When Hillarie Kay was in her 20s, a panic attack landed her in the hospital. She was overwhelmed by the stresses in her life: working 50+ hours a week as the main breadwinner in her family, having an affair, and being a mom to a two-year-old and a newborn with special needs. Despite attempting to change her lifestyle, six months later, she found herself back in the hospital covered in hives. Kay, now a burnout coach, author, and speaker, is just one of many individuals who have experienced burnout. Burnout is a psychological syndrome defined as a prolonged response to chronic stress, typically associated with work. Unfortunately, burnout is prevalent in our society. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey, approximately 57 percent of the ~2,500 participants reported experiencing negative burnout-related feelings due to workplace stress.
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies burnout as an “occupational phenomenon,” the truth is that burnout extends beyond work into our personal and social lives. Jenna Watson, LMHC, founder of Mend Orlando and a psychotherapist specializing in burnout prevention and recovery, believes that the increasing frequency of burnout is a result of chronic distress in multiple areas of people’s lives. She states, “There’s no longer a separation between our professional and personal lives.”
To prevent burnout, it is essential to recognize the signs and take action early on. Neha Amin, DO, a board-certified surgeon and founder of Balance and Breakthrough, a burnout coaching service, emphasizes the importance of early detection, as burnout often progresses slowly and insidiously.
In order to identify burnout before it escalates, it is beneficial to understand the five stages of burnout: honeymoon, onset of stress, chronic stress, burnout, and habitual burnout. These stages offer a general description of the progression of burnout, which can vary for each individual. Recognizing these stages can help in catching burnout early and taking proactive steps to prevent it from worsening.
Each stage of burnout presents unique symptoms and challenges. From the initial honeymoon phase filled with excitement and energy to the eventual chronic exhaustion and apathy of habitual burnout, the journey through burnout is complex and multifaceted. It is crucial to pay attention to warning signs such as persistent tiredness, anxiety, isolation, and physical ailments, as they can indicate the need for intervention.
Ultimately, understanding the stages of burnout and recognizing the symptoms can empower individuals to take control of their well-being and make positive changes to prevent burnout from taking hold. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed, it is possible to navigate through the challenges of burnout and reclaim a sense of balance and fulfillment.
