Symptoms of a burnout

Burnout is the exhaustion of body and mind due to years of high work pressure or stressful (work) conditions. People who are perfectionist or ambitious run a relatively higher risk of getting a burnout. Similar complaints can also arise from stressful situations that have nothing to do with work, for example when dealing with a long-term relationship or family problems.

 

What are the symptoms?

Burnout occurs when all three criteria below are met:

1. Chronic stress

A. Chronic stress occurs when at least three of the following symptoms are present:

• • Fatigue
  • Disturbed or restless sleep
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty tolerating crowds or noise
  • Emotional instability
  • Worrying thoughts (e.g., about shortcomings or about the complaints themselves)
  • The feeling of being in a rush
  • Concentration problems and/or forgetfulness

B. Feelings of loss of control and/or powerlessness occur because stressful situations and/or people can no longer be managed or tolerated.

C. There is a major disturbance in their work or social functioning.

D. The complaints are not a direct result of another psychiatric disorder.

2. The complaints started more than 6 months ago.

3. Feelings of tiredness and exhaustion are paramount.

 

Although burnout often occurs at work, it does not always have to be work-related. In principle, any situation with high stress and an inability to manage it sufficiently can lead to a burnout. Some examples are students that deal with a high study load or care workers that are under high pressure.

 

Source:
https://www.ggzstandaarden.nl/zorgstandaarden/aanpassingsstoornis-incl-overspanning-en-burn-out/introductie