Symptoms of burnout are not as obvious as a broken leg or even pneumonia. Like in many pathologies various stages have been recorded. Literature commonly describes 4, each one subdivided in 3 or 4 intermediary stages. For sake of simplicity and clarity, we will speak of three phases.
First Phase
Initially it is observed – and should be considered as an alert phase – an increased commitment to reach professional objectives. Associated symptoms are hyperactivity, unpaid overtime, feelings of being unnecessary, of failure and undisclosed deception and finally of limited or impaired sociability with customers or other professional interfaces. In addition, fatigue is common with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, lack of energy, sleep disorders and increased risks of accidents.
Median Phase
Professionally, and well noticeable, is the reduction of engagement, a symptom of protection that usually follows the first phase and which is perceived as reaction of protection.
This reduction of engagement is perceptible towards clients by a loss of positive attitude, escape in front of interpersonal contacts, and attention disorders during normal business exchanges, throwing responsibility of problems to the outside, mainly customers.
It has also been observed the increased use of professional jargon. Towards others, the person in this phase will show a lack of sympathy, demonstrate absence of comprehension and difficulty to listen. Furthermore cynicism is a common trait and goes alongside feelings of being exploited and not recognized.
For who has a family, abnormal feelings of jealousy arise, increasing marital problems. This includes conflicts with the children.
Third Phase
To the feelings of guilt and self-pity, anxiety and bitterness are common. The person looses self-esteem and feels weak. This is accompanied by a feeling of emptiness, lack of control and pessimism. In some case, the desire to end ones life is risk.
Outwardly, major traits are aggressive reactions declined in the form of reproaches towards others, impatience and intolerance, irritability and mistrust, something that prevents proper team work.
Psychosomatic reactions are clearly observed. From diminished immune defense system to the impossibility to recuperate during spare time or holidays, to sleep disorders and increased nightmares. Sexual problems are always observed.
Facial deformations and palpitations, alongside sensations of pressure on the thorax and respiratory pain are also present. Accelerated pulse and increased blood pressure can be monitored as well.
The digestive track is also upset and nausea is a common trait that goes usually with a weight modification and a change in eating habits. Consumption of alcohol, coffee, tobacco and other drugs is also prevalent.
The third phase is where a clear degradation is observed. Cognitive functions are highly impaired and prove to be a risk for the person. Troubles of concentration and of memory, incapacity to realize complex functions and imprecision are clear symptoms. On a managerial point of view, disorganization, incapacity to take decisions and incapacity to give clear instructions are also clear consequences.
Economically, this translates in the reduction of initiatives and decreased productivity. Creativity is impaired with a diminished imagination and flexibility. Absence of balanced judgment will be expressed in all opposition to change. Depressive reaction will be shown by negativism and perception disorders.
First Phase
Initially it is observed – and should be considered as an alert phase – an increased commitment to reach professional objectives. Associated symptoms are hyperactivity, unpaid overtime, feelings of being unnecessary, of failure and undisclosed deception and finally of limited or impaired sociability with customers or other professional interfaces. In addition, fatigue is common with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, lack of energy, sleep disorders and increased risks of accidents.
Median Phase
Professionally, and well noticeable, is the reduction of engagement, a symptom of protection that usually follows the first phase and which is perceived as reaction of protection.
This reduction of engagement is perceptible towards clients by a loss of positive attitude, escape in front of interpersonal contacts, and attention disorders during normal business exchanges, throwing responsibility of problems to the outside, mainly customers.
It has also been observed the increased use of professional jargon. Towards others, the person in this phase will show a lack of sympathy, demonstrate absence of comprehension and difficulty to listen. Furthermore cynicism is a common trait and goes alongside feelings of being exploited and not recognized.
For who has a family, abnormal feelings of jealousy arise, increasing marital problems. This includes conflicts with the children.
Third Phase
To the feelings of guilt and self-pity, anxiety and bitterness are common. The person looses self-esteem and feels weak. This is accompanied by a feeling of emptiness, lack of control and pessimism. In some case, the desire to end ones life is risk.
Outwardly, major traits are aggressive reactions declined in the form of reproaches towards others, impatience and intolerance, irritability and mistrust, something that prevents proper team work.
Psychosomatic reactions are clearly observed. From diminished immune defense system to the impossibility to recuperate during spare time or holidays, to sleep disorders and increased nightmares. Sexual problems are always observed.
Facial deformations and palpitations, alongside sensations of pressure on the thorax and respiratory pain are also present. Accelerated pulse and increased blood pressure can be monitored as well.
The digestive track is also upset and nausea is a common trait that goes usually with a weight modification and a change in eating habits. Consumption of alcohol, coffee, tobacco and other drugs is also prevalent.
The third phase is where a clear degradation is observed. Cognitive functions are highly impaired and prove to be a risk for the person. Troubles of concentration and of memory, incapacity to realize complex functions and imprecision are clear symptoms. On a managerial point of view, disorganization, incapacity to take decisions and incapacity to give clear instructions are also clear consequences.
Economically, this translates in the reduction of initiatives and decreased productivity. Creativity is impaired with a diminished imagination and flexibility. Absence of balanced judgment will be expressed in all opposition to change. Depressive reaction will be shown by negativism and perception disorders.
