"Burnout" is a term we seem to be hearing more often these days.  Anyone can suffer from burnout -- feeling stressed-out, unable to cope and generally 'running on empty'.  But burnout can be avoided when you learn about its causes and symptoms, how to recognize the problem, and ways that you can change your environment to reduce stressful situations.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS:

Burnout is most likely in people who feel overworked and unappreciated.  They become disappointed, and sometimes cynical.  They may also feel guilty and ashamed.

The symptoms of burnout can include exhaustion, both mental and physical; hopelessness; low spirit and self-esteem; and frequent illness.  Burnout happens often in helping professions, but anyone doing very pressured (or even very boring) work can suffer burnout.

RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM:

The first step toward coping with burnout is defining the problem.  Is the situation itself stressful?  Is there something about your situation that you can change?  By accepting that a situation itself is stressful, you can reduce feelings of guilt and resentment.

MAKING CHANGES:

Changes in both you and your environment can help prevent burnout.  Analyze the situation.  You may have more ability to change your environment than you think.  Then, take positive action if possible.  Your environment will also change as you develop communication skills.  Sharing your feelings and listening to others is simple, yet very important.

It's important to take time to recover and heal from 'burnout'. Otherwise, serious emotional and physical damage may result.  With your EFAP (Employee & Family Assistance Program), CVCCS can be of assistance to your employees in a variety of areas, including stress management skills, which would then result in freeing you from burnout.

*** FACT:***

    *    A Stats Canada survey showed on-third of Canadians over the age of 15 felt constantly under stress, trying to accomplish more.

    *    Stats Can also estimates that stress-related disorders due to overwork cost Canadian businesses  $12 billion per year.