Phases of the burnout syndrome

The burnout syndrome can be divided into 12 phases. . – In the beginning the urge to prove something to oneself and others is very strong.

Affected persons tend to constantly measure themselves against others (work colleagues). – Through an excessive willingness to perform, affected persons make very high demands on themselves, they demand more and more utopian things from themselves. The personal commitment is increased more and more, tasks cannot be given to other people.

In this phase the own needs are pushed more and more into the background. Especially basic needs such as eating, sleeping and also leisure time become less and less important. Instead of seeking rest and regeneration, those affected throw themselves more and more into working life and into the self-imposed task of proving themselves professionally and advancing.
In this phase the first physical symptoms may already show. However, less and less attention is paid to their own body – warning signals from the body are ignored. – Hobbies are perceived as disturbing.

Contact with friends and family is also reduced. Things that used to offer relaxation become a burden. – The physical complaints become more intense.

Anxiety, headaches and tiredness occur. However, the symptoms continue to be ignored, nothing is done about it. – Those affected begin to withdraw.

An increasing isolation begins. Alcohol and medication are increasingly consumed. Social contacts are reduced to a minimum.

This phase is characterised by an inability to accept criticism: the environment begins to point out to those affected their isolation and the signs of burnout. This is usually taken personally and seen as an attack. – At this point the affected person loses all connection to himself.

Warning signals of the body are no longer perceived. There are hardly any social contacts left. Life becomes increasingly functional and mechanical: it is no longer about quality of life, but only about the fact that life as such functions.

At this stage, in addition to exhaustion and despondency, those affected often feel anxiety. In order to counteract this inner emptiness, they almost desperately try to find occupations or to cover up these feelings with them. Alcohol, sexuality and drugs play an increasingly important role.
In this penultimate stage often further mental illnesses occur. Signs of depression are becoming increasingly clear. Hopelessness, lack of interest as well as the feeling that there is no future any more, appear more and more.
In the last phase, a total breakdown of body and soul occurs. The risk of further (physical) illnesses such as cardiovascular or gastrointestinal diseases increases. Many affected people have suicidal thoughts during this time.

With burnout syndrome it is difficult to explain a specific method of prevention, as the disease depends on the personality of the person affected and on external factors in his or her environment. The causes can be of various origins and ultimately lead to a feeling of burnout. Some tips that can be given to those affected include setting realistic personal goals, doing specific relaxation exercises, doing sports to reduce stress, trying to get enough sleep.

Also professionally, some things have to change: Work structures must be changed to reduce the pressure to perform and the workload. More autonomy in the workplace must be guaranteed so that those affected can go home with a positive feeling. Create a good working atmosphere with plenty of light and little noise at the workplace. Keep the possibility of further training open. This creates a feeling of self-determination, which can have a preventive effect.