Feeling lazy? You may be experiencing burnout.

Experiencing boredom and a strong aversion to work could be indicative of burnout, a prolonged response to work-related stress. Burnout can manifest with symptoms such as fatigue, diminished concentration, negative perceptions of work relationships, mood disturbances, and a negative self-image.

Burnout symptoms are typically classified into three dimensions:

1. Emotional Exhaustion: This involves feeling emotionally drained, tired, and unresponsive to the work environment. There’s a noticeable lack of interest in problem-solving due to overwhelming fatigue.
2. Depersonalization: This encompasses excessive negative attitudes and behaviors, potentially leading to social withdrawal, reluctance to engage with others, a sense of detachment from oneself, and a diminished sense of responsibility toward work.
3. Reduced Personal Achievement: Individuals may experience negative self-evaluation, doubts, and a lack of confidence in their abilities. This can result in decreased work performance and compromised problem-solving skills.

The causes of burnout can be categorised into two main aspects:

1.Organizational Causes:

• Excessive workload.
• Constraints on expressing emotions at work, including the suppression of negative feelings like anger or fear.
• Limited autonomy in decision-making.
• Unclear job roles or insufficient task-related information.
• Feelings of injustice, such as unfair criticism or an unequal distribution of tasks.
• Lack of support from colleagues or supervisors, leading to conflicts in the workplace.

2. Personal Causes:

• Social withdrawal, difficulty socialising, volatile emotions, limited empathy, and an unrealistic attempt to control situations may contribute to burnout.

Preventive measures for burnout include:

• Embracing diverse perspectives and cultivating effective emotional control.
• Seeking social support from family, spouses, and colleagues.
• Employing problem-focused coping strategies and directly addressing issues rather than avoiding them.

It is crucial to remain vigilant for burnout symptoms, both personally and in those around you, and to seek professional help if self-management becomes challenging.

Ariyaporn Tangcheewinsirikul, M.D.