What are the signs of burnout and how to tell if you’re experiencing it?

Burnout is a real phenomenon recognized by the World Health Organization which defines it as “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”

The WHO stresses burnout is not a medical condition, instead it is an occupational phenomenon.

In an episode of “The Howie Severino Podcast,” board-certified psychiatrist and mental health advocate Dr. Joan Perez-Rifael said burnout should be addressed immediately because if not, it can lead to a more unhealthy state.

Dr. Joan said there are three dimensions to burnout.

First is the “feeling of exhaustion.”

“If we are to picture it in our head, para bang nalo-low battery [ka], bagsak,” the psychiatrist said.

“It’s an extreme exhaustion physically [na] hirap nang bumangon sa umaga,” she added.

The second dimension is negative feelings towards our job.

“[It’s] a feeling of negativism or cynicism towards our job that we [eventually] feel detached towards our colleagues,” she said.

Lastly, the third dimension is reduced professional efficacy.

“[It’s] the overall satisfaction and performance dips,” Dr. Joan said.

“[Ito ‘yung] nawawalan na tayo ng satisfaction towards our job. It doesn’t bring us that pleasure [and] satisfaction anymore,” she added.

There are many reasons employees feel burned out about work, Dr. Joan continued. Some main stressors include salary, lack of opportunities or advancements at work, and poor relationships with colleagues.

According to the doctor, people shouldn't judge employees who are already feeling burned out.

“Let’s never judge anyone na, ‘Oh, ang arte-arte lang naman kasi ayaw magtrabaho,’” she said. “Hindi po. Kasi talagang it’s defined and recognized as a real condition.”

“Laging sinasabi bawal judgmental kasi all of the emotions ng mga employee, all of the feelings are always valid,” she added.

Dr. Joan also advises offices to have an “open line of communication” for their employees to avoid conflicts and problems that could lead to burnout.

“The [offices] should provide opportunities to let your offices be safe spaces [where] employees can voice out and [allow them] to express their emotions,” she said.

“Let our offices be safe spaces for us to feel na we can say [and] talk to our bosses without any judgment,” she added.

Aside from having an open line of communication at work, employees should also take care of themselves well outside of work. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News