Burnout Syndrome was first discovered and accounted for in the 1970s by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger and has become a well discussed mental health topic since then. It is often easier to discover it within ourselves; however, how can we help those who cannot? Burnout can lead to more serious situations such as depression and suicide. So what are the signs that you can look for? What can you do for your loved ones? Here’s a guide on what to do and who to reach out to if you feel like it is no longer in your control. 

Signs to Look Out For

Burnout can appear in all three categories: physical, psychological, and emotional health. Every person is bound to be different; however, there are symptoms for each one that show a serious decrease in their overall selves. When it comes to physical health, Ada Health lists these symptoms: headaches, aches, frequent colds, hypertension, difficulty sleeping, gastrointestinal problems, exhaustion, and muscle tension. Ada health also lists psychological and mental symptoms and to name a few: anxiety, low mood, lack of creativity, loss of creativity, and frustration. Trust your gut instinct and reach out to your coworker or friend if you feel they are suffering from burnout. 

Steps After Talking to Your Coworker or Friend

If the person you were concerned about has listed these symptoms of burnout, what is the next step? The first step is to help find the root of the problem whether it’s lack of management or poor organizational skills in the workplace. Christina Maslach and Michael P. Leiter wrote an article about burnout and discussed that “Six key domains have been identified, as mentioned earlier: workload, control, reward, community, fairness, and values.” It’s important to factor in where and who you work for in order to obtain a healthy work and life balance as well. This can include not having work email on personal cell phones or to take fifteen minutes a day to step away from the desk. Another BetterYou article further discusses it here. All in all, make sure your friends and coworkers prioritize their mental health. Remind them that they are not alone and there’s plenty of resources and employee programs that might be able to help!