A condition associated with overwork and linked to other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and panic
With the social distancing and teleworking imposed on many by the coronavirus pandemic, an escalation of cases of Burnout Syndrome, a mental health problem linked to overwork, has worried experts. The disorder, included in the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases in 2019, can psychosomatically trigger diseases such as hypertension, gastritis, dermatitis, psoriasis and alcoholism.
According to recent research by Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, which surveyed workers in essential sectors in Brazil and Spain during the pandemic, 47.3% of them started experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression starting with social isolation. More than half of these (27.4% of the total) suffer from both conditions at the same time (anxiety and depression, which are associated). Other alarming data refer to alcohol abuse (44.3%) and changes in sleep habits (42.9%). 30.9% of all respondents received a diagnosis of mental illness in the previous year, or were treated for it.
How to identify it
In normal times, Burnout Syndrome, or professional exhaustion, is caused by overwork. Due to the scarcity of moments of leisure and relaxation, which is common during the pandemic, even fewer hours of work, especially in front of the computer, have had the same effect, with symptoms such as:
Exhaustion
When trying to finish homework but feeling mentally strained or with exhausted energy.
Negativity
When work or other factors associated with it begin to awaken anxiety, fear, sadness, negativity or cynicism. A mental and emotional distancing from one’s tasks.
Decrease in efficiency
When you are no longer able to meet deadlines or carry out tasks as efficiently as before.
Main symptoms
Isolation
Sadness
Pessimism
Low self-esteem
Apathy and despair
Excess of irritability
Lack of pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed
Sleep disorders
Muscle and head pains
Mood Swings
Lack of memory
Difficulty concentrating
Collapse of the immune system and increased susceptibility to disease
Lack of appetite
Aggression
What to do
The first step to overcome this condition is to try to distance oneself as far as possible from work without this leading to professional or financial prejudices, and to intercalate one’s responsibilities with regular breaks, as well as carrying out pleasant activities, such as walks, travel and socialization (also via Zoom or some other device). Sports practice, prayer and meditation can also help. Don’t neglect a balanced diet and remember to always be hydrated. The most important thing, perhaps, is to respect your limits. If the situation is critical and none of this is enough, one must seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The important thing is to take care of yourself.
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