The New Epidemic: Burnout

This new epidemic is everywhere. It is effecting the productivity and well-being of so many world wide. It takes a toll on individual physical, mental and emotional health and has a major impact on the functioning of family units, communities and workplaces. This new epidemic is BURNOUT.

Approximately 35% of working Canadians are currently experiencing burnout and 78% have been burnout at some point in their career. More than half of the work force meets the criteria for early stages of burnout.

These numbers are very high and have only become increasingly worrisome in the after shocks of the global pandemic, COVID19, leaves people scramble to keep up with the pace of life. Something has got to give. Working moms have a extraordinarily high rate of burnout as well as those working in the health care system.

So what next? What to do about this wide spread phenomenon that is wrecking havoc with individual and community well-being? This article is to raise awareness regarding the devastating effects of burnout and to outline the symptoms that are red flags to get the support you need before reaching a breaking point.

8 Warning signs of burnout:

1. Irritability and overwhelm more than usual (window of tolerance shrinks)
2. Constant worry and/or feeling sad or hopeless
3. Feeling unsupported/withdrawing
4. Exhaustion/apathy
5. Muscle tension and increased illness
6. Changes in appetite and/or digestion
7. Numbness/reduced creativity
8. Forgetfulness/brain fog

Not all of these signs must be present for you to be in the beginning stages of burnout. Often times burnout is not recognized until it has reached its breaking point. At which point it is often described as a mental break down or collapse. There needs to be more preventative measures in place, more awareness regarding warning signs and increased protective factors to help individuals and family combat this serious concern.

The effects on family units include martial discord, pulling away from children general disconnection, numbing coping strategies including increase use of alcohol and other substances to cope.

The effects on the community ripple outwards from the family unit. People are less engaged with each other, more angry, less creative and innovative or available at work. This is concerning particularly in the health care system. We need more burnout preventative measures in our health care system for our wonderful front line nurses, doctors and other personnel.

This is an attempt to make a statement, raise awareness and to offer support.

Contact if support need info@blossomscounselling.com, start a emotional weight loss: burnout healing program. Put your name on the waitlist for the workshop.