In the past years I have met several clients who had depression type sympthomps and started to take different medication based on the prescription their GP. The medication helped them to stay on surface and surf above the waves , but they didn't get closer to understand what really caused their depressed state. For several times it became clear that their problem is more complex than simple pointing to one single cause. During a kinesiolgy balance the nature of the stress reveals itself and helps to client to understand what desired changes he/she should make in order to own the problem and act responsible for his/her own life. I found that lots of symphtoms are strongly correlated with burnout which seems to be generic issue in our rushing, stressed way of life.
What is burnout?
Based on the longitudinal study of Wekenborg, M. K., Hill, L. K., Thayer, J. F., Penz, M.,Wittling, R. A., & Kirschbaum, C. (2019) Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion that results from prolonged exposure to high levels of stress and pressure, particularly in the workplace. It is characterized by a sense of overwhelming fatigue, reduced motivation, and diminished performance. Burnout can affect various aspects of a person's life, including their physical health, mental well-being, and interpersonal relationships.
According to Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016) and Maslach, Christina. (1982). Some common signs and symptoms of burnout include :
- Physical and emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained and depleted of energy, both physically and emotionally.
- Detachment and cynicism: Developing a negative and detached attitude towards work, colleagues, and responsibilities.
- Reduced performance: Decreased productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness in tasks.
- Lack of motivation: Loss of interest and enthusiasm for work or previously enjoyable activities.
- Cognitive difficulties: Trouble concentrating, memory problems, and impaired decision-making.
- Increased irritability and negativity: Persistent feelings of frustration, irritability, and negativity, even in non-work situations.
- Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, and other physical complaints.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing unrefreshing sleep.
- Withdrawal from social activities: Isolating oneself from social interactions and ithdrawing from previously enjoyed activities.
- Health problems: Burnout can contribute to various health issues, such as weakened immune system, cardiovascular problems, and mental healthdisorders.
It'simportant to note that burnout is not simply feeling tired or stressed occasionally; it is a more severe and chronic condition that requires attention and intervention to prevent further negative consequences.
References:
Evangelia Demerouti, Arnold B. Bakker,Maria C.W. Peeters & Kimberley Breevaart (2021)New directions in burnout research, European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology,30:5, 686-691, DOI: 10.1080/1359432X.2021.1979962
Understanding the burnout experience: recent research and its implications for psychiatry. Worldpsychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 15(2),103–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20311
Maslach, Christina. (1982). Understanding burnout:Definitional issues in analyzing a complex phenomenon.
Wekenborg, M. K., Hill, L. K., Thayer, J. F., Penz, M.,Wittling, R. A., & Kirschbaum, C. (2019). The Longitudinal Association of Reduced Vagal Tone With Burnout. Psychosomatic medicine, 81(9),791–798. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000000750