Professional Burnout
In the fast-paced world of modern professions, burnout has become all too common. We hear the word "burnout" everywhere, but what does it mean and how do you know if you are there? Professional burnout is a chronic state of emotional and often physical exhaustion, which is often accompanied by feelings of cynicism and detachment from work. Often these feelings begin spilling over into our personal lives. It can have a significant negative impact on both an individual's well-being and quality of life. Learn more about how therapy can help with professional burnout below.
What Factors Play Into Burnout?
* Lack of Boundaries - You have a hard time saying "NO"
* High Workload and Unrealistic or Unclear Expectations - A work culture that promotes the setting of unrealistic deadlines, goals, or expectations without providing the necessary resources often results in professional burnout.
* Lack of Control Over One's Work - When you may be assigned a group project and you are either left with the majority of the work or the work from others in the group is not up to standard, thus leaving more work for you.
* Lack of Work/Life Balance - A constant demand for long hours or the expectation that you must be constantly available outside of regular working hours can lead to exhaustion and negatively impact employees' personal lives. When your job becomes all work and no play burnout is just around the corner . . .
* Values Conflict between you and the Organization - When you finally realize that the organization you are working for does not stand for the same values you hold in high regard.
*Toxic Work Environment - The following factors can contribute to a toxic work environment:
- Poor Leadership which may involve micromanaging and/or bullying.
- Lack of communication or transparency can lead to misunderstanding, rumors, and lack of trust.
- Unhealthy Competition - Excessive competition without a supportive and healthy framework can lead to a hostile work environment.
-Bullying or Harassment
-Lack of Opportunities for growth and promotion can lead to dissatisfaction and stagnation.
* Codependency - Learn more about codependency and how EMDR and IFS therapy can help here.
Symptoms of Burnout
* Physical Fatigue - You feel exhausted even after a full night's sleep. Small tasks such as taking a shower or picking up groceries feel overwhelming.
* Emotional Fatigue - Feeling depleted, finding a sense of enthusiasm is difficult.
* Negative Attitude - Cynicism over work, colleagues, and the organization.
* Social Withdraw - You may start distancing yourself from friends and colleagues leading to isolation.
* Doubt and Self-Criticism - You may start doubting your worth and abilities.
* Lack of Motivation - Work that was once fulfilling now feels like a burden.
* Difficulty Focusing - The ability to focus and maintain attention can be compromised.
* Reduced Performance - As professional burnout progresses, the quality of work can decline, and tasks that were once manageable now feel more challenging which can contribute to frustration and feelings of inadequacy.
* Sleep Disturbances - Chronic work stress can lead to sleep disruption, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, restless sleep, and waking in a state of panic, worry, or racing thoughts.
* Health Issues - Burnout can lead to physical symptoms and medical issues such as headaches, stomachaches, digestive issues, and other stress-related ailments.
How Therapy Can Help With Professional Burnout
Therapy can help bring awareness to the factors that may be playing into burnout. Learn to develop new coping skills and how to set healthy boundaries with confidence so you can move out of burnout mode and back into thriving mode. EMDR and Internal Family Systems IFS therapy can help reduce symptoms of professional burnout and promote clarity so you can begin making the change that will create space for your needs and desires.