Burnout syndrom 1974 Herbert J Freudenberger volunteers at

Burn-out syndrom 1974 – Herbert J. Freudenberger (volunteers at free clinics)

Definition Burnout: to deplete oneself. To exhaust one´s physical and mental resources. To wear oneself out by excessively striving to reach some unrealistic expectation imposed by oneself or by values of society. Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who do „people work“ of some kind.

Symptoms Three groups of symptoms: • Physical • Psychological • Behavioral Symptoms from all three groups are respectively interrelated.

Physical symptoms Physical exhaustion/fatigue Depression Insomnia or sleeping more than usual Headaches Gastrointestinal problems/ulcers Lingering colds/frequent colds/flu Weight loss or gain Shortness of breath Hypertension High cholesterol Coronary disease Impaired speech Sexual dysfunction

Psychological symptomes Rigidity to change/loss of flexibility Loss of concern and feelings/empathy Cynism/negativism Emotional exhaustion/loss of emotional control Low moral/sense of futility Loss of patience irritable Inability to cope with unwanted stress Feelings of anger/bitterness/resentment/ disgust Boredom Reduced self-concept Dehumanizing clientele/labeling Loss of idealism/disillusion Frustration Inability to make decions

Feeling of powerlessness Guilt feelings/feelings of failure Depression Alienation Increased worry Over-confidence/taking unusually high risks Feelings of being everything to everyone/omniscient

Behavioral symptoms Low job performance/low job satisfaction Decreased communication/withdrawal High job turnower/leave position Increased absenteeism Loss of enthusiasm for job Increased drug use Increased marital and family conflict High alcohol use Lack of focus on job/lack of purpose and prioroties Accident proneness Increased complaints about job Forgetfulness/poor concentration Workaholism

Model for burnout • Personality • The enviroment and its potential stressors • Processing of stressors • Strain • Burnout

Coping strategies • Develop a realistic picture of yourself – know what you are feeling and why • Set realistic goals for yourself • Recognize the symptoms of stress and burnout • Ask for help when it´s needed • Develop a structural and personal support system • Retain hope • Develop a detached concern for recipients of your efforts • Maintain an active personal social life outside of work • Take time-outs when you need them • Maintain a regimen of proper nutrition and physical excercise • Develop a sense of organizational involvement • Be willing to accept counseling when needed • Develop self-therapies such as meditation, biofeedback or relaxation • Accentuate the positive