Stress and Workplace Burnout Therapy in Edmonton
Burnout is a term often used to describe a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. Everyone experience stress from time to time and stress indeed serves an important role in maintaining motivation. However, if a stressor goes on for too long and at too high intensity, we are no longer able to keep up. After a period of time without reprieve, burnout is said to have developed.
The concept of burnout first originated in the 70s, typically associated with healthcare workers. Consequently, burnout is still a relatively new concept and there is no universally agreed-upon definition at this time.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized burnout as syndrome or “occupational phenomenon”, rather than a medical condition. Burnout was first included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2019. Notably, however the WHO stated that burnout is intended to speak to occupational experiences and is not meant to be applied across other areas of life per the WHO definition.
Common signs of burnout
Exhaustion in burnout
Chronic exhaustion or fatigue is perhaps the most recognizable symptom of burnout. Exhaustion in burnout manifests as a persistent feeling of physical and emotional fatigue, often accompanied by insomnia and an overall sense of depletion.
Negative feelings or cynicism
Burnout often brings about a shift in one’s attitude, leading to negative feelings, cynicism, and detachment from work or other aspects of life. This emotional numbing can lead to interpersonal conflicts and a sense of disconnection.
Reduced effectiveness
Burnout can impair an individual’s ability to perform their job effectively. Tasks that were once manageable may become overwhelming, and productivity declines.
Who experiences burnout
In the occupational context definition of burnout found in the ICD-11, burnout has been found to frequently affect healthcare workers including nurses and others such as professionals involved in coordination of organ donation, social workers, firefighters and first responders; and essential delivery service workers.
Likewise, according to recent surveys, educators, those in legal and insurance occupations, finance, and STEM roles are also frequently report signs and symptoms of burnout.
Beyond Occupational Settings
More commonly in media and society, we hear of burnout as describing a number of situations beyond the occupational context. Beyond the formal definition, burnout is often associated with a wide range of experiences, including but not limited to:
- parenting stress
- challenges faced in education
- everyday pressures of life
- financial burdens
- ongoing legal battles
- caregiving for a family member
- raising a medically complex child
- supporting an adult with addiction or mental health concerns
When the concept of burnout is applied more broadly, it may have overlapping elements with what might be considered a typical response to stress, as well as other psychological conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Overlooking caregiver burnout
It’s important to note the World Health Organization’s more narrow definition of burnout as solely occupational may inadvertently overlook certain populations and may not adequately account for individuals not working outside the home. Read our Caregiver Burnout page for more information.
For instance, caregivers, especially those of high needs children, teenagers, and adults frequently describe feelings of burnout. Caregivers’ experiences arguably align with the burnout syndrome, and this burden is disproportionately shouldered by women and typically goes unpaid.
Related Concepts: compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma
Compassion fatigue refers to the emotional exhaustion that can result from consistently providing empathetic care to others, such as patients or clients.
Vicarious trauma involves the indirect exposure to traumatic events through the stories or experiences of others.
Both of these can contribute to burnout, especially in professions that involve dealing with trauma or suffering.
Therapy approaches for burnout treatment
Counselling and psychotherapy can help to treat burnout syndrome by addressing factors contributing to burnout.
While there is no specific burnout therapy approach tailored to treating burnout at the present, there are several trans-diagnostic therapy approaches that are likely to be helpful in treating symptoms as well as treating frequently co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Addressing thoughts and beliefs
The content of our thoughts can influence our behaviour and mood, particularly when the thoughts are negatively biased or overly rigid. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy offers a framework from which to identify and change our unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. In treating burnout, this might look like identifying thoughts related to boundaries and ability to say no excessive demands; needing to be perceived as perfect or productive at all times; and fear of letting others down.
Values-based therapy work
Exploring and identifying values is a key component of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Using ACT to treat burnout provides an opportunity to explore individual values, and take actionable steps to bring behaviours and choices in greater alignment with one’s personal values.
Mindfulness and meditation
Many people would benefit from mindfulness practice in their daily lives, and those experiencing burnout are no exception. Mindfulness involves directing your attention to observed your surroundings and experiences with non-judgement and curiosity. In burnout, individuals may get stuck in a pattern of expecting to feel negatively and lose touch with remaining curios and in the present moment.
Systemic factors
Finally, exploring options for burnout treatment would not be complete without consideration for the larger systems that contribute to the experience of burnout. Undoubtedly, burnout is the experience of having excessive demands placed on an individual, and in many cases these demands are placed on individuals from the systems we exist within. Limited resources and supports across industries such as healthcare, first responders, and public safety personnel create significant pressure at the individual level.
Final thoughts
In the realm of mental health, understanding and addressing burnout is crucial. By recognizing its signs, assessing its impact, and utilizing appropriate resources preventatively and early in onset, individuals and organizations can work together to combat this pervasive issue.
Additional resources
‘Burnout’ by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
APA Article ‘Burnout and Stress are Everywhere’
Sources:
Stufano, A., Awoonor-Williams, J. K., & Vimercati, L. (2022). Editorial: Factors and health outcomes of job burnout. Frontiers in public health, 10, 1023462. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1023462
