Burnout Syndrome: What is it and why is everyone so tired?

Burnout Syndrome was first mentioned in 1974 by the American psychologist Freudenberger. Since then, many studies have been conducted to better understand the causes of this syndrome.

Over the years and with the advancement of technology, we have become accustomed to wanting everything "yesterday," in addition to demanding perfection from ourselves in all the tasks we undertake. All this pressure can trigger a series of disorders.

Among the most common is burnout syndrome, which we will discuss in this article. So, to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment, keep reading until the end! 

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Burnout Syndrome: What is it?

Burnout is a syndrome that can be considered a depressive mental disorder, with symptoms similar to those of stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. However, the strongest link to the cause of this syndrome is work. 

In 2019, burnout was included in the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Diseases list, and if not treated correctly, it can develop into other illnesses, such as hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, and severe depression, among others.

It's as if the mind forgets to "switch off" and enjoy a moment of relaxation. The excessive demands placed on oneself, and by superiors, end up negatively impacting personal and professional life.

Women who juggle multiple roles, such as working all day while also caring for the home and children, are at risk of being affected. 

Symptoms

When work becomes a source of intense stress and anxiety, leaving a person extremely tired and exhausted, they are suffering from burnout syndrome. Many affected by this syndrome end up misusing sleeping pills, for example.

The main symptoms of the syndrome are: sleep disturbances, muscle and headaches, irritability, mood swings, memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, aggressiveness, isolation, depression, pessimism and low self-esteem, feelings of apathy and hopelessness, and increased susceptibility to illness.

Treatment

The first step is to seek professional help from a psychologist to determine the severity of the syndrome and then identify the best course of treatment. 

Depending on the severity, treatment can involve activities that distract the person suffering from it. Setting aside time for oneself, whether through physical activity, reading a book, watching a movie or television program, is fundamental to preventing this burnout. 

In addition to these activities, psychological support should be provided at least once a week. In more severe cases, medication may be necessary. However, these medications must be prescribed by qualified professionals. 

The effects and duration of treatment vary depending on the patient and the severity of the case. However, regardless of the severity, treatment with a psychologist is essential.

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Indemnity

According to a survey conducted by the Special Secretariat for Social Security and Labor, in 2018 there was a 114% increase in the number of sickness benefits granted to people diagnosed with burnout syndrome. The number of affected workers who sought assistance from the INSS (Brazilian National Institute of Social Security) jumped from 196 in 2017 to 421 in 2018.

Because of its work-related nature, the syndrome is considered an occupational disease directly linked to the stresses of the corporate world and is therefore eligible for leave of absence from work by the National Institute of Social Security (INSS).

After undergoing a medical examination and being diagnosed with burnout, the patient is entitled to job security for at least 12 months. During the leave period, the worker will continue to receive their salary, so don't neglect your health for fear of becoming unemployed or running out of money!

Burnout Syndrome in the Pandemic

According to a study conducted in November 2020 by PEBMED, 781,300 healthcare professionals showed signs of Burnout Syndrome during the pandemic. The prevalence was 791,300 among physicians, 741,300 among nurses, and 641,300 among nursing technicians.

Even before the pandemic, healthcare professionals were already more prone to mental health problems, given that the profession demands a lot from them, with long working days and dealing with a wide variety of daily stresses.

Many had to go months without seeing friends and family to avoid infection. And on top of all that, they witnessed the deaths of thousands of people because of the virus. 

Therefore, it is essential that healthcare professionals have psychological support. Only in this way can they maintain their well-being in order to care for others. 

Burnout Syndrome in Brazil

According to a survey conducted by the International Stress Management Association (ISMA-BRBrazil ranks second in the world for the number of people most affected by Burnout Syndrome, surpassed only by Japan. 

As mentioned earlier, if left untreated, Burnout Syndrome can trigger deep depression. A study by the WHO (World Health Organization) shows that 11.5 million people in Brazil suffer from depression.

Emotional exhaustion caused by burnout is also on the rise, and according to a 2019 study, around 20,000 Brazilians requested medical leave that year due to work-related mental illnesses. 

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Nathalia Silva

Journalist, writer, and lover of words.

November 1, 2021