Defined as the state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion and accompanied by a range of symptoms, burnout is often caused by prolonged or chronic work-related stress.
Burnout has unfortunately become a common occurrence in the lives of modern people. With burnout at high levels, this all-too-common condition requires a comprehensive understanding for us to beat it.
But what are the five stages of burnout?
1. Honeymoon Phase
When we undertake a new task, we often start by experiencing high job satisfaction, commitment, energy, and creativity. This is especially true of a new job role, or the beginnings of a business venture. We can sometimes ignore any stressors or issues that need confronting, if we create good coping strategies at this stage, we can continue in the honeymoon phase indefinitely.
Common Symptoms of the Honeymoon Phase:
- Sustained and increased energy levels
- Going beyond your limits to prove yourself at work
- Dismissing problems and stressors
- Job satisfaction
- High productivity levels
2. Stress Onset
This phase is when you start to have an awareness of some days being more difficult than others. You may be neglecting your general self-care duties to keep up with your stressful schedule and workload, finding yourself snapping in moments of irritability or perhaps having a hard time focusing on work. Your productivity levels may start to slip here as you struggle to keep up with everything on your plate.
Common Symptoms of Stress Onset:
- Niggling feelings of anxiety
- Irritability and other stress indicators
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of sleep/reduced sleep quality
- Lack of social interaction
- Lower productivity
- General neglect of self-care.
3. Chronic Stress
At this point, stress becomes more persistent—more of an everyday thing. You begin missing deadlines and feel yourself procrastinating more and more to avoid any feelings of stress. You might find yourself starting to overeat or over-consume alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine to avoid this stress. Your stress may show higher levels of irritability and aggressive behaviour.
Common Symptoms of Chronic Stress:
- Bouts of anger or aggressive behaviour
- Missed work deadlines due to lower productivity levels and higher procrastination levels
- Increased food/alcohol/caffeine consumption as a form of avoidance.
4. Burnout
When burnout itself really hits, you may have abandoned your self-care and personal needs, leaving you socially isolated with heightened escapist activities. Headaches and fatigue may worsen, alongside other physical symptoms. If your work-related stress levels are sky high, you feel a general sense of intense dread when you think about work. You may be taking regular sick days to avoid your stress.
Common Symptoms of Burnout:
- Complete neglect of personal needs
- Chronic headaches and other physical symptoms worsen
- Social isolation and an increase in escapist activities.
- Feelings of emptiness and a complete lack of motivation.
5. Habitual Burnout
Habitual burnout is the last phase, which can occur when burnout becomes an integral part of your life. It can take a toll on your career, relationships and health. You experience significant and ongoing mental, physical, and emotional problems, like chronic sadness or depression. Help from a professional is needed at this point.
Common Symptoms of Habitual Burnout:
- Chronic low mood and anxiety
- Chronic mental and physical fatigue
- Complete social isolation/avoidance.
Resources
https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/everyday-resilience/202402/5-stages-of-occupational-burnout-assessing-where-you-are
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy. This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.