In the year 1974, psychologist Herber J. Freudenberger coined the term burnout or Burning syndrome. Since then, this has been one of the most studied emotional syndromes due to the emotional and physical consequences it causes since feeling burned out affects numerous men. This is especially true during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are just starting to see the side effects of what might potentially be long-term or worse permanent mental health side effects of everything that implied being in a pandemic.
This burning syndrome refers to those men who live in prolonged situations of emotional and interpersonal stress generated by external factors. The symptoms that are usually caused are associated with chronic fatigue, feeling of ineffectiveness, demotivation, and depersonalization, among others. Which in turn affects men both in their work, social, and personal lives.
According to the World Health Organization, it is one of the sources of problems such as absenteeism, temporary disability, illness, accidents, etc.
Mental health is so critically important to human beings. Unfortunately, men do not have enough support resources due to societal stereotypes and prejudice. As you may or may not be aware, Modern Man Advice advocates for men’s wellness. This led us on a path to support and be part of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, a global organization that promotes men’s mental health and prostates cancer research that happens globally once a year.
Burning Syndrome Study
Psychologist Cristina Maslach studied the burn syndrome since 1980 and created the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Dr. Maslach found that burning syndrome occurs when in certain areas of our life, such as work, we do not receive what we think we deserve according to our belief system.
For example, only the workload is not enough to cause exhaustion, a man can be up but satisfied with what he does. However, if you add to the high workload the feeling that your boss is treating you unfairly, then that work you do will be a burden and, instead of a source of satisfaction, it can cause exhaustion and boredom.
Who suffers from this syndrome?
Among the professionals most affected by burnout are policemen, ATS, doctors, social workers, criminal guards, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, teachers, and even psychologists. However, under certain circumstances, anyone can suffer from this syndrome.
At least 6 months of the period of mismatch are required and can be caused by an excessive degree of demands, as well as a lack of resources as mentioned above.
Thus, burnout results from a discrepancy between individual ideals and the reality of daily occupational life.
5 Reasons Why You Are Feeling Burned Out
According to Alexandra Michel, a scientific writer at the Association of Psychological Sciences (APS), it is a common misconception that burned head syndrome is simply the result of working too hard or for too long.
APS fellow and professor emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley, Christina MacLeish has studied burnout since the 1970s. MacLeish and his colleagues described components that can contribute to burnout:
Emotional Exhaustion
It refers to the loss or attrition of emotional resources; it is a response of workers to feel that they can no longer give more of themselves at the emotional level, due to continuous contact with people who must be served as an object of work in conditions not adjusted to the worker.
Feelings of being overwhelmed and exhausted by work. The worker feels fatigued when getting up at the prospect of having to face a new workday.
Dehumanization or Eepersonalization
Development of negative attitudes and feelings, cynical and insensitive towards the recipients (patients, clients), dehumanized behaviors, in the eyes of the different recipients; hard answers, In short, it consists of a negative change in the responses to others.
Lack of Personal Fulfillment
The tendency to evaluate one’s work in a negative way affects the ability to carry out work and the relationship with the people they serve.
Men often feel discontent with themselves and dissatisfaction with their job results; they lack feelings of success or competence at work and present feelings of helplessness and low self-esteem. In this case, it implies a negative response towards oneself.
The reality is that very few men are in tune with their purpose. And much less on a path to fulfill it. We mentioned the dangers of conformity and comfortability that society often encourages that results in men not being challenged in one of our previous articles.
Low Sense of Belonging
Some people have little confidence in them. They are used to feeling silly and not in their place in many situations for many years. This syndrome of imposture is widespread. To compensate, these people often have the reflex to work hard. When they fail to achieve their goals, they tend to attribute their failure to their weakness rather than to external factors or the organization of their work environment. When the expectations of these people are unrealistic, they feel strongly about failure and may sink into burnout.
Bad Environment
Some men just might not possess the necessary skills to perform their job. This situation is unlikely since most people have been chosen for a given position because they have the required qualifications. As a result, the idea of not being competent is often an irrational fear that usually manifests itself in individuals with low self-confidence. It must be kept in mind, however, that this can be a real issue for others. Those who suffer from burnout may come to generalizations about their lack of skill and feel the need to succeed to earn the respect of their boss.
5 Ways To Prevent Feeling Burned Out
Recognize When Your Passion Has Turned To Poison
If before you felt illusion for your work, motivation, and desire to innovate and now you feel the work as a burden, you avoid your colleagues and you isolate yourself, it is time to reflect, something is happening to you in the work that has led to change passion for disappointment.
Honestly Evaluate Your Situation and Work to Find Solutions
Ask yourself:
• What do I love? Am I doing those things?
• Why do I do what I’m doing?
• How would I feel if I had to change my situation? What things can I change today?
• What steps can I take to change my position?
• Can I afford to take a break from my current situation? How much time will I need?
Take Time for Yourself Every Day
A daily walk, go to the gym, bike, take time to listen to music or read your favorite book, do manual activities, or do crossword puzzles if you like. It must be something that disconnects you from problems and works stress. For Self-care strategies, click here to read tips and advice.
Search for Support
Talk to someone close to you about how you feel, your partner, a friend, or a family member. Taking out feelings and emotions from within is positive, remember « do not accumulate silences, shout from time to time.
Although few, there are organizations like Modern Man Advice and DGR that advocate for men’s mental health. There are resources available, and if you would like to get to know more please do send us an email at contact@modernmanadvice.com.
Be Receptive With Your Feelings and Needs
Be aware of yourself during the day, about what you need. For example, in the afternoons at work you feel down, plan a time (even 5 minutes) to halt and reset. Perhaps, breathe, drink a little water and think of pleasant situations that you have lived or would like to live.
Feeling Burned Out?
Now the real question is do you show any signs of feeling burned out? The reality is that suffering the symptoms we have described above is a clear warning that something is not going well. Emotionally we do not always find ourselves the same and the level of tolerance also has a cap. Therefore, it is important to take into account all of the above-mentioned. And being able to read the signals and ask for help on time.
But burnout can appear not only due to overwork or burnout by an excessive zealousness of their professionalism. But it can also appear because there is continued low support from the supervisor, strong routine, personal conflicts in the workplace, the performance of his task, low professional challenges, excessive work pressure, etc.
Click here to read our previous Health & Fitness article.
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