Job Burnout Stages: Recognizing Signs and Seeking Help

Prolonged and escalating periods of burnout can lead to clinical depression and other severe health conditions. This article covers the various stages of the job burnout cycle and the critical importance of reaching out for professional help as early as possible.

The Job Burnout Cycle

Burnout is not a medical term

The term burnout is usually associated with our job. It is often used to describe an emotional state depleted of energy due to a prolonged and intense battle with stress and anxiety.

If left untreated, it can lead to a state of mental exhaustion, in which one is unable to function and, still worse, no longer willing to try.

Initial Phase – Ready or Not

Sometimes, when we accept a new job, we can experience positive energy and high expectations. We feel as if progress in our careers is finally taking shape. We feel excited to meet new people and learn different skills. We feel fully energized and committed to reaching our career goals.

After the first year on the job, we can be asked to take on more responsibility, and with that responsibility comes more stress – a lot more stress. We’re not as happy as before – and all those new co-workers you were so excited to meet? It seems they don’t seem so happy either.

The first burnout phase

Then comes chronic stress. Disappointment with your job performance makes you worry that you might lose your job or not get the promotion you were hoping to get. You push yourself to work harder and ignore your escalating stress level.

The more you try to work through the problems at work, the more mentally exhausted you become. You go home and watch television just to numb your brain.

The second burnout phase

Your sex life begins to suffer because you’re anxious all the time. You get into arguments with your spouse, which stresses you out even more. You can’t get to sleep because you’re thinking about tomorrow. It’s 2:00 AM, and your mind is racing.

You keep going over that work checklist in your mind. You are now sleep-deprived, which makes you more anxious because your lack of sleep impacts the quality of your work performance.

The third burnout phase

You thought you beat the last burnout only to realize you’re now going through its next wave. Only this time, everything seems worse. You’re still not sleeping. Your sex life is dead, and your partner is now hinting at a possible separation.

You probably think your partner is thinking you’re not only not making enough money, but your sex drive is gone and likely won’t be returning anytime soon.

Feeling Desperate

Feeling defeated and desperate for answers, you order the newest Tony Robbins book online. When the book is downloaded, you turn off the television, get situated on the couch, and begin reading. Still, you keep falling asleep between pages, so after a few cups of coffee, you feel energized and confidently complete two whole chapters.

Best of all, you genuinely nailed those two chapters. You sense a new beginning taking shape inside of you. It’s hard to contain the excitement, but you also feel a bit too caffeinated.

You worry about whether the caffeine will keep you up all night and whether you can get some sleep before the morning alarm goes off. Notwithstanding, you took the first step towards reaching what Tony calls the reservoir of unlimited power!

The fourth burnout phase

The next day back at work, having no sleep, you keep telling yourself to push through the exhaustion. The worst is behind you. All you need is to find that unlimited power and, remain focused, keep moving forward. You remain hopeful that everything will eventually settle down, and you’ll be back on track.

The final burnout stages

You may go through a few more burnout stages, but eventually, you may begin to feel a sense of depletion and sadness. Your mind and body are warning you that you are running on empty, that you have reached the point of emotional and physical exhaustion.

All Lights Blinking Red

Mentally exhausted, anxious, disillusioned, helpless, and isolated, you risk falling into a clinically depressive state. You have nothing left inside to give. So you do the only thing you can do under these circumstances: let go. You have reached burnout.

Reach Out for Help Now

You are not alone – not by a long shot.

You know that you need help and so you finally reach out to a mental health professional. You learn that your condition is neither unique nor alone in feeling this way.

According to a recent 2022 American Psychological Association (APA) survey, nearly 3 in 5 employees reported negative impacts of work-related stress, including lack of interest, motivation, and energy. Of clinical significance, almost 36% said cognitive weariness, 32% reported emotional exhaustion, and 44% reported physical fatigue.

Get more information

For More Information On Treating Stress, Anxiety, And Depression, Consult With An Online Mental Health Professional.

Develop coping skills: Learn stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or cognitive-behavioral strategies to manage stress and negative thoughts.

Suicide Hotline 988

The number 988 has been federally designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

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