About stress and burnout
Stress, everyone has to deal with it sometimes. Stress puts your body in a state of readiness. It is the tension you feel before an exam, a performance, a job interview or an exciting event. Stress ensures that you can respond with extra alertness or work with concentration on a difficult task. As soon as the job is done or the event is over, the tension automatically disappears. This tension is part of life and is healthy.
Difference between stress, overstrain and burnout
When does stress become overstrain? That boundary line cannot be drawn accurately. The difference between healthy stress and overstrain lies in the fact that overstrain is a long-term phase of stress. When working under high pressure for a long period of time and the level of stress remains high, a loss of overview and control can occur. You may feel constantly restless and stressed. There is then an unhealthy, long-term pressure on the mind.
The difference between overstrain and burnout is that overstrain is reversible. This means that when the cause of the tension disappears, you can function normally again. That is not the case with a burnout. With a burnout, the energy level is seriously affected and lowered as a reaction to long-term stress, often built up over many years. Sometimes the relationship between work and the symptoms can no longer clearly be identified. Body and mind feel burned out or ‘broken’.
In short, light stress can be positive, overstrain is the warning phase, and with a burnout your body essentially says that it cannot continue any longer.
Symptoms of a burnout
A burnout does not occur suddenly but develops gradually. There are often early warning signals. You may feel tired before and after work, have little motivation to go to work, become forgetful, irritable and experience difficulty concentrating.
Often people in your environment notice that you are mainly occupied with work. These signals are frequently ignored until the situation escalates and you are forced to stop because continuing is no longer possible. At that moment the exhaustion is complete and we speak of a burnout.
The emotional and physical exhaustion creates an ‘empty’ feeling. Involvement in work and colleagues decreases, while detachment and cynicism increase. The feeling of not being able to function properly can lead to a negative self-image.
The most common symptoms during a burnout are:
- Physical exhaustion and being unable to recharge
- Concentration and memory problems
- Feelings of incompetence and cynicism
- A sense of failure
- Sleep problems
- Excessive worrying
- Constant tension and feeling stuck
- Headaches, stomach pain or muscle pain
Causes of a burnout
A burnout rarely has just one cause. It is usually the result of a combination of factors. Long-term hard work combined with too little rest and relaxation is an important risk factor. Personal characteristics such as a strong sense of duty and perfectionism can also play a role. Major life events in the private sphere, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one, may contribute as well.
Even when the cause of the burnout feeling disappears, recovery does not happen immediately. It can take months before a new balance is found.
Treatment of burnout
If you continue to ignore the signs and symptoms of stress and strain, your body and mind can become seriously out of balance and you risk a burnout. Your body becomes exhausted and your energy is depleted. Restoring balance requires rest and reflection in order to make the necessary changes in your life.
In the beginning we focus on restoring your energy balance. We help you regain energy and learn how to relax properly and consciously. You learn how to distribute your energy throughout the day and how to deal with conflicts. You also learn to set clearer boundaries, to say no when necessary and to express yourself without hurting others.
During therapy we also examine which factors contributed to the development of your burnout. Risk factors are identified and addressed where possible. Treatment requires the willingness to reflect on your behaviour and change it where needed.
Please read our burnout treatment page if you would like to know how we can help you with your burnout.
Contact Psychologen Amsterdam
Do you recognize your symptoms and do you need help, or do you have a question about the treatment of burnout? Call for an appointment or send a message to Psychologen Amsterdam.
