Burnout and PTSD

As of this writing, burnout is not listed as a diagnosis in DSM-5. That said, we must understand that burnout is much more complicated than ordinary fatigue. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive prolonged stress. Being burned out is feeling empty, mentally exhausted, lacking motivation, with no resources left to draw on. People experiencing burnout often cannot see a way to change their situation. If not addressed and treated, burnout can lead to a full on mental health crisis. 

Burnout is not caused by stress alone. Here are some of the other factors that can lead to burnout.

·         Feeling like you have little or no control over your work.

·         Lack of recognition or reward for good work.

·         Unclear or overly demanding job expectations.

·         Working too much, without enough time for socializing or relaxing.

·         Lack of close, supportive relationships.

·         Taking on too many responsibilities, without enough help from others.

·         The need to be in control. A reluctance to delegate to others. (Type A personality)

·         Feeling undervalued or appreciated. 

Psychologists Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North have outlined the phases of this stress syndrome:

·         Excessive Drive/Ambition

·         Too much ambition can lead to burnout. Ambition pushes a person to work harder.

·         Neglecting Needs

·         Begin to sacrifice self-care like sleep, exercise, and eating well.

·         Displacement Of Conflict

·         Blaming the boss, the demands of the job, or colleagues for personal troubles.

·         No Time For Non-Work-Related Needs

·         Begin to withdraw from family and friends.

·         Denial

·         Impatience with other, seeing them as incompetent, lazy, or overbearing.

·         Withdrawal

·         Further pulling away from family and friends. Social invitations to parties, movies, and dinner dates start to feel burdensome.

·         Behavioral Changes

·         Those on the road to burnout may become more aggressive and snap at loved ones for no reason.

·         Depersonalization

·         Feeling detached from life and ability to it.

·         Inner Emptiness Or Anxiety

·         Potential to turn to thrill seeking behaviors to cope with empty feelings. Potential for substance use, gambling, or over eating.

·         Depression

·         Life loses its meaning. Extreme hopelessness.

·         Mental Or Physical Collapse

·         Mental health or medical attention may be necessary.

 Ask yourself these four questions to determine if you are suffering from burnout.

1.      How often are you tired and lacking energy to go to work in the morning?

2.      How often do you feel physically drained, like your batteries are dead?

3.      How often is your thinking process sluggish or your concentration impaired?

4.      How often do you feel emotionally detached from co-workers (or customers) and unable to be sensitive to their needs?

THE BOTTOM LINE: There is a significant association between PTSD and burnout, particularly the depressive component. While burnout is not currently recognized by the DSM-5, it is a serious condition that makes a person less resilient to handling additional traumas (as already described in this chapter).

How do you handle burnout? We value your feedback and ideas! Reach out on our Community Facebook Page!

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