Burnout: Symptoms and Consequences

Burnout: Symptoms and Consequences (Part 2 of 6)

In part 1 I defined and gave some possible causes to burnout. This week I want to look at the symptoms and consequences of burnout. The website https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642 give two lists, one on symptoms and the other on consequences.

Job burnout symptoms

Here is the list on some symptoms of burnout that you should be on the lookout for. When thinking of the symptoms of burnout it is good to “Ask yourself” the following questions:

· Have you become cynical or critical at work?

· Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting started?

· Have you become irritable or impatient with co-workers, customers or clients?

· Do you lack the energy to be consistently productive?

· Do you find it hard to concentrate?

· Do you lack satisfaction from your achievements?

· Do you feel disillusioned about your job?

· Are you using food, drugs or alcohol to feel better or to simply not feel?

· Have your sleep habits changed?

· Are you troubled by unexplained headaches, stomach or bowel problems, or other physical complaints?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be experiencing job burnout.

The symptoms range from attitudes, (being critical or impatient), physical (lack of energy, headaches, or stomach issues), a change in sleep patterns, and using substances (food or alcohol) to dull how you feel. A person needs to learn to be in tune with themselves in order to notice when one or more of these symptoms is beginning to crop up. I know for me my sleep goes all out of whack. I usually fall asleep quickly and then wake up a few hours later and cannot go back to sleep because my mind is racing or spinning out on something. What symptoms to do you exhibit when you are heading to burnout?

Consequences of job burnout

If a person ignores the symptoms of burnout there can be grave consequences. Some of the possible consequences include:

· Excessive stress

· Fatigue

· Insomnia

· Sadness, anger or irritability

· Alcohol or substance misuse

· Heart disease

· High blood pressure

· Type 2 diabetes

· Vulnerability to illnesses

Notice again that a person may have physical, psychological issues, substance problems, and unexplained illnesses. I can remember when my kids where little and all of us would crawl into bed to read. Rachel would be reading, the kids would be engaged with the story, and I would be laying at their feet sleeping. Something else that would happen is that I would space out at the dinner table and Rachel would have to call out my name a few times and ask me where I went. I missed out on quite a bit of dinner and reading time with my family. I may not have been fully burnt out. However, I was for sure on my way. What consequences have you noticed in yourself?

If you have noticed some of these symptoms or consequences and feel like you need to do something about it send me an email. I would love to talk with you about it. My contact information is mark@yourstoryandaflashligt.com

If you would like to learn more about Spiritual Direction visit my website, www.yourstoryandaflashligt.com or send me an email mark@yourstoryandaflashlight.com I would love to talk with you about Spiritual Direction.