What is Burnout Syndrome?

Much is said about the Burnout syndrome, but do you know what this disease means? In short, it is a pathology that can affect any worker whose work activities are carried out in excess and without rest, reaching scenarios of exhaustion and stress so high that those affected can develop other more serious diseases, such as depression. Understand more about Burnout Syndrome.

Definition of disease

A Burnout syndrome, also known as the Professional Burnout Syndrome, is a mental illness that is directly linked to people's professional performance. It is usually linked to cadres of professionals who suffer every day from levels of pressure and responsibility beyond their own limits, something that Brazilians are even normalizing.

According to the Ministry of Health, some examples of professionals susceptible to this condition are doctors, nurses, police officers, journalists, teachers and many others. However, we know that professional pressure is not limited to these positions, since, for example, a salesperson who is frequently charged over the established goal may suffer the consequences of this occupational disease as much as the others mentioned.

The name "burnout” is composed of two American words: “burn” which means “to burn” and “...” which means “outside”. Translating both literally does not have a very solid meaning, as the word serves more as a term that says how much the person is being spoiled, how much he is being “burned” or consumed by the stress related to his work issues.

characteristic symptoms

As it is a disease directly linked to work, its symptoms can often be confused with some effects precisely caused by the routine itself, such as physical and mental fatigue, caused by work activities. The difference is that these are presented in light ways and over time they become more intense. If you experience one or more of the symptoms listed below, seek help from a specialized professional in order to confirm if it really is a possible Burnout Syndrome:

• Change in heart rate;
• Mood changes;
• Changes in appetite: feeling more or less hungry;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Discouragement;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• frequent headache;
• Muscle aches;
• Extreme exhaustion, physical and mental;
• Fatigue;
• Insomnia;
• Isolation;
• Pconstant negative thoughts;
• Problems in the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestine);
• Feelings of defeat and incompetence;
• Feelings of failure and insecurity.

Possible causes

Some factors can be considered the main triggers of Burnout Syndrome. Among them we can mention the emotional tension and chronic stress, both generated in the work environment, caused by emotional, psychological and physical conditions, which become exhausting. As it is a work-related pathology, the causes are exclusively focused on this scope.

How to avoid

Because it is a disease diagnosed and caused at work, no one better than yourself to identify the possible signs of the disease and prevent that it be installed. Of course, not all working conditions are the same, but thinking in general, there are some tips that can help you not have to face, in fact, Burnout Syndrome.

• Carry out activities that give you pleasure, such as outings with friends, family gatherings or performing hobbies such as swimming, walking in the park, cinema, etc.;
• Set small personal goals and try to achieve them. Remembering to be something fair and really close to your reality, because if it is something more complex, it can actually have the opposite effect;
• Try to keep positive thinking and stay away from people who tend to be negative in attitudes or speech;
• Talking about your feelings is also very important. Venting with friends can be a good idea, but therapy sessions with a specialized professional are recommended;
• Avoid alcohol and drugs, as these substances tend to potentiate the negative effects related to the disease;
• Breaking the routine also helps. Going to a restaurant to try a new menu or discover a new state can be activities that decouple you from everyday life;
• Do activities every day, at least 30 minutes a day. Keeping moving brings more physical, mental and emotional health;
• Give your body and mind rest. Sleep around eight hours, time that is usually needed to start the next day in better condition;
• Do not self-medicate. If you think you need medical intervention to improve some point in your life or health condition, always seek a professional in the area.

Some techniques of relaxation, which reduce stress, are also allies in this fight. Activities such as meditation and related activities can offer more inner peace and sometimes even enough self-awareness to deal with the adversities of work — and even outside of it.

Treatment of Burnout Syndrome

Although there is no cure per se, as it is a disease more related to psychological and emotional factors with physical consequences, there are treatment effective against the syndrome. In this case, there must be a follow-up of a psychologist ou psychiatrist. Ideally, the patient should undergo psychotherapy to identify the origin of the disease and, in this way, find ways to combat it.

In cases where the patient is immersed in the disease, the use of antidepressants ou anxiolytics, offering interventional well-being. The tips we suggest to fight Burnout Syndrome can also be linked to the treatment of the disease, especially the performance of recurring physical activities and breaking the routine.

If treatment is not followed as directed by the healthcare professional, it is quite possible for symptoms to reappear quickly. Among the most evident, we can highlight the lack of constant motivation and also an increase in gastrointestinal disorders, generated by anxiety.

Do I have Burnout?

After reading all this, did you identify yourself and think you possibly have Burnout Syndrome? Considering the current job market, in all areas of activity, it is understandable that you feel this way. But to be sure, any diagnosis of the disease can only be made by a specialized professional on the subject. In this case, only one psychiatrist ou psychologist may be responsible for saying whether or not you are suffering from the pathology.

Many people may eventually neglect the severities of the disease, not knowing that they escalate in a way that brings the patient to other more serious illnesses. serious. As Burnout is treatable, the ideal is to nip it in the bud, without offering any chance of reaching levels such as anxiety crises or depressive symptoms.

O SUS, Unified Health System and the RAPS, Psychosocial Care Network, both programs related to public health, are able to assist patients who need this attention. Availability is at the discretion of each location; search for the nearest health center to you!

Recognized occupational disease

From January XNUMXst of this year, Burnout Syndrome started to be recognized as an occupational disease by the OMS (World Health Organization), including having its own CID (International Classification of Diseases). In this way, Burnout Syndrome is now also considered a work-related disease like any other work-related disease.

Currently, Burnout Syndrome is recognized by the code ICD-QD85. In practical terms, the worker who suffers from Burnout Syndrome is entitled to sick leave of up to 15 days of leave with no damages related to remuneration. If the patient's condition reaches more than the 15 days stipulated, he is also entitled to the benefits of the INSS, according to current legislation.

Despite the Burnout syndrome having been treated in an abstract and subjective way over the years, with the high frequency with which it has been presented in companies, clinical offices and even in judicial situations, it can be seen in a more specific way, being a disease directly linked to situations of the patient's work.

As much as we present ways to prevent you from being affected by the disease, this should not be the only concern of the victims: the employers are also completely responsible at work against Burnout Syndrome. Providing decent working conditions as well as preserving a healthy working environment are some of the mutual benefits between employee and employer. Periodic labor exams are also tools that may offer greater chances of identifying the disease.

As much as the disease speaks a lot about the work environment, the symptoms of the disease are caused by human means, that is, online or offline, it is possible that workers are affected by the pathology. So be careful when it comes to avoiding Burnout Syndrome.

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Pig iron: Hcor e Ministry of Health.