How to recognize a burnout syndrome

Although more and more people suffer from a burnout syndrome, but those affected often describe very different symptoms. There is no binding definition of the disease. Normally, fatigue syndrome is associated with overwork and stress at work. But how do you recognize a burnout??

No binding definition of burnout
Although there are more and more people who suffer from burnout, but there is not yet a binding definition of this fatigue syndrome. According to medical experts, depression, difficulty concentrating, chronic fatigue, a strong inner restlessness and beating heartbeats are the first signs of burnout.

Patients with very different symptoms
The stress that makes you sick feels almost leaden. According to the experts, patients affected by burnout syndrome report very different symptoms associated with their chronic fatigue state. However, all the various manifestations of total physical and mental overuse have in common that it is difficult for persons suffering from such symptoms of congestion, the connection between pain in very different body regions, incapacity, low mood, insomnia, depression and high blood pressure with their workload or their mental health, the experts report. They further write: "In fact, the classical burnout syndrome is the precipitate of permanent and excessive stress on physical symptoms. Burnout has very individual limits. The one man feels spurred on by stress and challenges, he experiences eustress, while the other feels pressure to perform as negative and stressful. In this case we speak of distress. "

Recognize burnout before total collapse
However, burnout does not happen overnight, both body and soul send warning signals. Being aware of such signs can help prevent the total collapse and the associated long downtime. Such warning signs include exhaustion, loss of criticality and irritability, the feeling of inner emptiness and inability to perform. In addition, some sufferers describe that they sit idly in their office for hours and look out the window without being able to tackle something. On the other hand, inability to stop working is also an indication of chronic overwork. Other signs are the urge to work constantly, even on weekends or on vacation, as well as lack of motivation and joylessness with regard to professional tasks. A retreat from colleagues or a cynical or derogatory way to express themselves, can be evidence of burnout, as Anette Wahl-Wachendorf of the Association of Plant and Factory doctors recently stated in a message from the news agency dpa.

Sensitivity of the social environment is important
In the early detection of burnout, the social environment can be helpful. So another clear warning sign is when the partnership or the family are suffering from the heavy workload and become the subject of disputes. However, those affected are usually no longer able to reflect their situation seriously and with consequences. All the more important is the sensitivity of the social environment. Above all, family, friends and acquaintances provide support in that they do not push the affected person but support them in small steps. Burnout is also difficult to bear for the social environment. Therefore, family members should pay attention to themselves and take their own needs seriously. Among other things, it can be helpful to observe common rituals, to reserve time for one another and to provide distraction. The German Association for Burnout Prevention and Prevention (DBVB) in Munich named as prevention options, among other things, the identification and reduction of stress sources, targeted relaxation (for example by progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, yoga, tai chi, qigong), sufficient sleep , regular exercise, healthy eating and taking time off. (Ad)