Burnout syndrome

Burnout syndrome is a disorder of psychological depressive character, preceded by intense mental and physical exhaustion, defined by Herbert J. Freudenberger as "(...) a state of physical and mental exhaustion whose cause is closely tied to professional life."

Prevention

Considering that Burnout is a psychosocial stress related to certain conditions and work organization, it is important to identify their risk factors so that they can think of appropriate interventions to prevent, reduce or eliminate the Burnout Syndrome. With regard to the employee, this review should consider? their coping strategies to stressful situations, seeking to share their difficulties with superiors, colleagues, friends and family. A balanced life, with leisure activity and healthy living habits, also helps in preventing the syndrome.

Accordingly the worker must:

One. Have positive attitudes toward work: (a) compliment people serving on their progress in developing positive relationships with them, (b) seek to maintain confidence even when failures occur, (c) keep in mind that meet / assist people is your job, so this is a professional situation (d) seek to adjust attitudes and expectations according to each case and situation. The professional is not solely responsible for the welfare of serving.

2nd. Manage time appropriately: (a) establish realistic goals and flexible, (b) establish priorities among tasks, (c) dominate the pace of work, (d) enjoy free time pleasantly, having clear that free time is not only rest but rewarding perform activities.

3rd. Define responsibilities: (a) clearly define the functional, (b) use all available resources to work, (c) have adequate knowledge & control over your desktop, (and) ask for help both from a technical standpoint as emotional.

4th. Staying open: (a) to make changes in the workplace, (b) modifying the working methods (c) request feedback on how their work is being carried out and, as a result, accept changes and suggestions.

5th. Keep up to date: (a) pursue the courses, seminars and discussion groups, (b) improve communication skills and interpersonal relationships.

6th. Taking care of yourself: a) caring for others depends on their care, (b) remember that you are an important part of the professional relationship / client but not the only, (c) remember that your physical and mental health is your responsibility, part of their instrumental work. Always have in mind that you chose this profession.

Treatment

There are different forms of intervention at the individual level, however, it is important to note its limitations and may even mask the problem because of the consensus that Burnout has its roots in work organization. There are important warnings about consequences when thinking about interventions directed solely to the worker. This focus of intervention no doubt that benefits the worker, even if temporarily, however, may reinforce the misconception that this is a problem of the individual and it is up to your solution, reinforcing their sense of failure, isolation and low self-esteem. Intervention should focus on work organization, embodiment and broader social context. Burnout is not an intrapsychic phenomenon, but psychosocial.

In suspected cases of illness, the employee should seek medical and psychological help to perform the appropriate diagnosis, given that Burnout symptoms and difficulties similar to other pathologies labor. If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment is usually accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy with a focus on coping mechanisms for stressful situations at work.