What is mental burnout and how to deal with it?

Mental burnout is a global problem that affects millions of people around the world. A 2020 study by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) shows that 23% of workers are at risk of burnout. In Japan, the phenomenon of 'karoshi' (death from overwork) highlights the seriousness of the problem of mental burnout, with many deaths linked to excessive stress at work.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental burnout, or "burnout" as it is also known, is recognized as an occupational phenomenon and is included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). The condition is defined as "a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that is not successfully managed".

What is mental burnout?

Burnout is a state of chronic stress that leads to physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, reduced performance and effectiveness. This state is not just a temporary feeling of fatigue or frustration, but a long-term loss of interest and motivation in daily tasks. Mental burnout usually develops gradually and can affect people from any profession or social class.

History and development of the concept

The concept of mental burnout emerged in the 1970s. The term was originally coined by Herbert Freudenberger, an American psychologist who observed the symptoms of burnout in volunteers working in a clinic for drug addicts. Freudenberger described burnout as a state of exhaustion caused by excessive demands and stress that exceed the individual's ability to cope with them.

In the 1980s and 1990s, research on burnout increased as many scientists and psychologists began to study the causes, symptoms, and effects of this condition. One of the most significant contributions to the understanding of this mental illness came from Christina Maslach, who developed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) scale. This scale identifies three main components of the condition:

• Emotional exhaustion

• depersonalisation

• reduced personal satisfaction

Main causes and factors leading to this condition

Burnout can be triggered by multiple factors that affect mental health well-being. The main causes include:

• Excessive workload: Constantly increasing demands and pressures in work or personal life can lead to feelings of exhaustion and demotivation.

• Lack of control: Feeling like you have no control over your work or tasks can increase stress levels and contribute to burnout.

• Unfair treatment: Work environments that lack support or where unfair treatment is felt can lead to demotivation and exhaustion.

• Values misalignment: When personal values and beliefs do not align with those of the organization or workplace, it can lead to internal conflict and burnout.

• Lack of social support: Insufficient support from colleagues, friends or family can increase feelings of isolation and stress.

Stages of mental burnout

Stage One: Enthusiasm

The first stage of burnout begins with enthusiasm and high motivation. People in this stage are often extremely engaged in their work and experience great pleasure in what they do.

Stage Two: Stagnation

The second stage is characterized by stagnation. At this stage, enthusiasm begins to wane, and people may begin to feel that their efforts are not sufficiently appreciated or are not achieving the expected results.

Stage Three: Frustration

In this stage, the first more serious symptoms of mental burnout begin to manifest. People may begin to experience feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. Frustration can be accompanied by feelings of intense stress and tension, as well as emotional exhaustion.

Stage Four: Apathy

At this stage, people become indifferent and detached from their work and others. They may begin to avoid their duties and lose interest in activities that used to bring them pleasure in the past.

Stage Five: Burnout

During this stage, symptoms of burnout take over. People experience complete exhaustion - physical, mental and emotional. They are completely demotivated and unable to perform even their daily chores.

What are the symptoms of mental burnout?

Constant fatigue

One of the first and most common symptoms of burnout is constant fatigue. People who suffer from burnout often feel exhausted, even after a full night's sleep. This fatigue is not just physical, but also emotional and mental.

Cynicism and irritability

Cynicism and irritability are the other important symptoms of burnout. People in this condition often develop a negative attitude towards their work, colleagues and even towards life itself. Cynicism is a defense mechanism that often leads to social isolation and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Reduced productivity

Reduced productivity is a clear sign of burnout. People suffering from this condition often have difficulty performing tasks that were previously easy for them.

Lack of motivation

Lack of motivation is another characteristic symptom of mental burnout. People lose interest in activities that used to inspire and motivate them.

Physical symptoms

Mental burnout can also manifest through physical symptoms. Frequent headaches, stomach problems and muscle aches are just some of the physical manifestations of the condition.

Methods of recovery from mental burnout

One of the key ways to recover from mental burnout is to implement personal strategies for coping with stress and exhaustion. Some of the most effective methods include:

• regular physical activity

• meditation and yoga

• hobbies and recreational activities

• healthy eating

• enough sleep

Professional help and therapeutic methods

When personal strategies are not enough, it is important to seek professional help. Therapists and psychologists can provide valuable support and techniques for coping with burnout. Some of the methods include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This helps people recognise and change the negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with mental burnout.

• Stress Management Therapy: This type of therapy provides techniques to manage stress and improve coping with difficult situations.

• Medical intervention: In some cases, the use of medication may be necessary to treat depression or anxiety.

What is the importance of social support?

Social support is an important factor in restoring psychological balance. Support from family, friends and colleagues can help reduce feelings of isolation and stress. Sharing problems and experiences with people close to you can provide emotional support and help find appropriate solutions to cope with the problem. Support groups can also be useful as they provide a platform for sharing experiences and mutual support.

How to start a mental burnout charity campaign using the PavelAndreev.ORG online donation platform

PavelAndreev.ORG is a well-established online donation platform that provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to launch charity campaigns to raise funds for various causes. The platform was created to facilitate the donation process and to ensure transparency and reliability for all participants. Through PavelAndreev.ORG you can easily launch a campaign to fight mental burnout and reach a wide audience ready to support your cause.

Start a campaign on PavelAndreev.ORG.

Start a campaign step by step

• Clarify what the main goals of your mental burnout campaign are. This can include fundraising for therapeutic programs, stress management training, support for survivors, and more.

• Enter detailed information about your campaign, including a title, description, target amount, and deadline. The description should include specific goals and how the funds will be used.

• Include photos to illustrate your cause and catch the attention of potential donors. Personal stories and testimonials can be especially effective.

• Share your campaign on social media, through email and other communication channels. Encourage friends and supporters to share information and spread the cause.

• Regularly update donors on campaign progress and thank them for their support. Maintain active contact with the community and respond to questions and comments.

Launching a mental burnout campaign through PavelAndreev.ORG online donation platform is an effective way to help people suffering from this condition. Through clearly defined goals, effective promotion and engagement, you can achieve significant results and contribute to the prevention and treatment of mental illness. Donations are essential to the success of these initiatives, so we encourage everyone to get involved and help by starting a campaign!