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“Burnout” has been defined as “a state of mental or physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.”
Job burnout is an insidious problem in the American workforce, among all levels of employees. Frequently undiagnosed, burnout may appear in job statistics of absenteeism statistics, in suicide rates, or in the development of chronic illnesses that keep employees from working. Ultimately, working oneself to death can be the disguise for job burnout.
Job Conditions That Lead to Burnout
The following conditions have been found to lead to burnout. Obviously, the more of these that a person has to deal with, the more the likelihood of burnout occurring:
Three Stages of Job Burnout
Now, all of the person’s defenses are worn to a frazzle. She/he may be overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness and/or helplessness. A lack of motivation, fatigue, cynicism and even suicidal thoughts may be present, along with major physiological symptoms. Frequent trips to medical specialists who run many tests and find nothing are common occurrences .
Preventing Job Burnout
Of course, being examined my a mental health professional is a wonderful preventive technique. But what steps can the employee take in order to avoid the symptoms of job burnout?
**You have permission to reprint in your publication or to your website/blog any articles by Dr.Jack Singer found on this Website as long as Dr. Jack Singer’s name and contact information is included. Jack Singer, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Pyschologist, Sport Psychologist, Marriage, Family & Relationship Therapist, Professional Motivational Speaker. http://dr.jacksinger.com, toll free 800-497-9880.