Fatigue When burnout affects the quality of life

Often a burn-out comes to a standstill and creeps. Therefore, many misjudge the danger and underestimate the first signs. Ignoring the stress and overworking and losing the ability to relax can, in the worst case, lead to a breakdown. Although not every load automatically means a burn-out, first warning signals are to be taken seriously. "Especially when your own boundaries are overlooked, your favorite hobbies are abandoned and private contacts are avoided or perceived as stressful, counseling is helpful," explains Ankathrin Schmidt, psychological counselor and experienced reality creator.

Take the first warning signals seriously
In everyday professional life, it is difficult to avoid stressful situations, since one's own expectations of oneself are often too great. Also, symptoms such as persistent fatigue and listlessness often seem too commonplace and insignificant for those affected to take them seriously. "If increased job or family involvement suddenly leads to a neglect of one's own needs, it can result in impairment in all areas of life. The feeling of having to do more and more tasks with fewer and fewer physical and emotional resources can lead to exhaustion and ultimately to a burnout for those affected, "says Ankathrin Schmidt. Patients often describe this feeling as "burned out". This does not just apply to managers.

Mental stress, such as Test anxiety can quickly lead to cold perspiration. (Image: Light Impression / fotolia.com)

Housewives, retirees and even students are often confronted with the pressure to perform and the variety of tasks in today's society and overwhelmed. In addition, personal inclinations such as perfectionism or excessive ambition favor a total state of exhaustion. Condemned by many as a supposed fashion sickness, the syndrome manifests itself in various effects that also occur in other mental disorders, such as depression. As a result, there are no binding diagnostic criteria. "If there is a physical and mental health impairment and behavioral and anxiety disorders persist for a long time or repeat systematically, those affected should seek psychological counseling," says Ankathrin Schmidt.

Prevention and treatment methods
There is no standard therapy for the burn-out syndrome, since the treatment must always be individually tailored to the person concerned and his or her life situation. "In the initial stages, it is worthwhile reviewing one's motivation or expectations in order to develop strategies against stressful or overwhelming situations. Often, even small changes in everyday life, such as frequent breaks, help to reduce pent-up tensions, "emphasizes the psychological counselor. In particular, regular bedtime as well as a balanced diet and sufficient exercise help to enhance well-being. In addition, those affected should plan enough space in the diary to meet with friends or in between with walks in the countryside to distract.

Another optimal measure against, but also for the prevention of burnout is a holistic therapy approach, such as the so-called SoulWellFit method. With the help of special therapeutic approaches such as systemic constellation work, information medicine, yoga or hypnosis, this concept permanently solves problems and strengthens both body and soul. "Because as soon as the person switches off the consciousness, the subconscious becomes receptive to instructions so that positive impulses can be set more easily", emphasizes Ankathrin Schmidt and concludes: "Through the complete consideration of man in his individual concept of life is a holistic approach in each Case crucial. Not only to reduce fears and causes in the long term, but also to develop strategies for change and to equip oneself in the future against conflict and stress situations. That's how life becomes liveable over time. "

First stages of a burnout syndrome
Level 1: Increased expectations of yourself as well as overlooking your own limits
Level 2: neglecting one's own needs as well as occasional sleep disturbances
Level 3: giving up hobbies and avoiding private contacts
Level 4: withdrawal and inner emptiness; Substitute satisfaction from food, alcohol or drugs
Stage 5: Total fatigue, depression and panic attacks

Note on self-assessment
Not every one of these 5 levels has to be clear. Individual stages can also overlap or overlap. These stages are not medical diagnoses. They can only be an indication that there is an overload or exhaustion. A clear diagnosis can only be determined by a skilled person.