As the year begins, managing our stress levels is one thing we should all keep in mind as we move forward.
The definition of stress is the bodily, psychological, and social-spiritual reaction to a demand or stressor. The stressor could be a deficiency (like unemployment), a danger to one’s physical or mental health, or a deadline at work. A certain amount of stress is necessary for performance and is even pleasurable at times, according to Hans Seyle, the “father” of stress research.
As social beings at our core, humans rely on others to organise both our internal and external environments. Although we cannot survive without interpersonal relationships, engaging with others in high-stress situations (such as lengthy patient care) can be emotionally draining and lead to the onset of stress symptoms. As with everything human, too much stress or the wrong kind of stress can suppress the immune system, leading to illness and discomfort.
Burnout is a vague term and can be communicated in a variety of ways, usually as being more complicated and harmful than stress. The scientific literature defines it as a combination of emotional weariness, depersonalisation and reduced functioning.
Depersonalisation is the state of feeling disconnected from oneself, as though one were viewing oneself from the outside. Cynicism, a loss of empathy, as well as harsh and insensitive behaviour, may occur due to this.
There is little doubt that stress and burnout are related experiences. But it’s crucial to focus on the distinctions between them. Stress is tied to pressures that people face on a daily basis, and may also be beneficial. Burnout and stress begin to overlap when stress becomes protracted and chronic, causing distress and negative effects. But burnout distinguishes itself from stress in significant ways.
In a work context, some of the clear warning signs that someone may be close to or experiencing burnout – or a level of distress that is beyond that of stress – is when they begin to doubt their self-competence. Despite being capable, a burnout staff member may progressively feel inadequate or ineffective. The fatigue reported may be described as an inner depletion or of being completely worn out and overextended. Furthermore, this usually caring and considerate person may display a lack of concern towards others, or an out of character “I don’t care” attitude.
It should come as no surprise that employees in human services – including those in healthcare, mental health, and correctional services – frequently experience burnout. Exhaustion, a lack of empathy, and doubting one’s self-competence are just a few symptoms that can result from long-term, unrelieved exposure to other people’s problems and toxic, unfavourable work settings.