What is Burnout?

In 1993, Maslach & Schaufeli, coined the term burnout to describe the effects of prolonged job stress on individuals working with people. Burnout is a ,”state of fatigue and emotional exhaustion that is the end result of a gradual process of disillusionment.” Burnout can also be a cumulative result of no longer finding meaning in one’s work.

Here are some signs you may be experiencing burnout:

• Are you feeling exhausted, detached, or like you've lost your sense of professional identity in your work with people?

• Are you feeling emotionally exhausted and a sense of detachment from others?

• Are you feeling a decreased sense of competence and success in one's work, making it difficult to fully use one's emotional resources?

If you're experiencing burnout, it's important to take steps to manage it. Start by identifying your stressors:

• Are they recent or prolonged?

• Seek support from family, friends, colleagues, or a mental health professional.

• Take some time to review the reasons why you chose your profession and what brings you meaning in your work.

Don't let burnout take control of your life and your work. Take action now to identify and manage your symptoms so you can continue to thrive and provide high-quality care to those who need it most.

We are here to help you rediscover the reason why you entered the “helping” profession.