At the same time, the sense of employment uncertainty and fear of losing a job have increased. Work-related burnout results, among other things, from: excessive workload, lack of control over one’s own tasks and co-decision, insufficient remuneration, breakdown of relationships with others (e.g., escalating conflicts), a sense of lack of justice (e.g., when actions in the workplace are inconsistent with the principles of mutual respect and honesty), and a conflict of values (discrepancies between the requirements set at work and the personal standards of the employee, e.g., regarding open communication).
This is the moment when we are not yet fully aware that something is wrong. Usually, we are a bit irritated by work overload, we are nervous, and it is hard for us to get down to performing tasks. We become poirytowani (irritated), sometimes we take other people’s comments personally, and we think a lot about work and situations that took place during the day.
This is the moment when thoughts and emotions become increasingly unpleasant. Dissatisfaction can also manifest itself by transferring a bad mood to others – people at home or at work. It is easier and easier to throw us off balance. Sometimes we start to feel tension in the body: tense neck, stomachaches, backaches (stress and psychosomatic symptoms can focus in different places).
We start to feel exhaustion and anxiety. Going to work, meetings, or tasks can trigger emotional reactions in us, like fear, or psychosomatic ones, like stomachaches. We consciously try to numb ourselves and find a release, but unfortunately, other activities do not bring relief. We may have problems with sleep or general functioning.
At this stage, the burnout syndrome turns into a chronic state. Panic attacks may appear, along with feelings that you are physically and mentally exhausted, and a complete inability to work. At this stage, the impact of stress and burnout passes into a state from which it can be hard to get out without support.
Do not be afraid to ask for help for yourself or your co-workers. Psychological counseling and psychotherapy are now available to everyone. They will help you get out of the vicious cycle of fatigue, stress, and overwhelming thoughts.
Remember to take care of your psychophysical well-being and pay attention to the state of your body and mind in stressful situations.
For help in crisis situations, you can also turn to specialists on the helpline: 800 70 2222 – Support line for people in a state of mental crisis. It is a 24/7 and free line for callers.
Psychologists from the ITAKA Foundation are on duty by phone, email, and chat, providing advice and directing callers to the appropriate aid facility in their region.
