking therapy and counseling.
- Building a strong support network.
- Setting self-care and personal life goals.
- Actively maintaining work-life balance.
Dr. Drummond recommends proactive steps to address the path to burnout:
- Re-evaluating life and career choices to identify burnout triggers.
- Increasing engagement in personally fulfilling activities outside of work to create balance.
- Taking time off work for rest and rejuvenation.
Dr. Drummond emphasizes that “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).” Seeking help is a sign of strength and a crucial step in managing and overcoming work burnout.
McCall expresses hope that the formal recognition and increased conversation around work burnout diagnosis will empower individuals to identify burnout in themselves and others, take preventive measures, and access resources for recovery from this emotionally taxing experience.
