Unfortunately, job burnout is a very real and common problem that people are experiencing nowadays. In May 2019, the WHO officially recognized it as an occupational disorder. It’s a condition that occurs when one experiences chronic stress in the workplace that has not been managed properly. The negative effects of stress on one’s professional efficacy can be severe.
Although job burnout is mainly referred to as a workplace issue, it can also affect one’s personal life. For instance, if one experiences this condition, they might not be able to cope with work-related stress and would often avoid doing anything to improve their personal life.
Recognizing the signs of job burnout is very important to avoid experiencing negative effects from the condition. It can also help prevent one from feeling helpless and hopeless.
Burnout can worsen and affect one’s physical and mental health when left untreated. Some of the symptoms of this condition include fatigue, irritability, and depression.
Depression or Anxiety
According to Madeline DiLeonardo, MEd, LPC, NCC, a licensed professional counselor, if one begins to feel frustrated or down, this could be a sign that they are experiencing burnout. She also noted that this condition could trigger feelings of depression and anxiety. When this happens, one might experience detachment, irritability, and pessimism, which can affect performance.
Insomnia
Insomnia can trigger a feeling of being tired but wired. It can also make one feel incapable of sleeping, which can lead to frustration. This could cause one to get stressed out and eventually stop eating.
Repeated Illness
According to DiLeonardo, burnout can also affect one’s immune system by making it feel like they are constantly getting sick. This is because fatigue, lack of sleep, and a loss of appetite can weaken one’s immune system.
Health Conditions
High cortisol levels can also trigger an increase in the body’s inflammation. This is because the stress hormone is known to trigger our fight-or-flight response. When the levels of cortisol go up, this can lead to an increase in the body’s inflammation. Chronic inflammation can potentially lead to various chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer.
Exhaustion
Many people who experience burnout will feel exhausted both physically and emotionally. They may feel dread as they realize that they still have a lot of work to do. This could lead to a decrease in one’s performance at work. In addition, it could cause one to feel too tired to engage with their personal life.