In order to recognise whether or not we are on the road to burnout, we need to know the stages in which burnout develops.
Only then will we have more clarity to start taking action to reverse it, and return to a healthy balance in our daily lives.
How many stages does burnout have and what are they?
In an article in Scientific American magazine, they highlight what is colloquially known as the 12 stages of burnout, as described by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger, known as one of the first to describe the symptoms of burnout.
Today we are going to talk about the first 6 stages:
- The compulsion to prove oneself: In this one, one obsessively seeks to prove one's worth. It is difficult to set limits because there is always the willingness to go further.
- Working harder: This is represented by the inability to stop working. Answering emails at the weekend, constant overtime or long hours, and/or reluctance to take holidays.
- Neglected needs: erratic sleep, interrupted eating, little time for exercise and recreation, and/or lack of social interaction. People who consistently experience burnout often neglect these needs.
- Conflict Displacement: Avoidant behaviour. People dismiss their problems and may feel threatened, frightened or nervous.
- Revision of Values: Here one's own moral code is rewritten to suit work ambitions. Family, hobbies and friends are oriented in favour of work, which becomes the sole focus.
- Denial of problems: The person becomes increasingly intolerant, cynical and/or aggressive, perceiving co-workers as "stupid, lazy, demanding or undisciplined". The person sees life's problems as work-related and sees time as an extremely limited resource.
After reading these 6 stages, is there one or more that you identify with?
If so, and you feel you need help, fill in the form at the end of this article, you will be able to receive an appointment with our burnout specialists.
