To recognize whether or not we are on the path to burnout, we must know the stages through which it develops.
Only then will we have enough clarity to start taking action to reverse it and return to a healthy balance in our daily lives.
How many stages are there in burnout, and what are they?
An article in Scientific American magazine highlights 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 professional exhaustion.
Today we are going to talk about the first 6 stages:
- The compulsion to prove oneself: This involves obsessively seeking to demonstrate one's worth. It is difficult to set limits because there is always a willingness to go further.
- Working harder: This is represented by the inability to stop working. Responding to emails on the weekend, constantly putting in overtime or long hours, and/or reluctance to take vacations.
- Neglected needs: Erratic sleep, interrupted eating, little time for exercise and recreation, and/or lack of social interaction. People who experience constant exhaustion often neglect these needs.
- Conflict Avoidance: Evasive behavior. People dismiss their problems and may feel threatened, scared, or nervous.
- Revision of Values: Here, one's moral code is rewritten to suit career ambitions. Family, hobbies, and friends are oriented toward work, which becomes the sole focus.
- Denial of problems: The person becomes increasingly intolerant, cynical, and/or aggressive, perceiving coworkers as "stupid, lazy, demanding, or undisciplined." The person sees life's problems as stemming from work and views time as an extremely limited resource.
After reading these six stages, are there any that you identify with?
If this is the case and you feel you need help, fill out the form at the end of this article to schedule an appointment with our burnout specialists.
