Last week we talked about the importance of knowing the stages of burnout, so that we can take the necessary action to prevent or solve it.
Having already mentioned the first 6 of the 12 stages, today we continue with the other half.
These are:
- Withdrawal: Social life begins to feel small or nonexistent. Relief is sought in seclusion. At this stage, escapism also tends to occur, whether through alcohol, drugs, or other means.
- Unusual behavioral changes: Here , obvious behavioral changes are experienced that often cause concern among friends and family members.
- Depersonalization: There comes a point where the person does not see themselves or others as valuable; this is accompanied by a lack of recognition of their own needs or those of others.
- Inner Emptiness: "Inner emptiness" is a solitary and extreme sign of impending exhaustion. It is experienced as a feeling of apathy or "emptiness," which some may try to alleviate with compulsive activities.
- Depression: One of the most telling signs of someone who is close to burnout: the person begins to feel lost and insecure, exhausted, with a bleak view of the world and no enthusiasm for the future.
Burnout syndrome: Total exhaustion syndrome often results in complete mental and physical collapse. At this stage, seeking medical attention is necessary for recovery.
As we can see in these 12 stages, burnout occurs gradually, little by little. It is cumulative.
This is why it is so important to recognize if we are in any of these situations and start making conscious decisions, even if it is sometimes uncomfortable or seems irrelevant, to take breaks and prioritize our well-being.
